10 most profitable transfers in football history

Record-breaking footballers and record-breaking sumsWhen Manchester United sold Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, it was the biggest ever deal in football history and United – albeit the loss of the superstar – stood to gain an incredible amount of profit on the investment they made with the player.We look at ten such players who got their club a huge pile of money thanks to a transfer to another club. (Yes, Real Madrid pretty much dominate this list) 

#10 Anthony Martial - 45m

Anthony Martial has been a revelation for Manchester United this season. Signed on deadline day from Ligue 1 side, AS Monaco, for €50m, he immediately slotted into the team scoring on his debut against arch-rivals Liverpool with a superb solo effort.

Out of all the names you will read on this list, Martial is perhaps the one nobody in the world of football expected to move for the sum he did. The Frenchman joined AS Monaco from Olympique Lyonnais's B-side for a fee of €5m – another fee that was perhaps uncalled for given Martial was only 17 years old. 

With Manchester United having paid €50m for the youngster, Monaco's profit margin was €45m and that's the least on this list. Ridiculous.