Top 5 most expensive Ivorian players in history

5- Eric Bailly – 38 million euros

In 2016, Manchester United spent 38 million euros to bring Eric Bailly from Villarreal. The central defender at the time became one of the most expensive defenders in the world. And the Red Devils were right about him. Bailly helped the Manchester club win the Europa League and the English Super Cup the same year he arrived at Old Trafford, followed by the League Cup. Having reached the end of his contract at Real Oviedo on June 30, Eric Bailly (32 years old) is currently a free agent.

4- Didier Drogba – 38.5 million euros

Considered by many as the best Ivorian player in history, Didier Drogba cost Chelsea a lot, who went to get him from Olympique Marseille for 38.5 million euros in 2004. But the Blues did not regret their investment, as the Ivorian legend established himself and became one of the favorites at Stamford Bridge. While he was a four-time English champion, Chelsea fans especially revere him for his winning header against Bayern Munich that allowed the London club to win the first Champions League in its history.

2- Sébastien Haller – 50 million euros

In 2019, Sébastien Haller was coming off an exceptional second season with Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, scoring 20 goals and providing 12 assists in 41 matches in all competitions. A phenomenal campaign that pushed West Ham to spend 50 million euros on him in the summer of 2019. Unfortunately, things didn't go well for the Ivorian, who only scored 14 goals (2 assists) in 54 matches with the Hammers. Nevertheless, Sébastien Haller remains to this day the most expensive signing in West Ham's history.

2- Bazoumana Touré – 50 million euros

With his transfer from Hoffenheim to Newcastle, Bazoumana Touré became the second most expensive Ivorian player in history, tied with Haller. The 20-year-old winger cost the Magpies 50 million euros, thus becoming the 6^th most expensive player in Newcastle's history.

1-Nicolas Pépé – 80 million euros

Arriving at Arsenal from Lille for a check of 80 million euros to the Dogues in 2019, Nicolas Pépé is to this day the most expensive Ivorian player in history. Among the most expensive signings in Arsenal's history, the Elephant ranks second behind Declan Rice (116 million euros). A transfer fee that Nicolas Pépé unfortunately never managed to justify at the Emirates Stadium. Pépé is second behind Bryan Mbeumo (82 million euros from Brentford to Manchester United) in the Top 10 of the most expensive African players in history.