6. Mesut Ozil (from Real Madrid to Arsenal 2013/2014) – €47 million
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Mesut Ozil had proven his amazing ability at Schalke 04 before being snapped up by Werder Bremen, where he assisted 55 goals in 108 appearances, scoring 16 himself as well. That amazing form was sure to draw the big guns, but it wasn’t before the 2010 World Cup in South Africa (he was 21 back then) where people saw his ability to affect matches at the highest level.
Despite Germany losing out to eventual champions Spain in the semi-finals, his amazing displays propelled him to the forefront of the football world. That earned him a move to Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid, where his talent was used to its most devastating extent.
Registering 25 assists and 10 goals, he became Europe’s supreme goal-provider as the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo broke goalscoring records at his side. Brazilian Kaka was meant to play a major part in the team, but Ozil’s amazing talent and the former’s injury meant that it as Ozil became Real Madrid’s de facto creative hub; in his very first season too!
In the following campaign, he was assigned the number 10, making his status as their go-to creator official. He impressed once again, scoring 7 goals and laying on another 17 as Real Madrid shattered the goals and points record in La Liga on the way to their 32nd title. 2012/2013 was another personally amazing season for Ozil as he reached the peak of his personal performances, netting 10 times and assisting an incredible 29 goals for his teammates.
Despite his desire to stay at Real, he was the subject of a massive bid from Arsenal just 2 games into the new season. It was accepted and Mesut Ozil signed on as Arsenal’s most expensive player ever – a surprising outlay and a gigantic endorsement from Wenger, who rarely spends so much on a football player.
His Arsenal career started impressively as he immediately assisted new teammate Olivier Giroud. 3 weeks later, he showed his ability to dominate matches, making 2 assists and striking a freekick that led to the third goal in a 3-1 victory over Stoke City. His combined performances for Arsenal & Real Madrid saw him make the Ballon D’Or nominees list once again.
His impact on Arsenal was clear in May, as his 13 assists and 7 goals led Arsenal to their first major trophy in 9 years as they beat Hull City 3-2 in the FA Cup final. The following seasons was a bit more difficult as he sustained an injury in their 2-0 loss to eventual champions Chelsea, but in 31 games he contributed 5 goals and 7 assists and creating many more chances.
At the end of the season, he won his second FA Cup medal as Aston Villa were smashed 4-0 in the final. 2015/2016 began with Arsene Wenger predicting his best season in England, which was an accurate statement. Surpassing 100 appearances for Arsenal, Mesut Ozil scored 8 goals and laid on an incredible 19 league assists, placing him just below Thierry Henry in the all-time assist charts for a single Premier League season.
