In its latest statistical breakdown of the game's finances, the CIES Football Observatory in Switzerland has analyzed transfer spending data from the past decade to determine which clubs have been the most active in the market. The study covers the current season, as well as cumulative figures for the last five and 10 seasons, involving 169 clubs from 24 countries.
European clubs from the major leagues lead the way, with 14 surpassing €1 billion in spending, and one Premier League club exceeding the €2 billion mark.
Chelsea stands out as the top spender, with a transfer volume of €2.57 billion since the start of the 2019-20 season. The Blues have made significant investments in players like Enzo Fernández, Romelu Lukaku, and Kai Havertz, while also offloading players such as Mason Mount and Havertz.
Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain follow Chelsea in terms of transfer volume, with €1.72 billion and €1.40 billion respectively. Barcelona, once known for big spending, ranks fourth on the list with €1.33 billion.
When it comes to negative transfer balances over the past five seasons, Premier League clubs dominate the list. Chelsea leads with a deficit of €-782 million, followed closely by Manchester United at €-773 million. United takes the top spot over a 10-season period with a balance of €-1.34 billion.
Real Madrid, known for their 'Galactico' signings in the past, have shifted towards more prudent spending. Despite being inside the top 10 in total transfer volume over the last five seasons, they have focused on strategic acquisitions, winning two LaLiga titles and the Champions League in that period.
Other clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Ajax, and Benfica have managed to extract maximum value from their transfer activities. Benfica and Ajax have recorded profits of €354 million and €349 million respectively, despite significant spending.
In the 2023-24 season, Southampton and Wolves lead in positive transfer balances, while several Saudi Pro League clubs feature in the top 11 for net losses. PSG and Barcelona have struggled with negative balances, highlighting their financial challenges.
Overall, the data from the CIES Football Observatory provides valuable insights into the transfer activities of clubs across Europe, showcasing the varying approaches to player recruitment and financial management.
