Manchester United have become synonymous with bad spending in transfer markets over the past decade, and the data very much back the claim. According to the comparison we put together, Manchester United has been the biggest spender in football over the past decade, with a net spending of €1.3 billion.
Chelsea in the second spot with a net spend of €1.2 billion
Man United might have failed to live up to the expectations during the past decade, but they haven’t shied away from splashing money on their transfer targets. In fact, the Red Devils are the biggest spenders in football during the past decade (2015-24), with a net spend of €1.304 billion, as per the CIES data on transfers.
There is a new face now at the club in the form of manager Ruben Amorim, and now it will be his responsibility to get the best out of his expensively assembled squad.
Chelsea are not far behind United in the second spot with a net spend of €1.21 billion. Most of Chelsea’s spending has come under the leadership of new owners following the takeover in 2022. In contrast to United, Chelsea have displayed positive signs this season, and there are early indications that their over-the-top spending might lead to results, eventually.
French champions Paris Saint-Germain is the next club on the list, with a net transfer spending of €991m from 2015 to 2024. Thus, PSG have been the biggest spenders outside the Premier League during the time frame.
The next two spots are occupied by North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham. The Gunners are fourth with a net spending of €795m, followed by Spurs at €711m. Premier League champions Manchester City are next on the list with a net spending of €703m.
The next is AC Milan, the first Italian club on the list. Thus, Milan have been the biggest spenders in Italian football during the past decade. Rossoneri have splurged a net amount of €633m on transfers.
Yet another Premier League side, Newcastle United, features next with a net spend of €626m. Like Chelsea, Newcastle have also witnessed an increased level of expenditure on transfers following their recent takeover.
Spanish giants Barcelona is the ninth biggest spender on transfers during the past decade. The Catalans have spent €601m on transfers.
Saudi Arabia side Al-Hilal is the only non-European club among the biggest spenders in football during the past decade. The Saudi side earned the spot with a net outlay of €556m.
