Global football transfer spending surged dramatically in 2025, with clubs worldwide spending more than $13 billion (£9.5 billion) on international transfers, according to FIFA’s latest Global Transfer Report. This represents a 52.3% increase compared to 2024, highlighting the growing financial power of the modern game.
FIFA revealed that $13.08 billion was spent on international player transfers last year, up sharply from $8.59 billion in 2024. The figures cover only transfers between clubs in different countries and do not include domestic deals.
Once again, Premier League clubs dominated the global transfer market, claiming eight of the top ten spending positions. Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal emerged as the biggest spenders, underlining England’s status as the financial heavyweight of world football.
In a surprise showing, newly promoted Sunderland ranked sixth in global spending, finishing ahead of Wolverhampton Wanderers, who currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League table. Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Nottingham Forest completed the top ten list.
Despite dropping down the rankings, Manchester United still placed a respectable 15th overall. Their 2025 signings included Patrick Dorgu and Benjamin Šeško, although they were outspent by Strasbourg, the Ligue 1 club that shares ownership ties with Chelsea.
Outside England, Como, who earned promotion to Serie A in 2024, ranked 11th, narrowly ahead of Real Madrid, while Barcelona failed to break into the top 20 spending clubs.
Liverpool’s activity stood out, with the club completing the two most expensive international transfers of the year. German star Florian Wirtz joined for £116 million, while Hugo Ekitike arrived for £79 million. Šeško’s move to Manchester United for £66.4 million ranked third.
Overall, English clubs alone accounted for approximately $3.82 billion (£2.7 billion) of the total international transfer spending. Clubs from Germany and Italy also made significant investments, with each country surpassing $1 billion in spending.
The women’s game also enjoyed a landmark year. International transfer spending in women’s football reached $28.6 million (£20.74 million) in 2025 an increase of more than 80% compared to the previous year reflecting the rapid growth and rising investment in the women’s sport.
