Chelsea has set a new benchmark in world football, becoming the most expensive squad ever assembled, according to the latest CIES Football Observatory data. This record highlights the Premier League’s significant financial dominance in global football.
Chelsea’s remarkable spending spree, spearheaded by their ambitious owner Todd Boehly, has exceeded €1.2 billion, including add-ons. This figure surpasses the previous record set by Manchester City. The club’s record-breaking expenditures include high-profile signings such as Enzo Fernandez, who broke the British transfer record, and Moises Caicedo, each costing over €100 million. Chelsea’s extensive squad comprises 25 players, reflecting their strategic investment approach.
In second place, Manchester United, known for their significant financial outlay, have averaged a higher price per deal compared to Chelsea but have made fewer transactions. The club’s notable acquisition was the €95 million transfer of winger Antony in 2022, which has been critiqued as excessive by some observers.
Manchester City, now third, maintains the highest average deal price globally but has been more selective with their signings, having added only 18 players compared to Chelsea’s 25.
The CIES report underscores the Premier League’s financial supremacy, with all top five spending clubs hailing from England. Liverpool, the only ‘big six’ side not in the top six, ranks seventh, just behind French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
The report reveals that 24 of the top 100 spending teams are from England, encompassing all 20 Premier League clubs and Championship teams such as Leeds United, Sheffield United, Burnley, and Middlesbrough.
Notably, the rankings do not factor in contract-ending deals, which would include Real Madrid’s signings of Kylian Mbappé, Antonio Rudiger, and David Alaba. These transactions do not affect the spending rankings.
In the realm of non-European leagues, Saudi Arabian clubs make a significant impact. Al Hilal, ranked 13th, leads a group of Saudi Pro League teams, with Al-Nassr (€270 million), Al-Ittihad (€226 million), and Al-Ahli (€224 million) following closely. These clubs have surpassed FC Barcelona, who, constrained by financial challenges, have focused on nurturing talent from their La Masia academy and making fewer signings.
This financial analysis highlights the shifting dynamics in global football, where Premier League clubs, bolstered by substantial investments, continue to set new standards in squad expenditures.
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