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FIFA reports clubs spent nearly 10 billion dollars on international transfers, with England’s Premier League leading.
FIFA. (AFP Photo)
Transfer spending reached unprecedented levels during the close-season window, with clubs worldwide disbursing nearly $10 billion on international transfers, according to a report released by FIFA on Wednesday.
FIFA stated that clubs completed nearly 12,000 international transfers, with total fees amounting to $9.76 billion, marking an increase of more than 50% compared to the same period in 2024.
Women’s football also saw record-breaking activity, with over 1,100 international transfers and fees surpassing $12 million. Orlando Pride signed winger Lizbeth Ovalle, who became the most expensive transfer in women’s football when she moved from Liga MX club Tigres Femenil for $1.5 million.
“We have observed a transfer market in full swing both in men’s and women’s football,” Emilio Garcia Silvero, FIFA’s Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, said in a statement.
“While this is a relevant development in men’s football a year ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the increasing figures in women’s football transfers are equally remarkable as they confirm the exponential growth of the women’s game at club level.”
How Much Was Spent In Men’s Football Transfers In 2024?
| Rank | Country | Confederation | Transfer Spent | Transfer Received | Incoming | Outgoing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | England | UEFA | €1.88bn | €1.34bn | 745 | 908 |
| 2 | France | UEFA | €995m | €868m | 454 | 711 |
| 3 | Italy | UEFA | €938m | €548m | 482 | 603 |
| 4 | Germany | UEFA | €725m | €537m | 478 | 548 |
| 5 | Spain | UEFA | €762m | €651m | 602 | 783 |
| 6 | Brazil | CONMEBOL | €353m | €592m | 1102 | 1113 |
| 7 | Portugal | UEFA | €310m | €672m | 767 | 764 |
| 8 | Argentina | CONMEBOL | €120m | €348m | 552 | 763 |
| 9 | Türkiye | UEFA | €198m | €164m | 402 | 319 |
| 10 | USA | CONCACAF | €237m | €158m | 398 | 475 |
England’s Premier League led the transfer market, spending over $3 billion on transfer fees in the last three months. German clubs received $893 million from their English counterparts, highlighted by Florian Wirtz’s move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool in a deal reportedly worth £116 million ($156.70 million) with add-ons.
Liverpool also signed Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, while Newcastle United acquired German forward Nick Woltemade from VfB Stuttgart in a club-record deal, with both transfers reportedly valued at £69 million.
Germany ranked second in total spending at $980 million, with Italy in third at $950 million. Regarding incoming transfers, England welcomed 535 players, followed by Portugal (479) and Brazil (425).
(With inputs from Agencies)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
Read More