(Reuters) – Premier League clubs spent a record 2.36 billion pounds ($2.97 billion) on new players in the recently concluded transfer window, according to analysis from Deloitte.
The transfer window, which opened on June 14 before closing on Sept. 1, exceeded last year’s record 1.92 billion pounds, with the top-flight clubs spending 255 million pounds ($320.99 million) on deadline day alone, it said.
Premier League clubs are responsible for 48% of the total spending across Europe’s top five leagues, which include the LaLiga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1.
“A second successive summer of record spending by Premier League clubs suggests that year-on-year revenue growth could return following the pandemic,” Tim Bridge, lead partner in Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, told the BBC. “Nearly three-quarters of Premier League clubs (14) spent more this summer than the last, reflecting the increased intensity of competition.
“There continues to be pressure on clubs to acquire top talent to satisfy their on-pitch objectives, whether that’s qualifying for European competition or simply maintaining their position in the Premier League.”
Chelsea has spent more than $1 billion in transfer fees since the new ownership led by American Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital completed their takeover of the club in May 2022.
The London-based club broke the British transfer record for the second time in a year by signing Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo for a reported 115 million pounds, eclipsing the record 106 million pounds they paid to sign midfielder Enzo Fernandez in January.
Champions Manchester City signed winger Jeremy Doku for 55 million pounds last month, having brought in defender Josko Gvardiol for 77 million pounds and midfielder Mateo Kovacic for 25 million pounds earlier.
City’s final signing in the transfer window was midfielder Matheus Nunes from Wolverhampton Wanderers for 53 million pounds.
Last season’s runners-up Arsenal splashed out 65 million pounds on forward Kai Havertz, followed by 105 million pounds on England midfielder Declan Rice, while Manchester United spent 72 million pounds on striker Rasmus Hojlund.
Newcastle United, who finished fourth last season, brought in midfielder Sandro Tonali for 55 million pounds and winger Harvey Barnes for 38 million pounds.
Nottingham Forest, who finished 16th last season, signed as many as seven players on deadline day.
($1 = 0.7944 pounds)
(Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; Editing by Gerry Doyle)
