Transfer fees Premier League rise to record 835 million

Player transfer spending by Premier League clubs in the summer 2014 transfer window reached a new record, reveals an analysis from Deloitte. Clubs in the English top-flight spent a staggering £835 million, 30% higher than the amount spent last summer. Roughly two-thirds of the total transfer fees were paid to overseas clubs.

The analysis from accounting and consulting firm Deloitte shows that over the past decade Premier League clubs have significantly increased their transfer budgets, from around £300 million between 2003 and 2007 to the current £835 million. The overlage majority of the spending is done in the summer transfer window. For comparison: the next highest spending leagues were La Liga (£425 million), Serie A (£260 million) and the Bundesliga (£250 million).

In addition to the record breaking total spending during the past transfer window, this summer has also seen the highest gross spend in a single transfer window by a single Premier League club (Manchester United) and a new record transfer fee for an individual player in English football (Angel Di Maria; Manchester United). “We continue to see the increased resources that Premier League clubs enjoy, as a result of improved broadcast deals, translate into investment in players. Last season the average Premier League club received over £25 million more in central broadcast distributions than they did in 2012/13, which has helped fuel a new record spend this summer,” says Dan Jones, partner in Deloitte’s Sports Business Group.

As usual, foreign competitions turned out the largest hunting ground for Premier League clubs. Gross transfer fees to overseas clubs were £530 million, slightly above that seen in summer 2013 (£490 million). Roughly £240 million remained within the Premier League, while £65 million was paid to the Football League – clubs that operate in the professional divisions under the Premier League.