Man Utd top global transfer spending over past decade

By Hong Duy November 25, 2024 | 03:09 pm PT

Manchester United have spent a staggering $1.37 billion on transfers since 2015, making them the highest-spending club in the world over the past decade, according to the CIES Football Observatory.

Manchester United players celebrate a goal during a Premier League match. Photo by Reuters

Premier League remains the top-spending football league in the world, with clubs pouring US$24.1 billion into transfers over the past 10 years. Topping the list are Man Utd, with $1.37 billion spent during this period.

In the summer transfer window this year alone, the club spent $251 million to sign players such as Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. In 2023, United also spent a similar amount to acquire Andre Onana, Mason Mount, and Rasmus Hojlund.

Chelsea are second with $1.26 billion in spending. While the club had been spending big under Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, the number increased rapidly after American billionaire Todd Boehly became the co-owner of the club in 2022. Under Boehly, Chelsea brought in 40 players and parted ways with 38.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured the third spot with $1.04 billion when they recruited superstars like Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos. Arsenal and Tottenham completed the top five, spending $838 million and $749 million, respectively.

Ranking sixth are Manchester City with $741 million in spending, but the club have enjoyed more success than the top five. Under Pep Guardiola, City have claimed six Premier League titles, two FA Cup, four League Cup, three Community Shield, one Champions League, one European Super Cup and one FIFA Club World Cup.

The rest of the top 10 included AC Milan ($667 million), Newcastle United ($660 million), Barcelona ($633 million) and Saudi Pro League champions Al Hilal ($586 million). Al Hilal’s roster features stars such as goalkeeper Bono, defender Kalidou Koulibaly, Joao Cancelo, midfielders Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and forwards Malcom, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Neymar.

Liverpool surprisingly placed 17th with $385 million in transfer spending, trailing smaller clubs like Bournemouth ($403 million), Aston Villa ($549 million) and West Ham ($577 million).

European giants Juventus and Bayern Munich spent $554 million and $446 million, respectively, during the past decade.