Wednesday, October 7, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

English Soccer Clubs Spend Record $2B on Transfers

  • The player transfer market reached new heights in England in 2022.
  • Globally, soccer teams spent $6.5 billion on player contracts.
Premier-League-soccer
Premier League

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

The market for soccer players among U.K. clubs has never been bigger.

In 2022, English teams spent more than $2 billion on player contracts for the first time, according to FIFA’s Global Transfer Report.

  • The 100 most expensive transfers accounted for nearly half of the almost $2.2 billion.
  • The global transfer market hit $6.5 billion in fees, up from $4.9 billion in 2021. The top 10 transfers accounted for 12.5% of that sum.
  • French teams were the biggest recipients of transfer fees, bringing in $740.3 million.

Men’s professional soccer saw 20,209 international transfers in the year, up 11.6% year-over-year and topping 2019 levels as well. Women’s team transfers grew 19.3% to 1,555, reaching a total spend of $3.3 million.

Hot Team Market

At least two Premier League clubs are expected to be sold soon, with Manchester United potentially changing hands in the coming weeks. 

Liverpool is also on the block, stoking speculation that owner Fenway Sports Group could be looking to buy an NFL team such as the Washington Commanders or found an NBA team if the league expands.

Everton is looking for investors, but isn’t expected to sell a controlling stake.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; United States President Donald Trump is shown on the video board in attendance at Neyland Stadium before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images

Trump Still Plans to Attend Georgia-Alabama Despite Tropical Storm

The tropical storm projects to progress to a hurricane by Friday.
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/7/26 – EuroLeague Rejects NBA, LeBron’s Helicopter Sparks Backlash, $12M Super Bowl Ads

0:00

Featured Today

Cubs behind the scenes

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
October 2, 2026

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
A Bar of Their Own
September 25, 2026

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.
First at FOS

Yankee Stadium Quietly Suffered a Summer Peanut Shortage

The Yankees mysteriously ran out of peanuts this summer.
October 5, 2026

Dream Say Short Playoff Turnaround Is Reason for Closing Upper Bowl

The Dream drew about 9,700 for each of their first two playoff home games.
October 6, 2026

Colts’ Irsay-Gordon Defends Her Ownership Approach Amid Criticism

Leadership is “about listening,” she told Front Office Sports Tonight.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
Oct 3, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Bryan Baker (47) takes the mound in the ninth inning against the New York Yankees in game one of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Tropicana Field.
October 5, 2026

Hottest Ticket in MLB: Maybe Tampa Bay?

Tampa drew its largest home crowd in 16 years on Saturday.
October 4, 2026

8 Burning Questions About the Manchester City Case

The ripple effects in global soccer will be huge.
October 4, 2026

Rams Avoid Calamity But Look Far From Juggernaut One Month In

They’re 2-2 after rallying to beat the Eagles.
October 4, 2026

Brewers Open Roof for Game 2 After Wild Game 1 Ending

The Brewers’ roof hotline confirmed the Game 2 move.