A new study has revealed the most expensive squads in world football, with English Premier League clubs dominating the top spots.
After a busy summer transfer window, which saw English Premier League clubs spend over £1.75 billion on new players, many star-studded squads have been assembled.
European giants like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and PSG also made key additions for the upcoming season.
According to analysis by CIES Football Observatory, a definitive list shows which teams have spent the most on their current squads.
The study lists the 100 teams worldwide that have invested the most in transfer fees for their players, either permanently or on loan.
English Premier League champions Manchester City rank third with a staggering £856 million (€1.017 billion) spent on their squad. Their local rivals, Manchester United, are just ahead, having spent £874 million (€1.038 billion), despite their early struggles.
Leading the list, however, are Chelsea, who have spent £1.06 billion (€1.28 billion) on their squad following another heavy spending summer.
The top five also include north London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham. Arsenal’s squad cost £672 million (€798 million), while Tottenham’s cost £663 million (€787 million).
Breaking the English Premier League trend, French giants PSG have a squad worth £650 million (€772 million) following Kylian Mbappe’s exit. PSG is just ahead of Liverpool and Real Madrid, who have spent approximately £619 million (€735 million) and £606 million (€720 million), respectively.
Atletico Madrid, who made the summer’s largest transfer with Julian Alvarez, spent roughly £418 million (€496 million) on their squad.
Outside Europe’s top leagues, Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal leads with a squad worth £420 million (€485 million). Other Saudi clubs, such as Al-Nassr (£235 million), Al-Ittihad (£197 million), and Al-Ahli (£195 million), also rank highly.
In South America, Flamengo tops the list with a squad valued at £181 million (€208 million), well ahead of Botafogo (£74 million) and Palmeiras (£67 million).
In total, 19 countries are represented in the top 100, with England having the most clubs. Championship side Middlesbrough ranks 100th, with a squad value of £54 million (€65 million).
Top 20 Most Expensive Squads:
- Chelsea – £1.06 billion (€1.28 billion)
- Manchester United – £874 million (€1.038 billion)
- Manchester City – £856 million (€1.017 billion)
- Arsenal – £672 million (€798 million)
- Tottenham – £663 million (€787 million)
- PSG – £650 million (€772 million)
- Liverpool – £619 million (€735 million)
- Real Madrid – £606 million (€720 million)
- Newcastle – £575 million (€683 million)
- Juventus – £527 million (€626 million)
- Bayern Munich – £495 million (€588 million)
- Atletico Madrid – £417 million (€496 million)
- Al-Hilal – £408 million (€485 million)
- Aston Villa – £400 million (€475 million)
- Barcelona – £388 million (€461 million)
- Brighton – £364 million (€433 million)
- Wolves – £358 million (€426 million)
- West Ham – £348 million (€414 million)
- RB Leipzig – £345 million (€410 million)
- Nottingham Forest – £335 million (€398 million)
All English Club Rankings:
23. Bournemouth – £306 million (€364 million)
24. Leicester City – £267 million (€317 million)
25. Crystal Palace – £262 million (€311 million)
26. Southampton – £259 million (€308 million)
27. Brentford – £257 million (€306 million)
28. Fulham – £246 million (€293 million)
29. Everton – £245 million (€291 million)
30. Leeds – £161 million (€192 million)
31. Ipswich – £139 million (€166 million)
32. Burnley – £136 million (€162 million)
33. Sheffield United – £66 million (€79 million)
34. Middlesbrough – £54 million (€65 million)
To read the full list, click here.
