FIFA’s recent report reveals a record-breaking summer transfer window, with over 11,000 international transfers registered globally. Despite a slight decline in spending compared to last year, clubs across the globe invested heavily to bolster their squads.
The most expensive transfer of the window was Julian Alvarez’s move from Manchester City to Atletico Madrid for a staggering €75 million. Kylian Mbappe’s sensational free transfer to Real Madrid also made headlines, with the French forward reportedly receiving a hefty signing bonus.
However, overall spending on transfer fees cooled off during the mid-year trading period. FIFA’s research indicates that clubs committed to spend $6.46 billion on international player deals, down from $7.43 billion in the same period last year.
The average transfer fee paid by European clubs, the richest market, was $3.13 million, a decrease from $3.8 million a year ago. Notably, the FIFA study excludes the biggest transfer deal of the European offseason, Dominic Solanke’s move from Bournemouth to Tottenham.
English clubs emerged as the biggest net spenders, investing $1.69 billion on international transfers. Italy and Saudi Arabia also had significant net spending, while Belgian clubs made a net profit of $302 million.
Clubs from Argentina and Brazil also benefited from the transfer window, receiving more than they spent on international deals.
Of the record 11,000 international transfers processed by FIFA, nearly 6,300 were free agent players. This highlights the growing trend of clubs acquiring players without paying transfer fees.
