Inside Football’s Most Expensive Squads: Who Tops the List?
The CIES Football Observatory has revealed the 20 most expensively assembled squads in world football, based on transfer fees paid. From Brentford’s efficient spending to Chelsea’s billion-pound investment, here’s how the biggest clubs stack up in terms of financial firepower.
#20 – Brentford: Small Club, Big Ambition
Brentford round out the top 20 with a squad valued at £363.7 million. Despite being one of the Premier League’s smaller sides, the Bees have quietly invested smartly to compete at the top level.
#19 – Aston Villa: Heavy Backing for Emery’s Vision
Aston Villa’s squad has cost £371.5 million to assemble. With 71% of the squad bought and an average spend of £22m per player, their financial push reflects their growing ambitions under Unai Emery.
#18 – RB Leipzig: Efficiency in the Market
The German side’s squad cost £377.6 million, with 84% of the team signed rather than developed. Their £15m average spend showcases Leipzig’s strategy of spotting value and nurturing talent.
Read also: The 10 F1 Teams with the Biggest Budgets - Ranked
#17 – Al-Hilal: Saudi Spending Surge
Al-Hilal have invested £392.4 million in their squad, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s broader push into global football. Their £57m top signing stands out in a team where just over half were purchased.
#16 – Napoli: Scudetto-Winning Efficiency
Napoli’s £396.7 million squad includes a top fee of just £35m. With a £20m average spend and 72% of players bought, the Italian champions are proving you don’t need to break the bank to succeed.
#15 – Barcelona: Legacy and Limitations
Barcelona’s squad, costing £402.8 million, is notably the only one in the top 20 with less than half (40%) of its players bought. Their reliance on academy talent and free transfers keeps their spend relatively low.
#14 – West Ham United: Quietly Costly
The Hammers’ squad is worth £429.8 million, with a highest fee of £54m. A 61% bought rate and £25m average spend shows West Ham are serious about pushing beyond mid-table status.
Read also: The 25 Best Penalty Takers in Football History
#13 – Bayern Munich: Quality Over Quantity
Bayern’s £431.5 million squad includes a £104m top transfer, the third-highest on the list. Though only 61% of their players were bought, the club spends big when they need to.
#12 – Juventus: Big Spending, Mixed Results
Juve have put £437.6 million into their current squad, with a £73m top fee. Despite recent struggles, their 68% bought rate and £22m average spend show continued investment.
#11 – Nottingham Forest: New Boys, Big Bill
Forest have built an £442m squad since returning to the Premier League. With 86% of players bought and an average fee of £19m, their spending spree has shocked many.
#10 – Atletico Madrid: High Value Per Pound
Atletico’s £497.6 million squad includes a top fee of £83m. With 66% of players bought and a low average of £25m per signing, they remain one of Europe’s shrewder operators.
Read also: Ranking the Greatest British & Irish Lions Rugby Team
#9 – Newcastle United: New Era, Major Investment
Backed by Saudi ownership, Newcastle’s £709.9 million squad boasts a 90% bought rate—the highest on the list. A £70m top signing and £28m average spend show they mean business.
#8 – Real Madrid: Galácticos Still Shine
Los Blancos have assembled a £743m squad with a £117m top fee. Despite a modest 65% purchase rate, the club remains among the elite spenders with smart and impactful acquisitions.
#7 – Paris Saint-Germain: Stars Come at a Price
PSG’s squad has cost £759.5 million, led by a £70m top signing. With 72% of players bought and a £42m average, the French giants continue to prioritize marquee names.
#6 – Tottenham Hotspur: Spending with Caution
Spurs' £847.4 million squad reflects calculated investment, with a top fee of £66m. Their 84% bought rate and lower £33m average show their blend of caution and ambition.
Read also: The Most Successful Clubs of the Past 25 Years - Ranked
#5 – Arsenal: Young Guns with Price Tags
The Gunners' £870.9 million squad includes a £106m record signing. With 88% of their players bought and a £40m average, Arsenal are all-in on their youth-driven project.
#4 – Liverpool: Value with Vision
Liverpool have spent £926.6 million assembling a squad that blends marquee names and shrewd deals. Their £131m top signing is the highest in the top 10, with 73% of players bought.
#3 – Manchester United: Expensive and Extensive
United’s £931.8 million squad reflects their reputation for spending big. With an 85% bought rate and £42m average, their investments haven't always matched expectations.
#2 – Manchester City: Winning Formula
City’s £981.4 million squad is built on consistency and depth. With 78% of the team bought and a £47m average spend, Pep Guardiola’s side continues to dominate with style and substance.
Read also: Ranking the 16 Greatest Finishers in Football History
#1 – Chelsea: Billion-Pound Blues
Chelsea top the list with a staggering £1.14 billion spent on transfers. A £117m top fee and a £48m average per player show the club’s willingness to outspend the competition under new ownership.
