Premier League 2025/26: Every club ranked by spend per point won
Spending big doesn’t always guarantee success. As the 2025/26 Premier League season reaches its early stages, the financial outlay of clubs is already telling some fascinating stories. From title contenders trying to justify huge transfer bills to surprise packages thriving on modest budgets, the numbers reveal who’s truly getting value for money. Here’s how all 20 clubs rank, from the most efficient to the most wasteful.
20. Aston Villa – £2.3m per point
Aston Villa have made a brilliant start to the campaign without breaking the bank. With just £28 million spent and 12 points on the board, Unai Emery’s men top this efficiency ranking comfortably. Villa’s transfer approach was far more modest than many of their rivals, yet their early-season form has been impressive. If they can keep this momentum going, they could emerge as one of the season’s surprise packages.
19. Crystal Palace – £3.8m per point
Despite losing their star man Eberechi Eze, Crystal Palace are thriving. Oliver Glasner’s side spent under £50 million this summer but have already picked up 13 points, showing their resilience and smart recruitment. They’ve played with energy and confidence, and the results are there to see. Palace’s strategy has made them one of the most cost-effective teams in the league.
18. Fulham – £4.4m per point
Fulham’s approach in the transfer market has been careful rather than extravagant, and it’s paying off. Spending just £35.1 million while securing eight points, they’ve once again proven that structure and identity can outweigh big spending. Marco Silva’s team continue to punch above their financial weight, a testament to stability and solid squad planning. They may not dominate the headlines, but they’re quietly climbing the table.
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17. Brighton – £5.6m per point
Brighton have built a reputation for being one of the smartest operators in the transfer market. With a total outlay of £67.7 million, they’ve collected 12 points and remain among the most efficient sides in the division. Their ability to identify and develop undervalued talent continues to set them apart. Once again, the Seagulls are proving that clever recruitment can outsmart deep pockets.
16. Bournemouth – £9.1m per point
Bournemouth’s project under Andoni Iraola continues to impress. The Cherries have spent £136.7 million but their return of 15 points means their cost per point remains low compared to most. Their ability to rebuild after losing key players speaks volumes about their recruitment and coaching setup. If this form holds, they could comfortably secure another mid-table finish.
15. Brentford – £9.3m per point
Brentford have quietly gone about their business again this summer. Despite losing some of their most important players, they’ve managed to maintain competitiveness with a measured £92.8 million investment. Keith Andrews has guided the team to 10 points, keeping their cost per point down. Their consistent approach shows why they remain a model for sustainable success.
14. Everton – £11.3m per point
Everton may have spent over £120 million, but their early results have been encouraging. The arrivals of players like Tyler Dibling and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have added freshness to Sean Dyche’s squad. Their 11 points so far represent one of their more stable starts in recent memory. It’s too early to talk about Europe, but signs of progress are evident at Goodison Park.
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13. Manchester City – £11.6m per point
Manchester City have spent less than in recent years, but Pep Guardiola’s side remains among the front-runners. With 16 points on the board, their spending of £185.8 million looks more like a reinforcement than a rebuild. City’s well-established core continues to deliver, keeping their cost per point relatively low for a top contender. This level of efficiency is exactly what makes them so hard to catch.
12. Tottenham – £12.2m per point
Tottenham have invested heavily again, but their early results suggest a mixed return on that spending. With 14 points from £171.2 million spent, they’re stuck in mid-table when it comes to efficiency. Ange Postecoglou will be expecting more from his new signings as the season develops. Spurs remain competitive but far from the most cost-effective club at this stage.
11. Leeds United – £12.9m per point
Back in the Premier League and eager to make an impression, Leeds United have shown ambition in the transfer market. Spending just over £100 million, they’ve collected eight points—enough to keep their cost per point respectable. There’s still a long road ahead, but their early performances suggest they can stay competitive. For a newly promoted side, that’s a positive sign.
10. Sunderland – £13.1m per point
Sunderland have made their intentions clear after promotion: they’re here to stay. Spending £183.4 million, they’ve put together a squad capable of challenging established Premier League teams. With 14 points on the board, their strategy seems to be paying off early on. The Black Cats have combined ambition with efficiency impressively.
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9. Burnley – £14.0m per point
Burnley may have spent less than many around them, but they’ve struggled to turn it into results. Their £97.7 million summer investment has brought just seven points so far. Vincent Kompany will be hoping for an upturn soon to justify the spending. Their position near the top of this table is more a reflection of a modest budget than of on-pitch dominance.
8. Arsenal – £14.0m per point
Arsenal have made a flying start to the season and are top of the Premier League with 19 points. Mikel Arteta was backed heavily in the summer with signings like Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres, taking their spending to £267 million. Their cost per point remains reasonable given their ambitions. If they sustain this form, their spending will look like smart investment rather than extravagance.
7. Manchester United – £17.9m per point
Manchester United have spent big once again, but their early results are mixed. £232.4 million in transfers has yielded just 13 points, putting them towards the upper end of the spending-per-point scale. Ruben Amorim’s side is still finding its rhythm after a shaky start. United need to improve quickly if they want to keep up with their rivals and justify their spending.
6. Chelsea – £21.2m per point
Chelsea’s lavish spending shows no sign of slowing down, but efficiency remains a problem. Their £296.5 million summer outlay has resulted in 14 points so far. The squad is packed with talent, but consistency has again been an issue. If results don’t improve, their cost per point could become a headline in itself.
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5. Newcastle – £28.5m per point
Newcastle’s ambitious summer, which included major signings like Anthony Elanga, hasn’t delivered immediate results. Their £256.3 million spending has produced just nine points so far, leaving them high on this list. Eddie Howe will be under pressure to turn things around. There’s talent in the squad, but the numbers don’t lie—they’re not getting value for money yet.
4. Liverpool – £29.8m per point
Liverpool’s summer spending broke records, headlined by the arrival of Alexander Isak. But despite £446.5 million spent, the Reds have only 15 points to show for it. Four consecutive league defeats have exposed early-season fragility. Jürgen Klopp’s side remains in the title picture, but their cost per point tells a story of underachievement so far.
3. West Ham – £32.8m per point
West Ham’s season has been chaotic from the start. A £131.3 million investment has brought just four points, leading to Graham Potter’s dismissal and Nuno Espírito Santo’s arrival. The squad has quality, but cohesion has been lacking badly. Unless results improve quickly, their high spend-per-point ratio could spell trouble.
2. Nottingham Forest – £36.5m per point
Nottingham Forest’s struggles have been both costly and damaging. Nearly £200 million has been spent on a squad that has managed only five points so far. Their transfer business hasn’t translated into performances on the pitch. It’s early, but the numbers are alarming for a team that can’t afford to keep slipping.
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1. Wolverhampton Wanderers – £52.8m per point
Wolves top the table for all the wrong reasons. Despite spending £105.6 million in the summer, they’ve collected just two points in eight games. It’s a disastrous return that puts huge pressure on Vítor Pereira and his squad. Unless something changes fast, this could be a long and expensive season at Molineux.
