Premier League PSR Headroom – Who’s Living on the Edge and Who’s Safe

The Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) are now one of the biggest factors shaping how clubs spend in the transfer market. They work by limiting losses over a rolling three-year period, meaning that clubs can no longer rely on owners writing endless cheques to cover spending sprees. Instead, recruitment must be balanced by sales, amortisation of transfer fees, and careful wage management. This past summer saw a record £2.6bn spent on transfers across the league — yet every club still technically stayed within the rules. That doesn’t mean they all have the same freedom going forward. Here’s a detailed look at how much PSR headroom each club has left, starting with those in the most dangerous position.

Burnley (£~0)

Burnley have virtually no PSR space left, which severely limits their ability to spend in future windows without first selling players. Their £57.8m net spend this summer has left them right up against the threshold. Any significant dip in revenue or failure to offload players could quickly push them into breach territory. Their priority must be financial stability and careful wage control.

Everton (£~0)

Everton are one of the highest-profile examples of PSR sanctions, having suffered points deductions over the last two seasons. Their decision to spend aggressively again this summer leaves them with no margin for error. Compliance now relies on player sales, lower wages, and hitting commercial revenue targets. A single bad year financially could have severe sporting consequences.

Aston Villa (£~0)

Aston Villa were forced to cash in on players before the June 2024 deadline just to pass the PSR test. They managed a small net profit this summer, which kept them compliant, but their headroom remains razor-thin. Without careful planning, even a single big signing could risk breaching the limit. They must balance ambition with sustainability if they want to stay competitive.

Read also: Top 10 Biggest Sports in the World - Reverse Order

Leeds United (£~0–5m)

Leeds operate with only a tiny PSR cushion, meaning even modest losses could put them over the allowed limit. Their net spend of £91.5m this summer has eaten into their margin. Selling players at the right time will be crucial if they want to strengthen again in January. Financial discipline is now a key part of their survival strategy.

Nottingham Forest (£~5m)

Forest turned a £10m profit in 2024 thanks to the big-money sale of Brennan Johnson, but that advantage has been largely used up by a £53.5m net spend this summer. Their remaining PSR space is slim and demands careful planning for future windows. Wages and amortisation costs will need to be managed tightly. They cannot afford another high-spending spree without significant outgoings.

Wolves (£5m)

Wolves remain in a narrow but technically safe position with £5m of headroom. Their big summer sales generated a net profit, helping them avoid immediate trouble. Still, their margin is so small that even one expensive signing or wage increase could create risk. Smart trading will be essential to maintain compliance.

Newcastle United (£10m)

Newcastle’s heavy spending this summer left them with just £10m of space under PSR, even after sales like Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh. Champions League prize money provides a crucial boost, but the club must now be more measured in its recruitment. Any more marquee signings would require significant departures to balance the books. The room for manoeuvre is much smaller than last year.

Read also: Liverpool Player Wages from Lowest to Highest (2025)

Fulham (£20m)

Fulham still have £20m in PSR headroom, which gives them a little breathing space. Their relatively quiet net spend this summer means they can make targeted reinforcements if needed. However, they must be cautious not to let wage growth outpace revenues. One or two big signings could quickly use up their buffer.

Sunderland (£20m)

Sunderland’s £110.9m net spend was aggressive for a newly promoted side, yet they remain within safe PSR limits. Their £20m of space allows for some additional strengthening in future windows. Continued Premier League survival will be key to keeping revenues high and headroom stable. A relegation would put immediate pressure on their finances.

Bournemouth (£25m)

Bournemouth’s player sales this summer were extraordinary, totalling nearly £200m and leaving them with a strong £25m cushion under PSR. Their net profit gives them a secure position heading into the next cycle. This financial strength means they can invest strategically in January or next summer. It’s a sign of how profitable trading can benefit PSR compliance.

Crystal Palace (£25–30m)

Crystal Palace’s £25–30m headroom shows how effective their player-trading model has been. Despite selling some key players, they have reinvested cleverly and still maintained compliance. This margin gives them the flexibility to strengthen without fear of breaching the limit. They are one of the most stable mid-table clubs from a financial perspective.

Read also: The 10 Greatest Male Tennis Players of All Time

Arsenal (£40m)

Arsenal were the league’s top spenders with £254m of net spend, yet still have around £40m left under PSR. Their rising revenues and Champions League income give them confidence to stay competitive in the market. They may need to be careful next summer, but they are not in immediate danger. The club’s financial model remains robust.

Manchester United (£40m)

United match Arsenal with roughly £40m of headroom, which is enough to make one or two significant signings if needed. Their commercial revenues are among the highest in world football, keeping them safely inside PSR limits despite large wage bills. Careful squad management will still be needed to maintain flexibility. They are well-positioned compared to previous seasons.

West Ham (£50m)

West Ham’s £100m sale of Declan Rice continues to provide a huge boost to their accounts. With £50m of space remaining, they have the freedom to add quality players when required. European prize money also strengthens their position. They are one of the more financially comfortable clubs outside the top six.

Liverpool (£50–75m)

Liverpool’s £50–75m of PSR headroom gives them significant flexibility to pursue key targets. Their strong revenues, combined with a balanced wage structure, mean they can invest without immediate fear of sanctions. Smart recruitment underpins their long-term stability. They remain one of the safest big spenders in the league.

Read also: 15 of the Biggest Champions League Thrashings – Ranked from Bad to Brutal

Brentford (£60m)

Brentford’s £60m of headroom is a testament to their sustainable approach. By consistently selling players at peak value, they keep their books healthy and their squad competitive. This margin allows them to reinvest in emerging talent without financial risk. They are a model club for PSR compliance.

Chelsea (£80–100m)

Chelsea still have £80–100m left under PSR, even after several record-breaking spending windows. Their use of long contracts and internal sales has kept them within the rules. They have the capacity to make further big-money signings if needed. Few clubs have balanced heavy investment with compliance as effectively.

Tottenham (£100m+)

Tottenham’s headroom is one of the largest in the league thanks to the exclusion of stadium costs from PSR calculations. With over £100m of space, they can invest aggressively while staying well within the limit. Rising revenues from their world-class stadium further strengthen their financial standing. They are well-placed to back their manager in future windows.

Brighton (£100m+)

Brighton’s PSR position is exceptional, with £100m+ of space available. Their model of selling stars for maximum value while recruiting smartly has created one of the healthiest balance sheets in the league. They can continue to strengthen without risk. Their approach is widely seen as the gold standard for financial sustainability.

Read also: The 10 Greatest Captains in Sports History – Ranked

Manchester City (£200m+)

Manchester City top the list with over £200m of PSR headroom — an enormous margin compared to the rest of the league. Profits over the past two seasons and the highest revenues in England give them unmatched flexibility. They can spend heavily if they choose, while still staying comfortably compliant. No other club comes close to their financial power.