FIFA Reports Record-Breaking January Transfer Spending of $2.35 Billion
In a stunning display of financial power, clubs around the world shattered previous records by spending a remarkable $2.35 billion on international transfers during the January window, according to FIFA’s latest International Transfer Snapshot.
This figure represents a staggering 58% increase from the previous year and is 47.1% higher than the previous record of $1.57 billion set in January 2023.
The surge in spending was accompanied by a substantial increase in activity, with a total of 5,863 international transfers completed between January 1 and February 4, marking a 19.1% rise in the number of players changing clubs compared to last year.
Leading the charge in spending were English clubs, who collectively shelled out $621.6 million on international transfer fees. Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, made headlines with a significant outlay of over $224 million to acquire several players, including Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Juma Bah.
The most significant signing of the window was Colombian forward Jhon Duran, who made the switch from Aston Villa to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr for approximately €77 million ($79.97 million) plus potential add-ons, highlighting the growing financial clout of clubs in the Middle East.
Rounding out the top five countries for transfer spending were Germany ($295.7 million), Italy ($223.8 million), France ($209.7 million), and Saudi Arabia ($202.1 million). Conversely, clubs in France led the way in transfer income, receiving a total of $371 million, followed by Germany ($226.2 million), England ($185.2 million), Portugal ($176.4 million), and Italy ($162 million).
In terms of player movements, Brazil boasted the highest number of incoming international transfers at 471, while Argentina recorded the most outgoing players with 255.
The record-breaking trend extended beyond men’s soccer, with women’s soccer also experiencing a significant boost. Clubs invested $5.8 million in transfer fees, representing an astonishing 180.6% increase over the previous record, facilitated by 455 international transfers.
English clubs again led the way in the women’s game, spending $2.3 million and making the most incoming international transfers with 39 signings.
