Premier League Transfers Break Record

Total Premier League transfer fees spent in this year’s January window have hit an all-time high of £160m according to an early study by business advisory group Deloitte.

With the transfer window having closed late on Monday, the amount spent has surpassed last year’s £150m, the survey concluded.

It added that spending between Premier League teams over the past four weeks made up around £105m of the £160m.

Overall Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have been the two biggest spenders with City spending more than £50m during the transfer window, and Tottenham around £45m.

The Deloitte survey added that the total spending by Premier League teams in the January window had ‘again far exceeded that in other European leagues’.

‘With the majority of their revenue streams already secured for the current season, whilst Premier League clubs are not recession-proof, they are relatively recession-resistant,’ said Paul Rawnsley, director in the sports business group at Deloitte.

‘Looking forward, whilst the clubs will not be complacent, the latest transfer activity re-emphasises the financial strength and global appeal of the Premier League competition.’

Although the transfer window has now formally closed, the Premier League has confirmed that there will be an extension for teams that had agreed a deal in principal but been unable to complete the final arrangements due to the bad weather.

As a result of this extension, Deloitte said its final figure may increase further still once all the deals are concluded.