Brighton and Hove Albion have emerged as the biggest spenders in world football over the last two transfer windows, according to a new CIES Football Observatory study.
The English Premier League (EPL) club recorded a staggering net spend of €253 million – €197 million in the summer and another €56 million in the winter window – outpacing even the sport’s traditional heavyweights.
This spending reflects Brighton’s reinvestment strategy following four profitable transfer windows, during which they generated over €200 million in player sales.
Despite the massive spending in recent windows, which hasn’t necessarily paid off to the extent the club are used to, Brighton’s financial comfort was underscored by their recent rejection of a €90 million bid from Saudi Arabia for Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma – an offer which seemed too good to refuse.
Newly promoted Ipswich Town (-€176m) and Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr (-€175m) join Brighton at the top of the deficit charts.
Ipswich have focused on squad reconstruction to compete in the EPL, but also to create a squad of ‘championship all-stars’ that should prove to be bulletproof if the Tractor Boys find themselves back in England’s second tier next season.
Meanwhile, Al-Nassr continue the Saudi trend of blockbuster signings – most recently splashing €77 million on 21-year-old Colombian striker Jhon Duran, with no notable sales heading out of the club.
Elsewhere in Europe, the biggest net spenders included Atlético Madrid (-€116m) in Spain, AS Roma (-€111m) in Italy, and Bayern Munich (-€63m) in Germany.
Meanwhile, Manchester City had the most drastic financial swing, recording the biggest transfer profit last summer (+€157m) before becoming the highest net spenders in the recently closed window (-€226m).
While Brighton lead in expenditure, Leeds United posted the most positive transfer balance at +€132m. Following their relegation from the EPL, the Yorkshire club capitalised on the sales of their top earners, headlined by the €46 million departure of Georginio Rutter to Brighton.
In terms of total spending, Brighton (€317m) edged out Chelsea (€310m) and Manchester City (€278m), proving that the Seagulls are no longer just smart sellers – they’re now major buyers too.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1738844701labto1738844701ofdlr1738844701owedi1738844701sni@g1738844701niwe.1738844701yrrah1738844701