FIFA has unveiled that a record 11,000 international transfers were executed globally during the 2024 close-season transfer window. According to the latest report from the world soccer governing body, this represents a 4.8% increase compared to the previous year.
Clubs collectively spent over $6.40 billion on transfer fees, the second-highest amount ever recorded, although this figure is down 13.06% from last year. Europe was a major contributor to this total, with expenditures reaching approximately $5.58 billion. Within Europe, English clubs led the spending spree, investing more than $1.6 billion during the window.
However, English spending saw a decline of 15.5% from last year’s $2 billion, a shift towards more cautious financial management following concerns over potential sanctions related to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations.
In Saudi Arabia, expenditure by top clubs decreased significantly by 50.74%, falling from $875 million last year to $431 million this season. Note that the Saudi League’s transfer window remains open until October.
England also topped the list for the number of incoming transfers, with 526, followed by clubs from Brazil and Portugal. Additionally, the women’s professional football sector witnessed a substantial rise, with international transfer spending reaching $6.8 million, more than double the amount from the previous year.