Football clubs increased their international transfer spending in 2025 by more than 50 per cent compared with the previous year, according to a FIFA report. Elsewhere, Manchester United drop two places to 15th. Their international signings in 2025 included Patrick Dorgu, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens. In terms of incoming fees, English sides received $1.77bn (£1.28bn) in international transfer fees. Women’s football also saw a record-high spend, with a total international transfer spend of $28.6m (£20.74m) in 2025, representing an increase of over 80 per cent from the previous year.

Source: International New York Times January 28, 2026 16:05 UTC