Premier League surpassed by Ligue 1 in January transfer spending

For the first time in seven years, the Premier League has been dethroned as the biggest spender in the January transfer window, according to a FIFA report released today. 

Premier League teams were uncharacteristically quiet during the winter transfer market, especially during the early weeks, although activities ramped up in the days leading up to the deadline. 

The limited spending can be attributed to several factors, primarily the ever-increasing scrutiny that comes with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

PSR rules forced clubs in the English top flight, who were wary of exceeding financial regulations and facing potential sanctions, to adopt a more cautious approach.

Everton have already been docked ten points this season for breaching spending rules and face the prospect of further punishment, having been charged with a second violation.

Alongside Nottingham Forest, the Toffees face sanctions even though they are still waiting to learn the outcome of their appeal against the initial breach, which is expected in the coming days.

Despite the cautious spending from several English top-flight clubs, with up to 11 teams deciding against reinforcing their ranks in January, the Premier League still had the second-highest overall transfer spend with $184 million.

FIFA’s latest report confirmed that French football pulled off a historic feat in the January transfer window, outspending the mighty Premier League for the first time since 2017.

Ligue 1 clubs splashed a staggering $291.9m, marking a 121.1% increase from the previous year. Big names like Paris Saint-Germain, Olympique Marseille, Stade Rennais, Olympique Lyon and OGC Nice all contributed with investments exceeding $20 million each.

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The total spending on transfer fees in the men’s game reached $1.46 billion, the second-highest January window ever, falling just short of the record $1.57 billion set in January 2023.

Those numbers are truly mind-boggling, considering the Premier League took a backseat this year as spending dropped dramatically from a record-breaking $1 billion (£815m) last year to a modest $143m (£112m). 

The decline accounts for an 80% decrease in international transfers compared to their 2023 spree.

Germany spent $151.8m, followed by Spain at $148.7m and Brazil at $122.6m, rounding out the top five for total club expenditure.