English clubs lead way amid record January transfer window

"A record number of 5,973 international transfers were recorded in the January window for men's soccer, according to a FIFA report released Thursday. That marks a 3% increase from the previous year in global deals between clubs in the countries that are processed by FIFA. However, the total spending was down about 18% from last year's record, to $1.95 billion (£1.44B). That's still some 20% more than the previous record from January 2023, FIFA said."

"English clubs were again the biggest spenders with a $363 million (£268M) outlay on transfer fees and recouped just $150 million (£111M) by selling players to clubs in other countries. Italy followed in second with $283 million (£209M), with Brazil, Germany, and France also making the top five. French clubs benefited most, earning $218 million (£161M) in transfer sales, followed by Italy, Brazil, England and Spain."

January saw a record 5,973 international transfers for men's soccer, a 3% increase year-over-year, while total spending fell about 18% to $1.95 billion, still 20% above the previous January record. Women's clubs spent over $10 million on international transfers, an 85% increase, although the number of women's international transfers declined 6% to 420. English clubs were the largest spenders with $363 million spent and $150 million recouped from international sales. Italy ranked second with $283 million, and Brazil, Germany and France rounded out the top five. French clubs earned the most from sales at $218 million. U.S. clubs spent $99 million and earned $48 million. English women's clubs led both spending and earnings among women's teams.

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