#premier-league-spending

#premier-league-spending

The football world knew they were trying to replace Liverpool-bound Alexander Isak and were set to have a massive influx of funds - 125m as it turned out. It was natural that clubs would ask the Magpies for a premium. 55m for Brentford's Yoane Wissa? No problem. 69m for Germany international Nick Woltemade? OK. Woltemade, 23, has started the season well, scoring twice in three Premier League appearances and once in the Champions League, and looks an excellent signing.

Bayern Munich themselves feel they had a very good summer transfer window, in part because they finalised the Luis Diaz deal from Liverpool. They now have another striker in the squad in the form of Chelsea loanee Nicolas Jackson. On top of that, they have the free transfers of a young national player like Tom Bischof and a boss in the defence in Jonathan Tah. So, you can see how Bayern are pleased with this business.

The Premier League dominated the spending, which isn't surprising given its annual revenue of €7.14 billion is nearly as much as the next two highest grossing leagues -- LaLiga, with €3.651bn and Germany's Bundesliga, with €3.619bn -- combined. According to Transfermarkt data, the English top flight's net spend -- defined as "transfer fees spent on acquiring players minus transfer fees received on moving players out" -- stood at €1.512bn ($1.76bn), which is a record amount even when you adjust for inflation.

It was the transfer window when spending by Premier League clubs went into uncharted territory. Buoyed by the start of a record 6.7bn four-year domestic TV deal, and the extra revenue generated by newly expanded European club competitions, the top flight invested more than ever before this summer. But while the unprecedented 3bn outlay, and the drama of a frenetic deadline day, undoubtedly fuels even more interest in the league, does it also raise concerns?