Clubs spent record billions on transfers
Football clubs worldwide splashed out a record $7.35bn (R105bn) on transfers in the men’s game in 2019, Fifa has revealed.
The amount represents a 5.8% increase on 2018, with English clubs accounting for the largest total outlay at just over $1.5bn — a drop of 22.1% on previous figures.
However, 80% of all spending on transfer fees came from 100 clubs combined, according to the global transfer market report. Portuguese clubs achieved the highest net balance with $384m, while those in England produced the largest negative net balance of $549.9m.
A total of 18,042 international transfers were made — another record.
There was a 16.3% increase in spending in women’s football, with the total rising to $652,000 from $560,000. The number of transfers climbed from 696 to 833.
“It is remarkable to see a new record number of transfers in the men’s market,” said Fifa’s Emilio Garcia Silvero. “We observe as well increasing all-round figures in the women’s market, a sign of the positive overall development of women’s football, which we trust will continue in 2020.”
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The Japanese giant has held that rating since 2011.