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Transfer spending 2026: the biggest spenders

By the Transfer Tracker Data Desk · Updated 17 October 2026

Biggest spender: Manchester City · Total outlay: €6.63bn · Clubs spending: 40

Who is backing the manager in the 2026 window. Clubs ranked by gross spend, with what they have recouped in sales and their net outlay alongside, led by Manchester City on €525m. Figures are confirmed permanent-deal fees. As of 17 October 2026.

Gross spend flatters the clubs simply buying; net spend is where the smart operators show. 2 of the top ten have run a negative net spend, funding incomings largely through sales rather than pure outlay.

How this ranking is put together

Gross spend is the sum of confirmed permanent fees a club has paid for incomings. Recouped is what it has banked in sales. Net is the difference. Loans are excluded. Rankings are by gross spend; the net column is the truer measure of outlay.

Which club has spent the most in 2026?

Manchester City has the highest gross spend in the 2026 window, at €525m.

What is net spend?

Net spend is what a club has paid out in fees minus what it has recouped in sales. A low or negative net spend means a club has largely funded its incomings by selling, a sign of a self-sustaining model.

Why is gross spend used for the ranking?

Gross spend answers the most-asked question (who is spending the most) directly. Net spend is shown alongside because it is the better guide to a club’s actual financial outlay once sales are counted.

More rankings

• The biggest transfers of 2026
• The most valuable squads in world football
• The transfers most likely to happen right now

See the full ranking, updated live. Open on transfertracker.ai