2022 summer transfer window: Spending update from Deloitte’s Sports Business Group

• As of midnight on 25th August 2022, Premier League gross spend in the 2022 summer transfer window stood at £1.5bn, according to analysis from Deloitte’s Sports Business Group.
• With a week still to go until deadline day, spending in this summer’s transfer window has already surpassed the previous record spend of £1.4bn, set in the 2017 summer transfer window.
• At this point in the 2021 summer window, with one week to go before the window closed, Premier League clubs’ gross spend was £895m and ultimately reached £1.1bn by the end of deadline day.
• The volume of transfers into Premier League clubs currently stands at 135, exceeding levels seen in the summer 2019 (128) and 2020 windows (132), and is on-track to surpass the number recorded in summer 2021 (148). The proportion of transfers made involving a fee has also increased, from 45% in summer 2021 to 67% so far in summer 2022.
• In addition to volume remaining high, there has also been an increase in the number of incoming transfers with a value of over £30m. Fourteen players have already been signed by Premier League clubs for a reported fee of over £30m, compared to 8 in total during the summer 2021 window.

Chris Wood, assistant director in Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, commented: “This summer’s transfer spend has already surpassed the previous record, set in the summer 2017 window, and is far higher than last summer’s total transfer spend of £1.1bn.

“The record levels of spending that we’ve seen in this summer transfer window so far provides a sign that the business models of Premier League clubs are rebounding post-COVID. Whilst this is encouraging, the importance of clubs establishing responsible and sustainable spending policies cannot be overstated. Clubs must balance their desire to be competitive on-pitch with the need to protect long-term financial and operational viability.

“With a week to go until the window closes on the 1st September we’ll see spending continue to rise, as clubs focus on finalising their squads for the season ahead and securing their place in the Premier League.”

Ends

Note to editors

*Full analysis of the Summer transfer window will be published by Deloitte’s Sports Business Group on 1st September 2022*

About the Sports Business Group at Deloitte

Over the last 30 years Deloitte has developed a unique focus on the business of sport. Our specialist Sports Business Group offers a multi-disciplined expert service with dedicated people and skills capable of adding significant value to the business of sport. Whether it is benchmarking or strategic business reviews, operational turnarounds, revenue enhancement strategies or stadium/venue development plans, business planning, market and demand analysis, acquisitions, due diligence, expert witness, audits or tax planning; we have worked with more clubs, leagues, governing bodies, stadia developers, event organisers, commercial partners, financiers and investors than any other adviser.

For further information on our services you can access our website at www.deloitte.co.uk/sportsbusinessgroup

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