Summer transfer window 2016: Premier League clubs break spending record with six days to go - Deloitte

Premier League clubs have today broken the transfer spending record, according to Deloitte’s Sports Business Group.

As of 16:00hrs on 25 August 2016, with less than a week to go before the close of the 2016 summer transfer window, Premier League clubs’ gross spending stood at £880m (£685m at the same stage last year). Total transfer spending in the current window has now broken the record of £870m, set in the summer 2015 transfer window.

Premier League net spending stands at £465m (£345m at the same stage in 2015).

Dan Jones, partner and head of the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, commented: “This is the fourth summer in a row where we have seen record-breaking spending by Premier League clubs. Buoyed by the prospect of increased revenue from the new broadcast deals, clubs’ gross spending has now passed last year’s record of £870m.

“This is particularly striking considering we still have the best part of a week to go before deadline day. With the third round of games in the new Premier League season to come this weekend and a number of clubs keen to strengthen with a view to competing in European and domestic cup competitions, total spending in this window will likely break the £1bn barrier for the first time.”

Full analysis of the 2016 summer transfer window will be released on the morning of Thursday 1st September. For interviews and commentary with Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, please contact gparrett@deloitte.co.uk.

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Notes to editors

Basis of preparation
The information on player transfers is based on publicly available information in respect of player registration acquisitions by clubs, including from www.bbc.co.uk and www.premierleague.com, and further analysis carried out by the Sports Business Group at Deloitte. The information is based on reported transfers as at 16:00 on 25 August 2016. Further commentary about the transfer market is included in the Deloitte Annual Review of Football Finance. The figures contained in this release will not necessarily be the same as the cost of acquiring players’ registrations as recognised in the financial statements of each club. Under accounting requirements, the cost of acquiring a player’s registration includes the transfer fee payable (including any probable contingent amounts), plus other direct costs such as transfer fee levy and fees to agents.

About the Sports Business Group at Deloitte
Over the last 20 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

About Deloitte
In this press release references to Deloitte are references to Deloitte LLP, which is among the country's leading professional services firms.

Deloitte LLP is the United Kingdom member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), a UK private company limited by guarantee, whose member firms are legally separate and independent entities. Please see www.deloitte.co.uk/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of DTTL and its member firms.

The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press.

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