The January transfer window wasn’t as wild as last summer, but there were still some eye-catching moves. English clubs once again spent the most, dropping £390 million ($530 million), while Saudi Arabia added drama with Karim Benzema’s shock switch. Let’s look at the top 10 biggest spenders ranked.
Contents
🔟 Lazio (€37m)
- Came off a transfer ban and splashed out.
- Signed Kenneth Taylor from Ajax and young striker Petar Rakov.
- Smart business: they actually ended with a net profit after selling players.
9️⃣ Fenerbahçe (€37m)
- Pulled off a coup by landing N’Golo Kanté after his Saudi adventure.
- Spent big on Mattéo Guendouzi (€28m) to strengthen midfield.
- Hoping to match rivals Galatasaray’s star-studded squad.
8️⃣ Bournemouth (€42m)
- Signed Brazilian wonderkid Rayan from Vasco da Gama (€28.5m).
- Added Golden Boy nominee Alex Tóth.
- The Cherries continue their bold approach in the Premier League.
7️⃣ Flamengo (€54m)
- Flexed financial muscle after Club World Cup success.
- Brought back Lucas Paquetá from West Ham for a Brazilian record €41m.
- A statement that Brazilian clubs can now compete financially.
6️⃣ Atlético Madrid (€54m)
- Signed Ademola Lookman from Atalanta (€35m).
- Added young talent Rodrigo Mendoza to refresh midfield.
- Building for the future while staying competitive in La Liga.
5️⃣ Tottenham (€55m)
- Bought Conor Gallagher from Chelsea.
- Added Brazilian left-back João Souza.
- Fans still feel the club didn’t do enough to strengthen.
4️⃣ West Ham (€56m)
- Revamped attack with Taty Castellanos and Pablo (€52m combined).
- Also signed Adama Traoré and loaned Axel Disasi.
- Busy window, but questions remain about quality.
3️⃣ Al Hilal (€67m)
- Stole the headlines by signing Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad.
- Extended Rúben Neves’ contract.
- Added young striker Mohamed Kader Meïté.
- Benzema already scored a hat-trick on debut, Ronaldo isn’t happy.
2️⃣ Crystal Palace (€90m)
- Broke their transfer record twice.
- Signed Jørgen Strand Larsen from Wolves.
- Lost captain Marc Guéhi, while Jean-Philippe Mateta stayed after a failed medical.
- Big spending, but poor results on the pitch.
1️⃣ Manchester City (€95m)
- Top spenders again.
- Signed Marc Guéhi and Antoine Semenyo for €95m combined.
- Strengthened key positions as they chase Arsenal in the title race.
Final Take
- Man City led the spending charts.
- Crystal Palace shocked everyone with their record-breaking spree.
- Al Hilal brought the drama with Benzema’s move.
- English clubs remain the biggest spenders, but Saudi Arabia is changing the game.
