Transfers: Manchester United FC, Top 5 club that has overspent the most on players since 2012 (CIES)

"Manchester United FC's (Premier League) total investment for the 33 fee paying transfers assessed in the study was €238m greater than the estimated value of players concerned: €1.59bn vs €1.36bn (+18%)," states the CIES Football Observatory in a study published on 19/09/2022, which examines the paid transfer deals concluded by clubs in the European Top 5 since July 2012.

"The study compares players' values prior to transfer, estimated according to the exclusive CIES Football Observatory's statistical model, and fees actually paid. This allows us to highlight clubs having most driven inflation up, with Manchester United heading the rankings," explained CIES.

Juventus FC (Serie A TIM), who overvalued their transfer investments by €233m (+29%), and Paris Saint-Germain (Ligue 1 Uber Eats), who overvalued by €162m (+19%), "complete the overspending table's podium."

"Only three Premier League teams figure among the 36 clubs that invested less money than expected to conclude the fee-paying deals assessed. This confirms their key role in driving up inflation on the transfer market," states…