Transfers: a record €14.2bn invested worldwide in 2025, with Liverpool FC the most active

"In total, clubs around the world invested approximately €14.2bn (in transfer deals), 14% more than the previous record set in 2023," stated the CIES Football Observatory in its "Weekly Post" No. 511, on 03/09/2025.

"With around €500m invested and €255m received (including add-ons and sell-ons), Liverpool tops the rankings in terms of fees generated (€755m). Two other English teams complete the podium: Chelsea (€754m) and, further behind, Manchester City (€556m)," said the CIES.

The CIES Football Observatory's Weekly Post No. 511 lists the 121 clubs worldwide (including 12 French clubs, see below) "involved in incoming or outgoing transactions totalling more than €50m overall."

In terms of balance sheets, the most negative balances were also recorded by three English clubs, according to the CIES Football Observatory:
• Manchester City FC (-€369m)
• Arsenal FC (-€366m)
• Liverpool FC (-€245m)

By contrast, four Ligue 1 McDonald's clubs posted the most positive financial balances:
• RC Lens (+€113m)
• Olympique Lyonnais (+€108m)
• AS Monaco FC (+€95m)
• LOSC Lille (+€90.6m)

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