FIFA TMS: €2.1bn in spending on international transfers (+2%) for the Top 5 countries (summer 2015)

The countries of the European Big 5 -- or Top 5 -- (England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain) concluded 1340 incoming international transfers during the 2015 summer transfer window, an increase of 4% compared to the summer of 2014. The expenditures of the five countries reached $2.396bn (€2.1085bn as of 01/09/2015), an increase of 2% compared to summer 2014, indicated FIFA TMS with the presentation of its report on the 2015 summer transfer window in the countries of the European Top 5, on 08/09/2015.

"Since 2013, player salaries have constituted 57% of the funds circulated in the international transfer market. Transfer fees accounted for 41% and club intermediary commissions the remaining 2%," stated FIFA TMS.

"Most of the transfers discussed in the media involve large transfer fees, but in reality, only 13% of all worldwide transfers involve the payment of a fee. Salaries, though, are part of every single contract. In 2014 alone, clubs and players signed contracts for $6.02bn (€4.99bn as of 31/12/2014), which added to the $4.07bn (€3.37bn) in transfer fees and $236m (€195.9m) in…