September 03, (THEWILL) — Global football transfer spending reached record levels during the recent transfer window, with clubs worldwide investing nearly $10 billion on international player movements. FIFA’s latest report reveals that approximately 12,000 international transfers took place, with total fees amounting to $9.76 billion – representing a surge of more than 50% compared to the equivalent period in 2024.
Women’s football achieved significant milestones with over 1,100 international transfers generating fees exceeding $12 million. Orlando Pride’s acquisition of Mexican winger, Lizbeth Ovalle, from Tigres Femenil for $1.5 million established a new benchmark, making her the most expensive transfer in women’s football history.
England’s Premier League dominated the market once again, with clubs spending over $3 billion in transfer fees during the three-month period. German clubs received $893 million from English counterparts, with Liverpool’s acquisition of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported £116 million including add-ons leading the major transactions.
Liverpool also secured Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, whilst Newcastle United completed a club-record signing of German forward, Nick Woltemade, from VfB Stuttgart, with both deals reportedly valued at £69 million. These transactions contributed to England’s position as the leading destination for international transfers.
Germany ranked second in total spending at $980 million, followed by Italy at $950 million. England welcomed 535 incoming players, whilst Portugal received 479 and Brazil attracted 425 new signings. Emilio Garcia Silvero, FIFA’s Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, noted the market’s momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup and the remarkable growth in women’s football at club level.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
