Casablanca – Premier League clubs have spent around €4.07 billion during the summer transfer window, surpassing last season’s record after a surge in activity during the final days of the market.
Manchester City was among the biggest spenders, committing more than €525 million to new arrivals, including Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi for a reported €100 million, Enzo Fernandez for around €145 million and Elliott Anderson for €135 million.
Liverpool also agreed a deal for Bradley Barcola that could reach €145 million, while Chelsea and Tottenham were among the other clubs to make significant investments.
More than half of the Premier League’s clubs reportedly broke their own spending records during the window.
However, the record outlay has also prompted questions over the sustainability of the league’s spending model.
The Independent reported that several club executives are concerned by the increasing use of deferred payments, with some deals allowing clubs to spread transfer costs over several years.
The newspaper also reported that the €4.07billion spending total has been built on more debt than in previous transfer windows, with one club figure warning: “A credit challenge is coming. The game should be worried.”
The concerns add a different dimension to a transfer window dominated by record fees, with questions now emerging over how sustainable the Premier League’s spending boom can be.
