Transfer spending broke records in the summer transfer window, as clubs around the world spent almost $10 billion on international transfers, FIFA said in a report published on Wednesday.
Clubs completed nearly 12,000 international transfers, with the total amount paid in fees reaching $9.76 billion – an increase of over 50% compared to the same period in 2024.
Women's football also broke records, with over 1,100 international transfers and fees exceeding $12 million.
Orlando Pride has signed winger Lizbeth Ovalle, making her the most expensive transfer in women's soccer history. The Mexican player left Tigres Femenil in Mexico for a fee of $1.5 million.
"We are seeing a transfer market in full swing, both in men's and women's football," said Emilio Garcia Silvero, Head of Legality and Compliance at FIFA.
"While this is an important development for men's football a year ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the rising transfer figures in women's football are equally impressive, confirming the extraordinary growth of the sport at club level."
The English Premier League was once again at the center of the transfer market, spending over $3 billion in the last three months alone.
German clubs earned $893 million from transfers with English clubs alone, with Florian Wirtz's move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool being highlighted in a deal reportedly worth £116 million ($156.7 million) with bonuses.
Liverpool also signed Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, while Newcastle United signed German striker Nick Woltemade from VfB Stuttgart for a club record fee, with both deals reported at £69m each.
Germany ranked second for total spending with $980 million, while Italy ranked third with $950 million.
In terms of incoming transfers, England led with 535 players acquired, followed by Portugal (479) and Brazil (425).
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