Another transfer window has come and gone, with billions of pounds spent by Premier League clubs yet again. This article reveals the net spend of Premier League clubs, while also exploring the winners and losers.
Who Had The Highest Net Spend, And Are They Losers?
Leading the way in the Premier League net spend table is Arsenal according to Sky Sports data.
The Gunners spent £267 million this summer, whilst gaining just £10 million from player sales.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side have had an impressive window.
Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Piero Hincapie have all arrived at the Emirates.
Gyokeres looks to have fit the gaping striker hole that has been at Arsenal for some time now. For a side that is one of the best in the world at creating chances, all they needed was a clinical striker to put those chances away. Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have both tried and failed at cementing their status as Arsenal’s number nine.
The Swedish international will be looking to bring his 97 goals in 102 games record from his previous club, Sporting Lisbon, to North London. His clinical finishing could be the final piece to the Arsenal major trophy jigsaw.
Zubimendi doesn’t just replace Thomas Partey, but adds to him. The Spaniard’s laser-like passing made him a standout in La Liga last season, according to his 92 accurate long balls on Fotmob. Additionally, Zubimendi is also a nuisance out of possession, with 164 duels won, 54 aerial duels won and 44 interceptions. These statistics were all in the top percentile of La Liga midfielders last season.
Eberechi Eze brings added flair and output to the Arsenal attacking midfield position. The England international accumulated 14 goals and 12 assists in all competitions last season for Crystal Palace. Compared to Martin Odegaard’s six goals and 11 assists last season, this is a massive improvement for the Gunners.
Are Arsenal’s Injury Woes From Last Season Behind Them Now?
Madueke, Mosquera, Norgaard, Kepa and Hincapie all provide important squad depth for Arsenal, and are all capable of doing a job when called upon. Squad depth was a key target in this summer’s window for Arteta’s side. Especially after key players like Bukayo Saka, Havertz, Odegaard and Gabriel all suffered significant injuries last season.
Madueke, Norgaard and Kepa all have Premier League experience in abundance. Madueke and Kepa both spent a combined nine and a half years at Chelsea, whilst Norgaard spent four seasons in the top flight with Brentford.
This transfer window has been a success for the Gunners. They have built a squad that can handle any major injuries, and are now ready to properly challenge for all four trophies available this season.
Who Had The Lowest Net Spend And Are They Winners?
At the bottom of the Premier League net spend table is Bournemouth.
The Cherries spent £136.7 million on incomings this summer, whilst accumulating an impressive £202.5 million in player sales.
As a result, Bournemouth boast a -£65.8 million net spend. This is also known as £65.8 million in profit.
Andoni Iraola’s solid defence was dismantled, with Dean Huijsen, Ilia Zabarnyi and Milos Kerkez all leaving for Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool respectively. Goalkeeper Kepa also returned to his parent club Chelsea after an impressive loan.
Attacker Dango Outtara also left for a sizeable fee to fellow Premier League side Brentford.
Brighton-Like Recruitment?
However, the South Coast side have recruited brilliantly, with a model that is similar of Brighton and Hove Albion’s; buying low and selling high.
Bafode Diakite, Djorde Petrovic, Adrien Truffert and Veljko Milasavljevic all arrived at the Vitality stadium for less than half of the fees accumulated from the sales of Huijsen, Zabarnyi and Kerkez.
Even though Outarra was mainly utilised from the bench last season, the Cherries still replaced him. Amine Adli and Ben Gannon Doak were both brought in from Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool respectively.
This transfer model seems to be working, with Bournemouth sitting seventh after three Premier League games. Wins against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur followed an opening day defeat to reigning champions Liverpool. Having said that, Iraola’s side put in an impressive display at Anfield.
Therefore, Bournemouth have not only had a hugely successful window, but they have also made a hefty profit that can be used for January reinforcements if needed.
Are There Any Shocks?
As always with Premier League net spend tables, there are some shocks.
Even after spending £296.5 million, Chelsea still managed to make a profit of £17.9 million. Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Estevao, Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho all arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer, and all improve a Chelsea side that have their eyes set on domestic and European glory this season.
Newly promoted Sunderland spent a whopping £183.4 million. Their net spend was £141.4 million this summer. Granit Xhaka, Simon Adingra and Robin Roefs are just a few names that have arrived at the Stadium of Light. Subsequently, the Black Cats are looking to be the first newly promoted club to survive since 2023. So far, it’s been a brilliant start to life back in the top flight, with Regis Le Bris’ side accumulating six points from a possible nine to sit sixth in the table.
Champions Liverpool have spent by far the most this summer. The Reds have parted ways with £446.5 million to land big names such as Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong. Surprisingly, Arne Slot’s side don’t have the highest net spend, after making £228.1 million in player sales. Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Jarrell Quansah all departed Anfield this summer for big money fees.