Record spending in the Premier League
The Premier League was the European league that spent the most in the 2026 winter transfer window.
The winter transfer window closed on Monday, 2 February 2026, at 23:59 for European leagues. Journalists such as Fabrizio Romano were reporting until the last minute, although the truth is that the last day of the transfer window did not bring any major news or important moves that were pending until the last minute.
What this winter transfer window has once again confirmed is that the Premier League is the European league with the most financial muscle. With £453 million spent, it established itself as the true leader in investment. This is more than Ligue 1, the Bundesliga and Serie A combined, which between them spent €446 million. Of the major European leagues, La Liga EA Sports spent the least.
Spending by European leagues in the winter transfer window:
- Premier League €453 million
- Serie A €243 million
- Ligue 1 £105 million
- Bundesliga £98 million
- La Liga EA Sports £75 million
Most expensive signings
The most expensive moves made in the winter transfer window confirm that the Premier League is the most powerful European league in economic terms. This is demonstrated by the fact that seven of the ten most expensive signings made in the winter transfer window were made by Premier League clubs.
Furthermore, these are not insignificant figures for the January transfer window, as clubs generally spend less money in winter than in summer. The summer transfer market moves more money than the winter market. The most expensive transfer was that of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth to Manchester City for £72 million. The second most expensive transfer was Jørgen Strand Larsen from Wolves to Crystal Palace for £49.7 million, which is a long way behind.
Top 10 most expensive transfers in the 2026 winter transfer window:
- Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City £72 million
- Jørgen Strand Larsen to Crystal Palace £49.7 million
- Lucas Paquetá to Flamengo £42 million
- Conor Gallagher to Tottenham £40 million
- Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace £40 million
- Ademola Lookman to Atlético Madrid £35 million
- Oscar Bobb to Fulham £31.2 million
- Mohamed Kader Meite to Al-Hilal £30 million
- Taty Castellanos to West Wam £29 million
- Rayan to Bournemouth £28.5 million
