Premier League clubs are known for their heavy transfer spendings which seems to have kept the league on a higher pedestal compared to rival European leagues.
However, on the other side of the coin, they have proven that it is not just about the electrifying games and the zealous fans but acting it in the transfer market with a shrewd and business-minded approach. A merry dance of selling and buying football talents for their respective teams has not only strengthened them but also filled their coffers.
Chelsea are leading the list of Premier League Clubs with the highest income from transfers in the last 10 years. Manchester City, Liverpool, and Everton follow in that order.
In this article, we will take a look at the top 20 Premier League clubs that have succeeded in earning more money than others in the past 10 years.
Chelsea (€1.37 billion)
Chelsea are at the very top with an impressive €1.37bn transfer income. The Blues have constantly been making smart moves, whether buying or selling players at fat sums.
Outgoings like Eden Hazard to Real Madrid for over €100m in the 2019-20 summer transfer window alongside players like Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Diego Costa, Oscar, and David Luiz going out for more than €50m have contributed greatly to their transfer earnings. Their success on the pitch has been mirrored by their financial prowess.
Manchester City (€1.01 billion)
With massive investment, Manchester City have been turned into a football powerhouse. Their transfer policy has been of quality over quantity, and in total, they have generated a lot of revenue from selling players.
Manchester City’s biggest outgoing was Raheem Sterling, who made a €57m move to Chelsea in the 22/23 summer transfer window. The Club has also had a lot of sales of over €50m, like Gabriel Jesus, Ferran Torres, and Leroy Sane. The Citizens’ appeal globally has also played a part.
Liverpool (€677m)
A club steeped in heritage, Liverpool FC has seen much activity in the transfer window. With Champions League triumphs and an ability to conquer the Premier League title, they don’t have any major financial problems.
Their biggest outgoing was Phillipe Countinho, who made a €135m move to Catalan side Barcelona in the 2017-18. Luiz Suarez was another major sale for the Merseyside club when he was sold to Barcelona for €81m in the 2014-15 season.
Another astounding expense was €46m for the transfer of Fabinho to Al Ittihad in 2023-24 summer. Had it not been for the Reds scouting network and player development, it would not have been possible.
Everton (€650 million)
Of late, Everton have kept themselves awake in the transfer window. As a result, the Toffees have been able to attract talents into their fold as well as a hard bargain in most cases.
They have had big outgoings in the last decade, such as the transfer of Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United for €86m in the 2017-18 season, Amadou Onana’s recent move to Aston Villa for €59m with Richarlison and John Stones having left the club for over €50m. This long-term vision has paid off financially for the Toffees.
Leicester City (€601m)
Leicester City’s surprise Premier League title win in 2016 propelled them onto the radar. Still, the ability of the club to sell Harry Maguire for €87m in 2019-20 summer made the player the most expensive defender.
Another defender, Wesley Fofana, left the club for €80m to Chelsea in the 2022-23 season. Riyad Mahrez also moved to Manchester City for €67m in 2019. So these smart gestures of transfers have strengthened their financial condition.
Southampton (€588m)
It is known that Southampton FC often develop young blood. Their academy system and scouting network have generated money through player sales. Their biggest sales were Virgil Van Dijk, who made an €84m move to Liverpool in the winter transfer window of the 17/18 season.
Romeo Lavia also left the club for Chelsea for €62m last summer. The commitment that the Saints are putting into developing players is something very appreciable and has yielded immense financial results for the club.
Tottenham Hotspur (€542m)
Tottenham have been quite astute in their bookkeeping despite a trophy drought for some time now. The north London club sold Gareth Bale to Real Madrid for €101m, with Harry Kane going to Bayern Munich for €95m, and Kyle Walker Joining Manchester City for €52m.
Aston Villa (€533m)
Aston Villa’s return to the Premier League has been accompanied by smart transfer decisions. Villa were able to sell Jack Grealish for €117m to Manchester City in the 21/22 season. Their most recent big transfers were Moussa Diaby moving to Al Ittihad for €60m and Douglas Luiz to Juventus for €51m. Their scouting team has been a jewel house, leading to massive revenues. The upward trajectory of the Villains is reflected in their finances.
Manchester United (€487 million)
Manchester United are a global brand that were struggling a bit on the pitch but remained a money-making machine. The Red Devils sold Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan in 2019-20 summer for €74m and Angel Di Maria to PSG for €63m million in 2015-16 summer. Their commercial deals and player sales kept them in the top 10.
West Ham United (€485 million)
West Ham United’s move to the London Stadium has been underpinned by financial stability. Their transfer policy has been pragmatic, balancing investment and income. West Ham’s biggest exit is recent as they sold Declan Rice for €116m to Arsenal last summer. The Hammers’ loyal fan base helps their revenue.
The standing of other football clubs in the ranking is below;
11 Wolves – €469m
12 Brighton- €455m
13 Arsenal – €407m
14 Watford – €378m
15 Newcastle United – €354m
16 Leeds United – €308m
17 Nottingham Forest – €261m
18 Norwich City – €249m
19 Brentford – €233m
20 Burnley – €227m.
