Chelsea Tops UEFA List as Most Expensive Squad in European Football History

UEFA's latest report reveals Chelsea's €1.66 billion squad cost, highlighting financial trends across European football.

Chelsea's €1.66 billion transfer spending in 2024 makes it the most expensive squad ever assembled in European football, surpassing previous records set by Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Despite their record-breaking spending, Chelsea's on-field performance has not matched expectations, with a sixth-place finish in the Premier League last season and currently sitting in fifth place.
The Premier League remains the financial leader in European football, generating €7.1 billion in revenue in 2023, nearly double that of La Liga (€3.7 billion) and the Bundesliga (€3.6 billion).
Real Madrid led global kit and merchandise sales in 2024, driven by high-profile signings of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé, earning €196 million in this category.
UEFA's report highlights a growing revenue disparity between English clubs and their European counterparts, fueled by lucrative broadcast deals and higher gate revenues.