Liverpool pulls ahead to lead the global ranking of the most expensive squads.
Liverpool has solidified its position at the pinnacle of world football, not only in performance but also in financial investment. A recent survey by the CIES Football Observatory identifies the English club as having the most valuable squad for the 2026/27 season, with an impressive total of 1.226 billion euros. This figure demonstrates the economic dominance of the Premier League, which commands the list.
The study highlights the financial power of the English league, which boasts eight representatives among the ten clubs that have invested the most in assembling their squads. Following Liverpool, Manchester City sits in second place with an investment of 1.209 billion euros. Traditional powerhouses Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal round out the top six, highlighting an unprecedented concentration of capital.
Study Methodology
The CIES Football Observatory study utilizes a metric that considers the total amount spent by clubs to assemble their current squads. This covers both recent signings and players already on the roster, offering a complete overview of investment in human capital.
New Signings and Strategic Investments
During the last transfer market, Liverpool intensified its spending with the arrival of athletes such as Jérémy Jacquet, Víctor Muñoz, and Bradley Barcola. The signing of Jacquet from Rennes for 63 million euros and Muñoz from Osasuna for 40 million euros are examples of the club’s strategic planning. Additionally, the acquisition of Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for 125 million euros, and Alexander Isak from Newcastle last year for 150 million euros—one of the most expensive transfers in history—further solidify the club’s position.
English Dominance and Exceptions
The hegemony of English clubs on the list is remarkable, broken only by the presence of Real Madrid in seventh place with 1.021 billion euros, and Paris Saint-Germain in eighth with 915 million euros. Newcastle and Aston Villa close out the top 10, maintaining the Premier League‘s strong representation.
The Top 10 Most Expensive Squads in the World
- 1. Liverpool (ENG) — 1.226 billion euros
- 2. Manchester City (ENG) — 1.209 billion euros
- 3. Tottenham (ENG) — 1.178 billion euros
- 4. Chelsea (ENG) — 1.166 billion euros
- 5. Manchester United (ENG) — 1.157 billion euros
- 6. Arsenal (ENG) — 1.089 billion euros
- 7. Real Madrid (ESP) — 1.021 billion euros
- 8. Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) — 915 million euros
- 9. Newcastle (ENG) — 865 million euros
- 10. Aston Villa (ENG) — 637 million euros
The CIES Football Observatory survey not only highlights the financial power of Liverpool and the Premier League, but also sheds light on investment trends in global football. The concentration of capital in a few clubs raises discussions about the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the sport, especially when compared to other European leagues.
