Football finance: Liverpool leads transfer spending as UEFA announces Champions League payouts

The CIES Football Observatory has released its 552nd weekly report regarding player transfer expenditures. Liverpool has risen to the top of the rankings with a squad acquisition cost of €1.226 billion, overtaking Chelsea. English clubs currently dominate the top six positions. Among non-English clubs, Real Madrid has surpassed Paris Saint-Germain in total spending.

In terms of net transfer balances, Real Madrid recorded a positive result of +€207 million for 2026. LOSC Lille stands out for its market efficiency, recording the highest net positive balance over the last five years at +€362 million. Other French clubs, including AS Monaco, Stade Reims, and Stade Rennais, also appear in the top ten for various transfer metrics.

Separately, UEFA is set to distribute approximately €2.4 billion to clubs participating in the Champions League this season. Each of the 36 participants in the league phase will receive a participation fee of over €18 million. Performance-based bonuses are also available, including €2.1 million for a win and €700,000 for a draw. The ultimate winner of the competition could earn nearly €110 million in total revenue, including cumulative bonuses for reaching various stages and the value pillar distribution.