13 Champions League Clubs That Spent the Most on Transfers (2025/26)
- Think Football Ideas
- Oct 20
- 5 min read
The summer transfer window for the 2025/26 season saw several Champions League sides invest heavily to strengthen their squads.
Although spending doesn't always ensure a return in trophies, it is often unavoidable. Some teams concentrated on rebuilding efforts, while others aimed to maintain their status among Europe's elite. Here is the ranking of the top 13 based on total spending.
Below Are The 13 Champions League Clubs That Spent the Most on Transfers (2025/26)
13. Napoli – £100 million
After winning the Scudetto not long ago, Napoli looked to add more attacking depth and creativity. Their main signing was Rasmus Højlund, who arrived with a point to prove after leaving Manchester United.
Sam Beukema and Noa Lang joined to reinforce defence and wing play, while the experienced Kevin De Bruyne arrived on a free transfer to guide the younger players.
12. Juventus – £103 million
Juventus entered the season with renewed energy under Igor Tudor. The club invested in promising talent, most notably Francisco Conceição, as part of a gradual rebuild aimed at returning to the top of Italian football. Their recruitment was measured but showed intent to compete both domestically and in Europe.
11. Atalanta – £109 million
Atalanta continued their steady rise with another ambitious transfer campaign. They maintained their reputation for developing dynamic, attack-minded teams while investing in areas that could turn them into genuine Serie A and Champions League contenders.
10. Galatasaray – £132.5 million
Galatasaray’s transfer activity reflected their desire to go beyond Turkish dominance and make an impact in Europe.
Victor Osimhen’s permanent deal for £65 million was the headline move, while free transfers for Leroy Sané and İlkay Gündoğan added proven European experience and quality they needed.
9. Real Madrid – £147 million
Real Madrid’s spending brought significant attention following two headline transfers. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move from Liverpool for £10 million stirred debate, while the £50 million acquisition of Dean Huijsen aimed to strengthen the back line.
Their focus appeared to be on balancing established names with younger potential, as they do have the likes of Carvajal, Militao and Alaba returning to the fold.
8. Atlético Madrid – £153 million
Diego Simeone oversaw another phase of change at Atlético Madrid, with the club committing substantial funds to refresh the squad. The spending reflected Simeone’s drive to maintain the team’s competitiveness in La Liga and Europe through a blend of energy and experience.
7. Bayer Leverkusen – £172 million
After selling Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz to Liverpool for a record fee, Bayer Leverkusen made significant investments to reshape their squad. The amount spent was among the largest in the Bundesliga.
However, early-season results, coupled with a managerial change that led to Erik ten Hag being dismissed after just three matches, indicated that the new players were still adjusting to their roles.
6. Manchester City – £176 million
Manchester City’s spending showed clear signs of transition, with the likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin de Bruyne seeking pastures new.
Despite being one of Europe’s most consistent sides in recent years, the club focused on refreshing key areas of the squad while maintaining their trademark attacking depth.
Some argue this should have been done a year earlier, as they endured a shaky 2024-25 campaign. The investment reflected a long-term vision rather than a short-term reaction.
5. Tottenham Hotspur – £181 million
Tottenham Hotspur entered a new chapter under Thomas Frank, whose appointment marked a shift in football philosophy from Ange Postecoglou. The club backed Frank in the market with major additions, including Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, and the permanent signing of Mathys Tel.
Their summer strategy aimed to create a younger, faster, and more cohesive team. A change in their footballing approach may also help reduce some nagging injuries that occurred during the 2024-25 campaign.
4. Newcastle United – £250 million
Newcastle United’s transfer activity picked up late in the window but proved decisive. The club secured Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade among several late signings, ensuring depth across multiple positions. Despite early challenges, their spending demonstrated a firm intention to remain competitive under Eddie Howe.
3. Arsenal – £255 million
Arsenal’s spending was significant, though the club faced difficulties moving on surplus players, which affected their net balance. The focus remained on reinforcing quality rather than quantity, aiming to close the gap with their domestic and European rivals.
The signings of Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, and Viktor Gyokeres demonstrate the north London club's commitment to supporting Mikel Arteta in his quest for major trophies, having last won one in 2020.
2. Chelsea – £285 million
Chelsea have spent the second-highest amount among Champions League clubs this season. The Blues continued their trend of high investment, building upon previous transfer-heavy windows.
Their strategy remains unchanged as they continue to invest in young prospects, with players like Estevao, Garnacho, Gittens, and Joao Pedro joining this summer.
1. Liverpool – £415 million
Liverpool topped the list by a large margin, investing more than any other side. The arrivals of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak signalled their determination to remain at the summit of English and European football.
Additional signings such as Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Hugo Ekitike added depth and versatility across the pitch. The club’s transfer strategy underlined a clear plan to evolve while staying competitive in every competition.
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