New owners, TV money lead to record transfer window

The latest Deloitte Sports Group survey revealed a record GBP 530 million spent during the English Premier League transfer window this past summer.

The breakdown was GBP 265 million going to clubs outside of England, and about GBP 110 million to lower-tier clubs. Twelve clubs accounted for at least GBP 20 million apiece in spending.

Part of the splurge is credited to new owners opening up the transfer funds, while part goes to the cash infusion from the tremendous TV deals.

Spanish Real Madrid parted with the most cash, with the purchase of Gabriel Heinze and Arjen Robben from English Manchester United and English Chelsea respectively taking their outlay to about GBP 80 million. Manchester United was England's high-spender, dishing out GBP 51 million.

"It comes as no surprise to see Real Madrid and Barcelona spending at least as much as their English rivals on transfers, given that they have the highest revenues in world football in 200-2006," Deloitte's Alan Switzer told the BBC. "Broadcast revenues are again the key to explaining the high transfer spending by the two giants of Spanish football, who unlike their Premier League counterparts can sell their own broadcast rights."

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.