The January 2026 transfer window rewrote football’s record books after clubs across the globe completed an unprecedented number of deals, although overall expenditure declined compared to last year’s spending frenzy.
FIFA confirmed on Thursday that the latest winter trading period produced a historic volume of international transfers, highlighting shifting trends in football’s global transfer market.
Transfer activity hits new high
According to FIFA’s latest report, more than 5,900 international transfers were finalised during the January window, marking a three per cent increase on the previous record set in 2025.
The surge in activity reflects clubs’ growing willingness to reshape squads mid-season, with teams across various leagues actively strengthening depth and addressing tactical gaps.
Despite the record-breaking transaction numbers, total global spending dipped significantly. Clubs collectively spent just over $1.9 billion in transfer fees, representing an 18 per cent drop from the $2.35 billion spent in January 2025.
The decline suggests clubs may be adopting more financially cautious approaches while still maintaining aggressive recruitment strategies.
English clubs dominate spending charts
English clubs once again led global expenditure, reinforcing the financial strength of the Premier League and lower divisions. Teams from England spent over $363 million in transfer compensation.
Although this figure represents a sharp decline from the $623 million spent the previous year, it still comfortably placed English clubs at the top of the spending hierarchy.
Italian clubs followed in second position after investing approximately $283 million in new signings, while Brazilian clubs emerged as major contributors to global spending, climbing into third place with $180 million.
A significant portion of Brazil’s outlay came from Flamengo’s high-profile acquisition of Lucas Paqueta from West Ham, accounting for $49 million of the country’s transfer expenditure.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian clubs experienced a notable reduction in transfer activity. Having ranked as the fourth-highest spenders in 2025, they dropped to sixth position this year after investing $101 million.
French clubs lead revenue generation
On the revenue side, French clubs maintained their position as the leading sellers in global football. Ligue 1 teams collectively generated $218 million from player sales, although this represented a decrease from the $373 million recorded in January 2025. Italian, Brazilian, English and Spanish clubs followed as key contributors to transfer income.
Women’s football spending reaches new milestone
Women’s football continued its rapid commercial growth, setting a new spending record during the January window. Global expenditure surpassed $10 million, representing an 85 per cent increase compared to last year. This milestone was achieved despite a six per cent drop in total transactions, which stood at 420 international transfers.
English clubs again spearheaded investment in the women’s game, accounting for more than $5 million of global spending, underlining England’s expanding influence across both the men’s and women’s football markets.
