According to the latest research, Manchester United overspent by more than £100million on new signings in the summer transfer window - the most in the Premier League. Chelsea were second on the list after a world-record spend in Todd Boehly's first window as Blues owner.
New research from OLBG has revealed which Premier League clubs got the best value for money in the summer transfer window, by comparing transfer fees paid to players' estimated market value. Findings showed that 17 of the 20 top-flight clubs ‘overspent’ on players this summer, meaning they paid more than their market value.
United were the biggest 'overspenders' by some distance as Erik ten Hag's side paid approximately £102million more than market value for their five permanent signings. The biggest hit came as a result of the purchase of Brazilian winger Antony who costed £54million above his value.
READ MORE: What happens to Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Premier League fixtures as The Queen dies aged 96
Chelsea placed behind The Red Devils and were the biggest overall spenders this summer, shelling out over £250 million on seven new acquisitions. The Blues overspent by approximately £69.8million, mainly as a result of signing Wesley Fofana (£36.3million overspend) and Marc Cucurella (£33.6million overspend).
Chelsea and United's 'big six' rivals Manchester City results were very different, however. In fact, City were one of three clubs - along with Fulham and Aston Villa - who, as per the data, got their recruitment spot on. City’s total underspend of £90.5million is particularly impressive and is largely down to the signing of Norwegian superstar Erling Haaland.
Pep Guardiola's outfit activated Haaland's £54 million release clause, which is some £81 million less than his huge £135 million market value.
Whether overspending matters in the long-term remains to be seen, but it does at least show how inflated the market has become.
READ NEXT:
