FIFA TMS has launched its latest Big 5 Transfer Window Analysis report today, showing a new record high in transfer fees of $466 million. The 2015 winter edition examines official international transfer figures for the Big 5 countries (England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain).
The Big 5 countries recorded a total of 452 incoming international transfers in this winter's transfer window, a decrease of 2% when compared to the same period last year.
Transfer spending for the Big 5 countries reached $466 million, a substantial increase of 36% when compared to last year's winter window.
At country level, the trends differ significantly: England remains the top spender with $173 million spent in international transfers, but, for the first time over the last five winter transfer windows, German clubs recorded the second-highest spending level ($116 million).
At the opposite end of the spectrum, French clubs' spending decreased by more than 50% when compared to last year's winter window.
Big 5 countries - aggregated figures.
The total number of international transfers this winter window was 452;
79% of the players engaged by England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain came from countries outside the Big 5.
Together, the Big 5 countries spent $466 million (+36% versus the 2014 winter transfer window).
The average age of the players engaged by the Big 5 was 23 years old and 7 months - three months older than last year.
The top three nationalities of players engaged by the Big 5 were British (54 players), Spanish (44 players) and French (36 players).
(Source FIFA TMS report)
