Chelsea claims the 'king' title in the transfer market, with their squad value skyrocketing in just one year

14/10/2025 11:27:00 PlaymakerHub

A recent study has disclosed the list of football clubs with the highest squad values globally, highlighting a Premier League team that has increased its player value by over £300 million in just one year.

Chelsea claims the 'king' title in the transfer market

According to analysis from the CIES Football Observatory, a renowned entity for player valuation statistical models, Chelsea is now the team with the most expensive squad in the world, with an estimated total value of £1.56 billion under coach Enzo Maresca.

Young talent Cole Palmer is regarded as the most valuable player for "The Blues," with a valuation reaching £140 million.

CIES’s analysis shows that the aggressive investment strategy in young talents by owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital is starting to bear "fruit." During the recent summer transfer window, Chelsea continued to invest heavily, acquiring promising players such as Alejandro Garnacho, Joao Pedro, Estevao, Liam Delap, Jorrel Hato, Dario Essugo, and Jamie Gittens.

The study also reveals that Chelsea’s squad value has increased the most worldwide over the past 12 months, with a rise of about £315 million. This success follows an impressive season where they won the FIFA Club World Cup and Conference League, while also securing qualification back to the Champions League.

Chelsea’s squad value has risen by more than £300 million in the past 12 months.

In second place is Paris Saint-Germain, the Champions League winners, whose squad value increased by £263 million.

Third is Eintracht Frankfurt (Bundesliga), which recorded a £255 million increase, mostly due to a £73 million profit from transfers, especially the sale of Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool.

Barcelona ranks fourth with a £210 million increase, while the biggest surprise is Nottingham Forest. This Premier League club entered the top five thanks to their impressive form last season, with their squad value rising by £283 million over the year. However, after spending £100 million on new players, their net increase was £183 million, placing them fifth overall.

Following are Brentford, Bournemouth, and Newcastle, with increases of £165 million, £156 million, and €143 million respectively. Bayern Munich and Villarreal round out the top ten.

In contrast to Chelsea’s rise, Manchester United is considered the worst performer in the transfer market. The study states that the "Red Devils" squad value dropped by £327 million, partly due to £108 million spent in the recent transfer window.

Man City also experienced the second-largest drop – £273 million, followed by Real Madrid (£187 million) and West Ham (£160 million).

Overall, Chelsea is currently regarded as the club with the most valuable squad worldwide. CIES’s research accounts for all players owned by the club, with "The Blues" having 50 players included in the statistics.

Second place belongs to Real Madrid, with a total value of £1.46 billion from only 32 players. Next are Man City and Arsenal, both with values exceeding £1.29 billion, slightly ahead of PSG and Liverpool. Barcelona and Tottenham are the other two clubs surpassing the £1 billion mark, valued at £1.17 billion and £908 million respectively.

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