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Transfer deals fall short of record

A late flurry of signings saw Premier League transfer deals reach £1.41bn by the close of the transfer window, just short of the record of £1.413bn. The bounce usually seen at the start of a new tv deal didn't happen, in part because some top flight clubs will see a fall in broadcasting income this year.

In the summer of 2013 transfer spending rose by 29 per cent and it increased by 30 per cent year on year in the summer of 2016. The value of the latest domestic tv deal has fallen by eight per cent.

Six clubs are potential losers under the new distribution formula and although 14 will get more, but it will be nothing like the increases they have had before. In addition, Chelsea, who are often one of the biggest spenders, are under a transfer ban.

There has been a trend towards clubs spending more on defenders.

The biggest net spenders were Aston Villa who spent £133.7m on 12 new players, underwritten by the new owners. They were followed by Manchester United on £84.6m and Wolves on £84.2m. Manchester City were fourth on £77.4m.

Five clubs received more than they spent, including Liverpool (£24.6m) and newly promoted Norwich City.

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