Most EXPENSIVE Premier League squads: Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal beaten to top spot

The top flight has become more and more awash with money in recent years, and a lot of it has been spent on new players.

However, how much has it taken for the current sides to build their squads? Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal are among the biggest spenders, but have all been beaten by one club.

Here are the most expensive Premier League squads according to the CIES Football Observatory [via talkSPORT]…

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20) Bournemouth, €36 million

New to the division, the Cherries are yet to invest too heavily in their playing squad.

19) Watford, €49 million

While the Hornets signed 15 players this summer, they weren’t anywhere near the biggest spenders in the division.

18) Norwich City, €55 million

With most of their former Premier League squad still intact, the Canaries have the most expensive group of the promoted sides.

17) Leicester City, €72 million

After a miraculous run of form towards the end of last season kept the Foxes up, they haven’t gone on to invest too heavily in their playing staff.

16) Stoke City, €74 million

Despite bringing in big names such as Xherdan Shaqiri and Ibrahim Afellay this summer, the Potters have largely done it on the cheap.

15) Swansea City, €81 million

The Swans’ smart business in the transfer window has been a mark of their success in the top flight.

14) West Brom, €84 million

Tony Pulis has brought in several players this summer, but perhaps the biggest story has been been the Baggies’ failure to sell Saido Berahino.

13) Crystal Palace, €97 million

Since the arrival of Alan Pardew, the Eagles have shown ambition in the transfer market. As shown by the acquisition of Yohan Cabaye.


12) Aston Villa, €126 million

The squad value rises sharply now that the long term top flight clubs get involved.

11) Sunderland, €130 million

Even with this expenditure, the Black Cats are amongst the favourites for relegation.

10) Everton €141 million

The Toffees have regularly outperformed their financial position over the last decade.

9) West Ham, €143 million

Staying in the top flight until their move to the Olympic Stadium has been paramount for the Hammers.

8) Newcastle United, €157 million

Despite having one of the most expensive squads in the league, the Magpies have struggled to live up to their potential.

7) Southampton, €182 million

This total doesn’t take in to account the vast amounts of money brought in by the Saints’ sales over the past few summers.

6) Tottenham, €231 million

It has actually been home-grown player such as Harry Kane and Nabil Bentaleb who have impressed most for Spurs, despite the spending.

5) Arsenal, €305 million

Well behind their rivals in terms of spending, the Gunners may need to splash the cash if they are going to win the Premier League again.

4) Liverpool, €344 million

After spending big this summer, Brendan Rodgers in under pressure to get results.

3) Chelsea €407 million

The Blues have actually curtailed their spending, particularly taking in to account net spend, in recent years.


2) Manchester United, €533 million

Louis van Gaal hasn’t been afraid of expensive signings at Old Trafford, but the team still look short of a title challenge.

1) Manchester City, €560 million

The big spending has worked for the Citizens as well, now being favourites to win a third league title in five years.