Chelsea FC has topped the ranking of agent payments in English football for the 2025-2026 season, underlining the continued inflation of transfer-related costs across the game.
According to data released by The Football Association, clubs across England spent a combined £552.1 million (€637.4 million) on agent fees this season—an increase of 14% compared to 2024-2025.
Premier League dominates spending
The Premier League accounted for the vast majority of that figure, contributing £460.3 million (€531.4 million), or 83% of total spending.
Chelsea leads the way by a significant margin, paying £65.1 million (€75.2 million) to agents despite posting record financial losses. Aston Villa follows in second place with £38.4 million (€44.4 million), closely trailed by Manchester City.
In total, seven English clubs exceeded €30 million in agent payments, while only Burnley FC spent less than €10 million. The league-wide average stands at approximately £23 million (€26.6 million).
Interestingly, spending does not always correlate with on-pitch performance. Clubs battling relegation such as Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United still rank relatively high in agent fee expenditure.
Wrexham’s rapid rise in the Championship
In the EFL Championship, newly promoted Wrexham AFC has made an immediate financial impact. Backed by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the club spent £3.7 million (€4.2 million) on agent fees, ranking sixth in the division.
At the top sits Ipswich Town, which invested £11.7 million (€13.6 million), followed by recently relegated sides Southampton FC and Leicester City.
The Championship average stands at £2.9 million (€3.4 million), highlighting the financial disparity across the 24-team league.
Women’s football surpasses lower men’s tiers
Growth in the women’s game is also evident. Clubs in the Women’s Super League (WSL) spent £3.8 million (€4.4 million) on agent fees in 2025-2026—surpassing total spending in EFL League Two.
An additional £529,000 (€611,000) was spent in the second tier of women’s football, reflecting the rapid commercial development of the women’s game in England.
Rising costs continue to reshape the market
The latest figures reinforce a broader trend: transfer-related costs—including agent fees—continue to rise sharply across both men’s and women’s football.
While high spending does not guarantee sporting success, it remains closely tied to competitiveness, squad building, and the growing financial complexity of modern football.