FIFA has published the International Transfer Snapshot 2024, detailing the recently concluded summer transfer window across nearly all international football federations. The report reveals an all-time high in global player transfers between clubs.
According to FIFA, transfers recorded from June 1 to September 2, 2024, show nearly 11,000 moves in the men’s game and just over 1,000 in the women’s game. These figures set new records for both men’s and women’s football, although the financial scale highlights the stark disparity between professional men’s and women’s football. Men’s transfers totaled $6.46 billion, compared to just $6.8 million for women’s transfers.
The Premier League once again set the pace, with English clubs spending $1.53 billion on new signings. Surprisingly, Serie A secured the second spot with a total investment of $746 million, approximately half of what the English clubs spent. European federations dominate the transfer market, with France in third place at $630 million, Spain fourth at $542 million, and Germany fifth at $517 million.
Investment from the Saudi Pro League has seen a significant decline. Last summer, Saudi Arabia spent nearly $1 billion on players, but this year the figure has dropped to just $390 million, placing the Saudi Federation sixth in total investment. This reduction is noteworthy given that Saudi clubs often leverage high wages over transfer fees, as seen in the failed bid for Paulo Dybala. This shift in investment patterns is a point of concern.
Currently, the market for free agents is buzzing. Teams that did not fully complete their squads during the transfer window are now looking at unattached players who can be signed outside the usual transfer periods. Among the notable free agents are defenders Sergio Ramos and Joel Matip, midfielders Kevin Strootman and Rafinha, and forwards Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial. Many of these players, some advanced in age and others expecting higher wages as free agents, may have overestimated their market value.
In Italy, AS Roma is notably active in the free-agent market. After closing the transfer window with a defensive shortfall due to Danso’s failed medicals, Roma signed former Atlético Madrid player Hermoso beyond the September 30 deadline. Additionally, following Chris Smalling’s move to Saudi Arabia, Roma quickly pursued Mats Hummels, the 35-year-old who recently played a key role in Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League final. Despite the transfer window closing, the market continues to be dynamic, with many opportunities, particularly for Roma.
