Manchester United Ranks Last in Europe for Transfer Value Loss

Manchester United was named the club with the worst transfer management in Europe over the last five years, based on its transfer policy. The CIES Football Observatory study examined clubs whose transfer spending has exceeded 42 million pounds since 2021. Taking into account transfer fees paid, income from player sales, and changes in players' market values, Manchester United finished last in Europe with a loss of 334 million pounds in value. Worldwide, it ranked only ahead of Al-Hilal.

The club's high-cost transfers caused serious financial losses. Antony was signed for 85 million pounds, but the player was sent to Real Betis for 21.7 million pounds. The 73 million pounds paid to Borussia Dortmund for Jadon Sancho could not be recovered. Rasmus Hojlund was sent to Napoli after being signed for 72 million pounds. Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee were also listed among the transfers that failed to meet expectations.

In the study, Eintracht Frankfurt ranked first with a value increase of 441 million pounds. Real Madrid was second with 440 million pounds, and Paris Saint-Germain was third with 394 million pounds. Manchester City was fifth with an increase of 374 million pounds. The study noted that since INEOS took over the management of football operations at Manchester United in 2024, the club's transfer policy has become more cautious. It was stated that the club has moved toward avoiding high-cost transfers and reducing its wage burden.