English football has evolved rapidly since the creation of the Premier League in 1992, with transfer fees increasing rapidly year upon year.
Liverpool spent a British record fee to bring Alexander Isak to Anfield from Newcastle United this summer; however, heavy spending has not just been limited to the top flight. Championship clubs have also spent heavily in recent seasons.
The allure of the Premier League has seen several Championship clubs splash the cash to reach the promised land of huge marketing and sponsorship deals in order to grow the revenue of the club while also increasing their brand not only in England but around the world.
Liverpool Unveil New Signing Alexander Isak
Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Now figures have been published to show the extent of spending in the transfer market in England, ranking them on net spend.
Stoke City are one of the 20 highest spenders
Figures published by Sky Sports have shown that three clubs currently in the Championship are among the highest spenders in England since the 2016/17 season.
Stoke City are one of those clubs, and they may be considered the most surprising to be on that list, as the 2017/18 season was their last campaign in the Premier League.
This indicates they have spent heavily since dropping into the Championship to return to the top flight; however, they have yet to finish in the top half since being relegated.
Transfer spending in England since 2016/17, Sky Sports
Transfer spending in England since 2016/17, Sky Sports
Stoke City have spent £169.1 million since the 2016/17 season, which places them 20th on the list, while they have a net spend of £73.7 million.
Sheffield United and Ipswich Town are the other Championship clubs to be on the list, having a net spend of £99.2 million and £107.5 million, respectively.
The figures demonstrate the vast sums of money that exist in the Premier League, with those Championship clubs all spending some time in the division; otherwise, it is unlikely they would have made the list.
Stoke City’s spending since 2016/17
The Potters have spent heavily since 2016/17, with the first two seasons of heavy spending coming in the Premier League; however, they continued to spend to make a return without much success.
Season Transfer Spend Transfer Fees Received
2016/17 €42.17m €3.80m
2017/18 €57.70m €35.14m
2018/19 €62.90m €30.15m
2019/20 €6.70m €1.28m
2020/21 €2.20m €1.88m
2021/22 €4.65m €16.15m
2022/23 €0 €17.00m
2023/24 €24.79m €5.45m
2024/25 €6.34m €4.19m
2025/26 €8.50m €6.25m
Fees according to Transfermarkt
Stoke City have made a fantastic start to the current Championship campaign, with the club narrowly missing out on having their best opening to a season in 27 years after their loss to West Brom.
However, there appears to have been a change of approach to the transfer dealings with Stoke City under Mark Robins because while they are still investing in the squad, there now looks to be a smarter approach in recruitment from the Potters.