Manchester United (MU) has emerged as the club with the most expensive squad in the world, according to recent research conducted by the Center for International Sports Studies (CIES). Surprisingly, MU’s current squad carries a higher price tag compared to both Chelsea and Manchester City.

The most recent findings from CIES reveal that Manchester United has invested a staggering €1.15 billion (£988 million) in assembling their current squad, with nearly £400 million spent on transfer fees since the appointment of manager Erik ten Hag last May. It’s worth noting that the CIES research accounts for all additional financial terms related to player acquisitions.

Under the guidance of the Dutch tactician, Manchester United secured significant signings during his initial summer transfer window at Old Trafford, including the acquisitions of Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, and Tyrell Malacia, which collectively amounted to over £120 million. Additionally, the club made a landmark purchase by acquiring Antony for a fee of £85 million, making the Brazilian midfielder the third most expensive player in Manchester United’s history, following in the footsteps of Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku.

This summer, Manchester United continued to reinforce its squad, splashing £72 million on Rasmus Hojlund and securing Mason Mount from Chelsea for a potential fee of up to £60 million. Furthermore, Andre Onana joined the ranks at Old Trafford from Inter Milan for a transfer fee of £47 million.

Chelsea closely trails Manchester United in terms of squad expenditure, with the London club having spent £975 million on player acquisitions since the takeover by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital 18 months ago. During this year’s summer transfer window, the Blues made a high-profile signing in Moise Caicedo from Brighton, sealing a deal worth £115 million, surpassing their previous record of £105 million set in January when they acquired Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.