Big spending clubs shatter Premier League transfer record
Total splashed out reached 880 million ($1.1 billion, 1 billion euros) on Thursday
LONDON, Aug 25, 2016 (AFP) - Big spending English clubs have shattered the Premier League s transfer spending record after the total splashed out reached �880 million ($1.1 billion, 1 billion euros) on Thursday.
By 1500 GMT, shortly after Manchester City s signing of Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was confirmed, the Premier League clubs gross spending in the current transfer window had topped the record of �870m set last year.
According to financial services firm Deloitte, the figure is likely to pass �1 billion by the time the current window closes next Wednesday as the 20 top-flight teams make the most of the riches reaped from lucrative new television contracts.
Manchester United have been among the biggest spenders, with boss Jose Mourinho paying a world record �89 million to sign France midfielder Paul Pogba from Juventus, while local rivals City have paid over �150 million to revamp their squad for new manager Pep Guardiola.
Dan Jones, partner and head of the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said: "This is the fourth summer in a row where we have seen record-breaking spending by Premier League clubs.
"Buoyed by the prospect of increased revenue from the new broadcast deals, clubs gross spending has now passed last year s record of �870m.
"This is particularly striking considering we still have the best part of a week to go before deadline day.
"With the third round of games in the new Premier League season to come this weekend and a number of clubs keen to strengthen with a view to competing in European and domestic cup competitions, total spending in this window will likely break the �1billion barrier for the first time."
