Premier League clubs smash summer transfer spending record

Premier League clubs have set a new summer transfer spending record for a second successive season, with total outlay by England's top-flight clubs reaching around £3.46 billion ($4.67 billion).

The spending continued until the final hours of the transfer window yesterday (1 September), with several big-money deals completed before the 11pm deadline.

Manchester City capped their spending by signing Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea for a reported British record-equalling £125 million yesterday.

They also signed Senegal winger Iliman Ndiaye from Everton for a reported £65 million.

Last summer, the combined spending of the Premier League's 20 clubs surpassed £3 billion for the first time. Five years ago, the total stood at £1.13 billion.

In addition to Fernandez, three other transfers exceeded £100 million during the window.

Manchester City signed midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million, while Morgan Rogers moved from Aston Villa to Chelsea for £117 million.

Liverpool agreed to pay an initial £107 million to Paris Saint-Germain for France forward Bradley Barcola, with the deal potentially rising to £123 million.

Tottenham Hotspur also broke their club transfer record by signing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United in a deal that could reach £100 million.

Four of the 11 most expensive signings in Premier League history, Fernandez, Anderson, Rogers and Barcola, were completed this summer.

Aston Villa also completed their 11th signing of the window with the £47 million acquisition of Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye from PSG.

Newcastle United paid £51.4 million to sign forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille.

The trend of Premier League clubs buying from domestic rivals also continued to grow, with around 38% of deals involving two top-flight clubs, up from 30% last summer.

Manchester City led the spending with £458 million as new manager Enzo Maresca assembled his first squad.

Chelsea also spent heavily, paying £349 million to back new boss Xabi Alonso.

Tottenham spent £303 million as they rebuild after two successive seasons in which they narrowly avoided relegation.

According to Transfermarkt, promoted trio Ipswich, Coventry City and Hull City spent more than £400 million combined to prepare for life in the top flight.

Sunderland signed highly rated Belgian winger Malick Fofana, 21, from Olympique Lyonnais for a reported £30 million after beating Crystal Palace to his signature.

Some deals failed to go through on deadline day.

British media reported that Everton's move for US striker Folarin Balogun collapsed after the player decided against proceeding with the transfer.

Senegal midfielder Lamine Camara also remained at Monaco after his reported £47.1 million move to Chelsea fell through.