Will outspending other clubs win you the Premier League?

Money is a crucial luxury in football. Each season, clubs splash the cash in hopes of lifting silverware, but most of the time, they fall short of the trophy. 

According to Statista, the reigning Champions, Manchester City, have spent £1.48 billion since they won their first Premier League trophy in the 2011/12 season. Since then, they have won the league seven times, evidencing that money plays a huge role in success. 

However, despite City’s financial gambles and successes, many clubs do not have the same outcome. In the past six seasons, the team that spent the most money on transfers did not win the Premier League, with one side not finishing in the top 4 despite spending £150m. 

Leicester’s historic title win in the 2015/16 shows plain and simple that spending millions isn’t essential to success. According to ESPN, the squad who went on to lift the trophy cost under £72m. That same season, Manchester City cashed out just under £150m on signings, just to finish 4th in the table. 

The most notable club in recent years for cashing out has been Chelsea FC. In two short years, the Blues have spent more than £1.3 billion and have sat outside the top four since. To make matters worse, in 2022/23, the side came 12th despite spending £747m. 

So far this season, there have been positive signs for Chelsea and new manager Enzo Maresca. The pressure and expectation to succeed has been mounting in recent years. The financial advantage, combined with a new manager has Chelsea’s gamble finally paying off. The Blues have an improved record this season, registering 4 wins, 2 draws and 2 loses. With their two losses coming against Premier League title chargers: Manchester City and Liverpool.

Despite an ever-improving season, Chelsea still remain unlikely to lift the Premier League trophy in 2025. In a survey of thirty BBC football pundits, only seven predicted Chelsea would finish in the top four. It is clear that money alone won’t win you the league, but it will definitely help you get there.