The coronavirus pandemic had a significant impact on the international transfer market in 2021. Only 4.86 billion dollars (the equivalent of 4.24 billion euros) were paid according to a report by the International Football Association (FIFA) in transfer fees for players. That’s more than $ 750 million less than in 2020 when the pandemic began. In 2019, a record was set with transfer fees totaling 7.35 billion dollars (6.42 billion euros).
For Austrian clubs, the report shows $ 110.2 million in income and $ 57.8 million in transfer expenses. The fact that the number of transfers (18,068) almost returned to the level of 2019 (18,080) shows that the transfer fees fell overall.
The top transfer of the year was the Belgian Romelu Lukaku. Although FIFA does not name any amount, it is estimated that Champions League winners Chelsea have transferred 115 million euros to Inter Milan. In second place is the ex-Dortmund Jadon Sancho. His move to Manchester United had been estimated at 85 million euros.
ManUnited with the highest transfer spending
ManUnited is also the club with the highest transfer spending in 2021. This is followed by Chelsea and already RB Leipzig. As expected, the English Premier League has spent the most money at $ 1.386 billion. Most of the players transferred were Brazilians.
Overall, however, most of the money was paid to players from the country of world champions France (643.6 million euros). Meanwhile, 1,304 women were registered, a further increase in the number of transfers. Transfer fees were almost never paid, a total of only $ 2.1 million.
