According to a recent FIFA report, the amount spent on agent fees for international transfers reached a new high of $888 million (£702 million) in 2023, marking a 43% increase from the previous year’s $623 million (£493 million).
English clubs led the way, accounting for nearly a third of the total expenditure at $280 million (£221 million).
The report also revealed that more than $1 million (£790,000) was spent on agents’ fees in women’s football for the first time, with a record 125 transfers taking place.
Additionally, clubs in Europe made up 87% of the total spending on agents, while clubs in the Saudi Pro League spent $86 million (£68 million) and South Korean clubs had the largest share of outgoing transfers.
Some notable player moves included Harry Kane’s transfer from Tottenham to Bayern Munich for $86 million (£68 million) and Jude Bellingham’s move from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid for $89 million (£72 million).
The report did not include domestic transfers, such as Declan Rice’s £100m million move from West Ham to Arsenal and Moises Caicedo’s £100m million transfer from Brighton to Chelsea.