FULL LIST: Top 10 biggest-spending promoted teams in EPL history

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Ipswich Town have joined the ranks of the biggest-spending promoted clubs in Premier League history after splashing more than €178 million on new players ahead of the 2026/27 season.

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The Tractor Boys, who are back in the top flight after another promotion, have adopted a more ambitious transfer strategy under new manager Gary O’Neil as they look to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.

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However, history shows that spending heavily does not always guarantee Premier League survival.

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Here are the 10 biggest-spending promoted teams, according to Transfermarkt on Wednesday

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1. Burnley 2023-24 – €110.5m

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Burnley spent €110.5m on 10 players during the summer of 2023 as they prepared for life back in the Premier League.

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James Trafford was arguably the most significant signing, although Burnley struggled throughout the campaign and finished 19th, eight points from safety.

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The Clarets were relegated straight back to the Championship.

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1. Fulham 2018-19 – €113.1m

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Fulham were among the Premier League’s biggest spenders in the summer of 2018, bringing in 18 players.

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Aleksandar Mitrovic was one of the key arrivals, but the spending failed to translate into results.

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Fulham won just seven league games and finished 19th, 10 points from safety.

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Many of the players who arrived that summer remained at the club and helped Fulham secure promotion again the following season.

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1. Leeds United 2025-26 – €113.7m

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Leeds spent €113.7m after winning promotion, with the club determined to avoid becoming a yo-yo side.

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Their recruitment focused largely on strengthening the squad across the pitch rather than making one huge statement signing.

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Anton Stach was their biggest purchase, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin arrived on a free transfer.

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The strategy paid off as Leeds finished 14th and comfortably secured their Premier League status.

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1. Southampton 2024-25 – €117.2m

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Southampton spent heavily in an attempt to remain in the Premier League but endured a disastrous campaign.

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Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Flynn Downes and Mateus Fernandes were among the arrivals, while goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale brought considerable top-flight experience.

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Despite the investment, Southampton finished with only 12 points and were relegated.

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1. Ipswich Town 2024-25 – €125m

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Ipswich spent around €125m when they returned to the Premier League in 2024.

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The club had risen rapidly from League One and needed to significantly strengthen their squad, but much of their recruitment focused on players who could also compete in the Championship.

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The Tractor Boys were relegated after one season but bounced back at the first attempt.

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1. Burnley 2025-26 – €131.5m

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Burnley attempted to avoid another immediate relegation by spending €131.5m on new players.

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The Clarets invested heavily in three Chelsea players – Lesley Ugochukwu, Armando Broja and Bashir Humphreys – but the additions failed to transform their fortunes.

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Zian Flemming, signed from Millwall, was among their more successful recruits.

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Burnley were relegated again, suffering their second drop in four seasons.

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1. Aston Villa 2019-20 – €148.6m

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Aston Villa underwent a major squad overhaul following promotion in 2019, spending €148.6m on new players.

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Ezri Konsa, Douglas Luiz, Matt Targett, Tyrone Mings and Wesley Moraes were among the arrivals, while Pepe Reina joined on loan.

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The investment ultimately paid off.

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Villa survived by just one point before improving the following season significantly.

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1. Nottingham Forest 2022-23 – €155.2m

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Nottingham Forest famously went on a huge spending spree after winning promotion in 2022.

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The club spent €155.2m as they attempted to assemble a squad capable of competing in the Premier League.

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Forest survived their first season back in the top flight by four points.

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The club were subsequently deducted points for breaching financial rules, but they remained in the division.

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1. Ipswich Town 2026-27 – €178.35m*

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Ipswich have taken their spending to another level this summer, with their expenditure currently standing at around €178.35m.

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O’Neil’s recruitment strategy has combined young talent with players who already have Premier League experience.

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Sasa Lukic and Issa Diop have arrived from Fulham, while Florentino Luis joined from Burnley.

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The club have also invested in younger players including Emersonn and Abdul Fatawu.

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The return of Julio Enciso has further strengthened their attacking options and made him the club’s most expensive signing of the summer.

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Ipswich are now among the biggest spenders in the Premier League, despite their spending being spread across a large number of signings rather than one huge transfer.

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The big question is whether the investment will be enough to keep them in the top flight.

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1. Sunderland 2025-26 – €188.7m

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Sunderland sit at the top of the list after spending €188.7m following their promotion in 2025.

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The Black Cats’ recruitment was particularly impressive given that they had finished fourth in the Championship, 24 points behind eventual champions Leeds and runners-up Burnley.

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They completely overhauled their squad, with the arrival of Granit Xhaka providing experience and leadership.

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Rather than simply surviving, Sunderland exceeded expectations and secured European football in their first season back in the Premier League.

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Figures are based on reported Transfermarkt transfer expenditure and may change before the transfer window closes.

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