Spain’s top division continues to get weaker year-on-year when it comes to financial power, in a worrying trend that puts its long-term sustainability in doubt
LaLiga’s transfer market influence has dwindled significantly in recent seasons, with the Spanish top flight now ranked only fifth in Europe for transfer spending, and even behind leagues from the Americas like the United States’ Major League Soccer and Brazil’s Série A.
The overall expenditure on incoming transfers by LaLiga clubs sits well behind Europe’s other top league, despite its historic reputation as one of the world’s elite divisions.
While Spain’s big clubs still attract attention, the total spending gap compared with the Premier League – which regularly invests billions in new players – has never been starker.
This trend was evident in the 2026 winter window, where LaLiga clubs collectively spent just €75.5 million on new signings, €54 million of which came from Atlético Madrid alone, thanks to deals for Ademola Lookman, Rodrigo Mendoza and Obed Vargas.
Outside Atlético, most teams adopted an ultra-cautious approach, with many opting for free transfers or loans rather than significant fees.
By contrast, Major League Soccer (MLS) and Brazil’s Campeonato Brasileiro Série A have shown surprising robustness in the transfer market, buoyed by expanding commercial profiles, player investment strategies and attractive contracts that threaten to lure established stars or rising talents away from Europe.
MLS, the Saudi Pro League, and the Brazilian league spent more money this winter, with each of the three leagues surpassing €100 million – the latter spent over €200 million.
Flamengo alone spent €42m on Lucas Paquetá from West Ham United, more than half of what all of LaLiga spent.
🪟 The transfer window may have closed yesterday, but there are plenty of free agents who can still be snapped up.
🏆 Among them are a four-time Champions League winner, a four-time Premier League winner and a World Cup Golden Boot winner.https://t.co/qf5oePdb9M #transfers
— BBSportNews (@thebbsportnews) February 3, 2026
How Barcelona and Real Madrid’s duopoly hamper LaLiga’s financial strategy
A major factor behind LaLiga’s relative decline in transfer spending is the league’s revenue structure, especially its TV rights distribution and financial regulations.
Unlike the Premier League, which shares broadcast revenue more evenly among all clubs and has seen waves of growth thanks to lucrative international deals, LaLiga still relies heavily on its two giants – Real Madrid and Barcelona – to generate the bulk of income. Smaller clubs receive a much smaller slice in comparison, leaving limited budgets for competitive transfer market activity.
LaLiga president Javier Tebas’ strict financial rules and focus on sustainability have also constrained spending, meaning clubs can only operate within tight budgets designed to avoid risk – but at the cost of market muscle. Critics argue this system impedes competitiveness and contributes to LaLiga losing out to wealthier or more aggressive markets abroad.
As global football continues to evolve, LaLiga’s challenge will be balancing financial prudence with the need to remain attractive to top talent.
The numbers suggest Spanish clubs are no longer dominating the market the way they once did, in what has become a worrying trend for one of the once great leagues.