Wrexham’s meteoric rise through English football has captured global attention — and this summer, their spending power has shocked Europe.
After three consecutive promotions, Phil Parkinson’s side are preparing for life in the Championship, and they’ve splashed the cash like never before.
According to Transfermarkt, Wrexham have spent €27.33 million on new players this summer, without making a single euro back in sales.
That leaves them with a net spend of -€27.33m — the 28th highest in world football.
What’s astonishing? That figure is higher than several European giants, including Barcelona and AC Milan.
Here are seven clubs with a lower net spend than Wrexham this summer.
1. Chelsea, Net Spend: -€23.2m (approx.)
Chelsea may have spent over €270m on new players under Enzo Maresca, but smart sales — including homegrown stars — have balanced the books.
Their net spend actually comes out lower than Wrexham’s, putting them 32nd in the global rankings.
2. Barcelona, Net Spend: -€4.5m
Barcelona’s financial struggles mean their transfer policy remains restricted.
While they’ve spent roughly the same as Wrexham (\~€27m), sales have kept their net spend far smaller.
Incredibly, Wrexham have outspent one of football’s biggest clubs.
3. RB Leipzig, Net Spend: -€25.2m
RB Leipzig invested heavily this summer (over €112m), but the big sale of Benjamin Sesko swung their finances in the right direction.
Despite being a Champions League club, their net spend is still lower than Championship newcomers Wrexham.
4. West Ham United, Net Spend: -€17m
West Ham have struggled badly at the start of the Premier League season, but that hasn’t stopped them spending more than €80m on signings.
The €45m sale of Mohammed Kudus has softened the financial hit, keeping their net spend well below Wrexham’s.
5. FC Porto, Net Spend: -€12.8m
Porto have done what they do best: sell stars for big money.
The departures of Francisco Conceição, Otávio, João Mário and Gonçalo Borges have offset their purchases,
giving them one of the healthiest balances in Europe compared to Wrexham’s deficit.
6. Marseille, Net Spend: +€1.4m
Marseille are actually in profit this summer! The Ligue 1 club have spent around €65m,
but thanks to lucrative sales of players like Luis Henrique and Jonathan Rowe, they’ve recorded a positive net spend.
That’s the total opposite of Wrexham’s all-in approach.
7. AC Milan, Net Spend: +€64m (approx.)
Serie A giants AC Milan have pulled off one of the most impressive windows in Europe.
Despite signing over €100m worth of talent, they’ve sold Tijjani Reijnders, Malick Thiaw, and Theo Hernandez for huge fees.
Their positive balance puts them worlds apart from Wrexham financially.
Final Thoughts
Wrexham’s Hollywood-backed rise shows no signs of slowing down. But their spending spree highlights just how ambitious — and risky — their Championship project is.
When a newly promoted side from Wales is outspending Barcelona, AC Milan, and Chelsea, it’s clear that football’s financial landscape is shifting in remarkable ways.