The summer 2025 transfer window has seen record-breaking deals across Europe, but not every club has splashed the cash. While the likes of Premier League giants and La Liga powerhouses spent heavily to strengthen their squads, several teams have opted for a more conservative approach, focusing on free transfers, loan deals, and youth promotions.
Below are the 10 clubs in Europe’s top five leagues that spent the least money this summer, based on reported transfer fees.
- Crystal Palace – £1.95M
The South London side recorded the lowest spend in the top five leagues, bringing in low-cost signings while banking on their existing core to compete in the Premier League.
- Levante – £2.1M
Recently promoted to La Liga, Levante have kept their spending minimal, prioritizing squad stability over high-profile arrivals.
- Lecce – £2.55M
The Serie A club continues its frugal approach, targeting budget-friendly reinforcements to avoid overspending in a competitive league.
- Monaco – £2.55M
Despite their reputation for player trading, Monaco’s low spending this summer reflects a shift towards promoting academy graduates and relying on existing talent.
- Rayo Vallecano – £2.65M
Rayo’s modest outlay is a sign of financial prudence, focusing on maintaining their La Liga status without risking financial instability.
- Auxerre – £2.8M
In Ligue 1, Auxerre have resisted big-money transfers, instead bringing in experienced free agents to add depth.
- Real Oviedo – £3M
La Liga newcomers Real Oviedo have kept spending low as they prepare for a challenging debut season in Spain’s top tier.
- Elche – £3M
The club has focused on smart recruitment, relying heavily on loans to bolster their squad for the new campaign.
- Alavés – £3.4M
With one of the smallest budgets in La Liga, Alavés have made just a few targeted signings to complement their roster.
- Nantes – £3.4M
The French side rounds out the list, keeping expenditures low while betting on their academy talent to step up in Ligue 1.
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Conclusion:
While transfer headlines are often dominated by nine-figure deals, these clubs prove that success isn’t always about spending big. Financial discipline, smart scouting, and player development remain crucial strategies for long-term stability in European football.