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

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.

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.

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

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

1. Burnley 2023-24 – €110.5m

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

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

The Clarets were relegated straight back to the Championship.

1. Fulham 2018-19 – €113.1m

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

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

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

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

1. Leeds United 2025-26 – €113.7m

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

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

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

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

1. Southampton 2024-25 – €117.2m

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

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

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

1. Ipswich Town 2024-25 – €125m

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

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.

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

1. Burnley 2025-26 – €131.5m

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.

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

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

1. Aston Villa 2019-20 – €148.6m

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

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

The investment ultimately paid off.

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

1. Nottingham Forest 2022-23 – €155.2m

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

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

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

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

1. Ipswich Town 2026-27 – €178.35m*

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

1. Sunderland 2025-26 – €188.7m

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

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.

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

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

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