According to Transfermarkt,, external Premier League clubs have spent more than £2bn during this transfer window compared with the £740m spent by the second highest-spending league, Italy’s Serie A, and the third-placed German Bundesliga’s total of £520m.
Transfermarkt has Liverpool as the top flight’s highest spenders so far, with more than £250m worth of signings, including Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz in the summer’s biggest deal so far – an initial £100m.
Chelsea have also paid out nearly £250m, while Manchester United have brought in forwards Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha for a combined initial fee of about £194m.
However, in terms of net spend,, external United have the biggest outlay, followed by Arsenal, Manchester City, Sunderland, Tottenham and Liverpool.
“I think investment in squads is generally a good thing so long as everyone stays within the rules,” said Masters.
“Squads will be strengthened and that adds to the competitive element. It’s a brilliant mix of the best stars from around the world and homegrown talent.
“We’re at the start of a new commercial term… and usually you get a spike in spending [with that].”
Everton recently became the third Premier League team, after Chelsea and Aston Villa, to sell their women’s team to the parent company which owns the club.
The move improves their compliance with the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules, which allow clubs to post losses of £105m over a three-year reporting cycle.
“Ultimately, I have to be [comfortable with clubs doing that], the rules permit it,” said Masters.
“We have had lots of debates around our table about whether to change them and we decided not to, so whether I like it or not that debate has been had and we move forward.”