The 25 Managers Who Have Spent the Most on Transfers – Ranked

In modern football, success often demands big investments, and no one knows that better than the men on the sidelines. From tactical masterminds to motivators, these coaches have shaped their squads with staggering transfer fees. Here are the 25 managers who’ve spent the most money on signings, ranked by total transfer expenditure, and we’re starting from number 25.

25. David Moyes (€595.26m)

Veteran manager David Moyes has worked across several Premier League clubs, most notably Everton, Manchester United, and West Ham. Despite his often pragmatic approach, he’s overseen nearly €600 million in transfers during his long career.

24. Manuel Pellegrini (€607.07m)

The Chilean tactician enjoyed big budgets at clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and now Real Betis. Known for his attacking style, Pellegrini’s expenditure has consistently matched his ambitions for fluid, competitive teams.

23. Graham Potter (€609.47m)

Though relatively new to elite management, Graham Potter’s time at Chelsea saw rapid-fire signings and large investments. Despite the heavy spending, results didn’t always align with the outlay.

22. Leonardo Jardim (€610.71m)

Best known for building AS Monaco’s exciting 2016–17 side, Jardim spent big rebuilding squads in France, Saudi Arabia, and now Brazil. His transfer activity reflects both talent development and strategic overhauls.

21. Enzo Maresca (€612.64m)

Maresca has quickly entered the big leagues, now managing Chelsea FC. Backed by the club’s aggressive transfer policy, he’s already amassed over €600 million in player purchases early in his coaching tenure.

20. Gian Piero Gasperini (€654.04m)

Gasperini’s transfer record is surprising considering his reputation for developing talent, particularly at Atalanta. His recent move to AS Roma and a long managerial career have combined to push his total spending well past €650 million.

19. Julen Lopetegui (€770.74m)

Whether managing Spain, Real Madrid, or clubs in England and Qatar, Lopetegui has had the backing of wealthy boards. His tactical vision has demanded consistent investment in technical, possession-based players.

18. Carlo Ancelotti (€771.44m)

One of football’s most decorated managers, Ancelotti’s spending spans elite clubs like Milan, Chelsea, PSG, Real Madrid, and now Brazil. His calm demeanor masks a track record of major investments in top-tier talent.

17. Eddie Howe (€779.01m)

From his Bournemouth days to leading Newcastle United’s transformation, Howe’s career has evolved with his spending. Newcastle’s new ownership accelerated his rise in this list through ambitious and targeted signings.

16. Maurizio Sarri (€780.07m)

Sarri has moved across Italy and England, always seeking players who suit his possession-heavy football. His tenure at Chelsea and Lazio included significant financial backing to shape squads in his tactical image.

15. Jorge Jesus (€803.90m)

Known for his high-intensity coaching and multiple stints in Portugal and Brazil, Jesus has managed massive squads and big reputations. His career-long spending is amplified by managing clubs like Benfica and Flamengo during expansive periods.

14. Ernesto Valverde (€823.20m)

Valverde’s biggest spending came during his time at Barcelona, particularly in the post-Neymar era. Now at Athletic Bilbao, his overall transfer history shows how his stints at elite clubs shaped his financial footprint.

13. Luis Enrique (€841.67m)

At both Barcelona and PSG, Luis Enrique has overseen the arrivals of marquee names. His preference for technical, system-oriented players has contributed to his place among the sport’s top spenders.

12. Nuno Espírito Santo (€852.24m)

Nuno’s time at Wolves, Tottenham, and now Nottingham Forest featured extensive transfer activity. His approach has often required complete overhauls, especially at clubs with ambitious ownership.

11. Mikel Arteta (€867.62m)

Arteta has gradually rebuilt Arsenal with a strong emphasis on young talent and long-term potential. Since taking over in 2019, he’s been heavily backed by the board to develop a competitive, modern squad.

10. José Mourinho (€937.41m)

Mourinho has spent big wherever he’s gone, be it Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United, or Roma. His demand for experienced, ready-made players has contributed to nearly €1 billion in transfer fees.

9. Erik ten Hag (€937.93m)

Ten Hag’s move to Manchester United significantly inflated his spending totals after a more modest tenure at Ajax. The Dutchman’s focus on technical players has shaped his high-budget recruitment strategy.

8. Jürgen Klopp (€949.75m)

While Klopp’s image is associated with development and motivation, Liverpool’s squad evolution under his watch involved major signings. Names like Alisson, van Dijk, and Nunez reflect the club’s sizable investment during his reign.

7. Mauricio Pochettino (€1.03bn)

Pochettino’s time at PSG and Chelsea contributed heavily to his billion-euro total. Despite often being praised for improving players, he’s worked within high-expectation environments where spending big was essential.

6. Antonio Conte (€1.08bn)

Known for short, intense spells at clubs, Conte typically demands immediate reinforcement through transfers. Juventus, Chelsea, Inter, Spurs, and now Napoli have all backed him heavily in the market.

5. Unai Emery (€1.12bn)

A career spanning Sevilla, PSG, Arsenal, Villarreal, and now Aston Villa has seen Emery invest significantly. His ability to compete in Europe has often been matched by strong transfer windows to fine-tune his sides.

4. Massimiliano Allegri (€1.18bn)

Allegri’s multiple spells at Juventus, plus time at AC Milan, have seen him command major budgets. Often relying on experienced players, his methodical approach is reflected in the financial outlay across seasons.

3. Thomas Tuchel (€1.19bn)

Tuchel has coached PSG, Chelsea, Bayern, and Dortmund, clubs known for ambition and investment. A tactician to the core, his squad-building reflects a desire for precision fits, often acquired through expensive deals.

2. Diego Simeone (€1.22bn)

Simeone has spent over a decade shaping Atlético Madrid into a consistent European force. While often associated with grit and defense, he hasn’t shied away from costly players like João Félix and Antoine Griezmann.

1. Pep Guardiola (€1.97bn)

No manager has spent more than Guardiola, whose teams at Barcelona, Bayern, and Manchester City have set new tactical standards. His belief in technical excellence and positional mastery has come with a near-€2 billion price tag over his career.