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Premier League's Talent Harvest: 'Big Six' Clubs Dominate Intra-League Transfers
3 Aug
Summary
- 'Big Six' clubs acquiring 39% of Premier League-to-Premier League transfers, highest since 2010
- Wealthier clubs focus on signing talent from English academies and non-'Big Six' teams
- Premier League's massive TV revenue empowers non-'Big Six' clubs to attract foreign talent

As of August 3rd, 2025, the Premier League has witnessed a significant shift in its transfer dynamics, with the division's wealthiest 'Big Six' clubs dominating intra-league player movements. In the current summer transfer window, 39% of Premier League-to-Premier League transfers have involved the 'Big Six' acquiring talent from the rest of the league, the highest such share since 2010.
This trend reflects the growing wealth gap within the Premier League. The 'Big Six' clubs - Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Tottenham - have been increasingly focused on signing players from English academies and non-'Big Six' teams, rather than looking abroad for talent as they had done in the past. This is partly due to the success of the Premier League's elite player performance plan (EPPP), which has helped English academies produce better-developed homegrown players.
Additionally, the Premier League's massive TV revenue, with the latest domestic four-year deal starting from the 2025-26 season collectively valued at £6.7bn, has empowered non-'Big Six' clubs to attract foreign talent. These teams have been signing players from Europe's top leagues, with France, Spain, Germany, and Italy comprising 51% of their summer signings since 2016.
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The spending power of the 'Big Six' clubs allows them to capitalize on this trend, often inserting clauses in players' contracts that enable them to sign these talents at a later stage, even if at a premium price. This 'Premier League premium' reflects the value these players have proven in the English top flight, making them attractive targets for the division's elite.