MANCHESTER UNITED spent more than £10million on agents’ fees between October 1, 2015 and February 1, 2016 to lead the latest Premier League list.
United boss Louis van Gaal did not make any signings in the January transfer window yet the club’s fees were still in excess of £3m more than Liverpool, who were second on the list.
In contrast, league leaders Leicester, who are on the brink of a remarkable title success, spent just £936,004, while bottom-of-the-list Everton forked out a relatively meagre £471,400.
The Guardian reports: “The £10m United spent between October and February this season was on renegotiations of numerous contracts, with David de Gea signing a four-year extension in September after almost departing for Real Madrid.
“The negotiations involving the goalkeeper and other players contributed to the figure, which is 21.5 per cent of the overall net spend on agents by top-flight clubs during the period.”
A rip-off or a necessary evil of the modern game?
While the figures seem exorbitant, United at least may consider it money well spent if it means they can hang on to De Gea – arguably, along with Bayern Munich’s Oliver Kahn, the best keeper in the world – for a few more seasons.
Top six agents’ fees paid by Premier League clubs between October 1, 2015 and February 1, 2016:
Manchester United £10,023,318
Liverpool £6,672,713
Manchester City £5,880,098
Arsenal £3,135,483
West Ham £2,691,331
Tottenham £2,562,853
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