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

Sunderland and Ipswich Town are among the biggest-spending newly promoted clubs in Premier League history, with both sides investing heavily to strengthen their squads after winning promotion to the top flight.

Sunderland currently top the list after spending €188.7m following their return to the Premier League in 2025, while Ipswich have climbed into the top three after committing €178.35m to new signings ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

READ ALSO: Arsenal chief urges swift resolution to Man City financial charges

However, history shows that heavy spending does not always guarantee survival, with several clubs suffering immediate relegation despite significant investment.

According to figures from Transfermarkt, here are the 10 biggest-spending promoted teams in Premier League history:

1. Sunderland 2025-26 – €188.7m

Sunderland spent €188.7m following their promotion in 2025, making them the biggest-spending promoted side on the list.

The Black Cats significantly overhauled their squad, with former Arsenal and Bayern Munich midfielder Granit Xhaka among the notable arrivals.

Despite finishing fourth in the Championship, 24 points behind champions Leeds United and runners-up Burnley, Sunderland exceeded expectations after returning to the top flight.

They went on to secure European football in their first Premier League season.

2. Ipswich Town 2026-27 – €178.35m*

Ipswich have taken their spending to another level ahead of the 2026/27 season, with their expenditure currently standing at around €178.35m.

Under manager Gary O’Neil, the Tractor Boys have focused on combining young prospects with players who 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 such as Emersonn and Abdul Fatawu, while Julio Enciso has further strengthened their attacking options.

The spending represents a major change in approach for Ipswich as they look to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.

3. Nottingham Forest 2022-23 – €155.2m

Nottingham Forest embarked on one of the most ambitious spending sprees in Premier League history after securing promotion in 2022.

The club spent €155.2m on new players as they attempted to build a squad capable of competing in the top flight.

Forest survived their first season back in the Premier League by four points.

They were later deducted points for breaching financial regulations but managed to remain in the division.

4. Aston Villa 2019-20 – €148.6m

Aston Villa underwent a major squad rebuild after winning promotion in 2019, spending €148.6m on new players.

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

The investment eventually paid off, with Villa avoiding relegation by just one point before improving significantly the following season.

5. Burnley 2025-26 – €131.5m

Burnley spent €131.5m in an attempt to avoid another immediate relegation following their promotion.

The Clarets invested heavily in Chelsea trio Lesley Ugochukwu, Armando Broja and Bashir Humphreys.

Zian Flemming, signed from Millwall, was also among their notable additions.

However, the spending failed to save Burnley from relegation as they suffered another drop from the Premier League.

6. Ipswich Town 2024-25 – €125m

Ipswich spent around €125m when they returned to the Premier League in 2024 after a remarkable rise from League One.

The club needed to strengthen considerably for top-flight football, although some of their recruitment was also aimed at ensuring they would remain competitive if relegated.

The Tractor Boys eventually suffered relegation after one season but immediately bounced back by winning promotion again.

7. Southampton 2024-25 – €117.2m

Southampton invested €117.2m following promotion in an attempt to establish themselves in the Premier League.

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

Despite the significant investment, Southampton endured a disastrous campaign, collecting just 12 points before being relegated.

8. Leeds United 2025-26 – €113.7m

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

Their recruitment focused on strengthening the squad across several positions rather than relying on one major signing.

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

The strategy proved successful as Leeds finished 14th and comfortably secured their Premier League status.

9. Fulham 2018-19 – €113.1m

Fulham spent €113.1m on 18 players after winning promotion in 2018.

Aleksandar Mitrovic was one of the key players involved in their recruitment strategy, but the investment failed to translate into Premier League results.

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

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

10. Burnley 2023-24 – €110.5m

Burnley spent €110.5m on 10 players after returning to the Premier League in 2023.

Goalkeeper James Trafford was among their most notable signings, but the Clarets struggled throughout the campaign.

They finished 19th, eight points from safety, and were relegated straight back to the Championship.

Top 10 at a glance

1. Sunderland (2025-26) – €188.7m
2. Ipswich Town (2026-27) – €178.35m*
3. Nottingham Forest (2022-23) – €155.2m
4. Aston Villa (2019-20) – €148.6m
5. Burnley (2025-26) – €131.5m
6. Ipswich Town (2024-25) – €125m
7. Southampton (2024-25) – €117.2m
8. Leeds United (2025-26) – €113.7m
9. Fulham (2018-19) – €113.1m
10. Burnley (2023-24) – €110.5m

*Ipswich’s 2026/27 figure is based on spending reported so far and could change before the transfer window closes.

The figures underline the huge financial commitment required by newly promoted clubs, but also show that spending alone is no guarantee of Premier League survival.