Aston Villa's Agent Fees Revealed as Second Highest in Premier League
Aston Villa have emerged as the second-highest spenders on agent fees among Premier League clubs over the past year, with only Chelsea exceeding their payments. This revelation underscores the substantial financial commitments involved in modern football operations.
Detailed Breakdown of Villa's Spending
Villa paid a total of £38.4 million in agent fees between February 2025 and February 2026, marking a significant increase of £13.4 million from the previous year. This rise represents the highest jump of any club in the league, indicating aggressive activity in player negotiations and transfers.
In comparison, Chelsea topped the list with a staggering £65.1 million in agent fees during the same period, maintaining their position as the highest spenders for the third consecutive year. Notably, Chelsea also reported the biggest pre-tax loss in Premier League history at £262 million, highlighting the financial pressures in top-tier football.
Context and Comparisons with Other Clubs
Villa's spending on agent fees is particularly notable given their £70 million expenditure on incoming transfers, suggesting that a large portion of costs was tied to renegotiating player contracts and securing new professional registrations under manager Unai Emery.
Over the last two years, Villa have paid a combined total of £63.5 million in agent fees, up from just over £25 million between February 2024 and February 2025. This figure is comparable to Manchester United's spending of £64.8 million over the same timeframe, with only Chelsea and Manchester City exceeding these amounts.
League-Wide Trends and Overall Impact
Across the Premier League, clubs collectively paid £460 million to agents in the past 12 months. These payments cover work involving players, coaches, or clubs, such as transfers and contract negotiations, as regulated by the Football Association.
Other top spenders include Manchester City in third place with £37.4 million, Arsenal with a rise of over £9 million to £32.1 million, Liverpool with an increase of £13 million to nearly £34 million, and Manchester United at £37.8 million. This data reflects the escalating costs and competitive nature of agent dealings in English football.
