Oscar Santamariña
Data Viz

The Cost of Competing

A visual analysis of transfer spending, sales, and squad-building in Spanish football since Atlético Madrid’s return to Primera in 2002/03.

Net outlay
Running cumulative net transfer spend (spend minus income) since 02/03, when Atlético Madrid returned to Primera. Main comparison shows Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona, with Atlético Madrid positioned between them and the reference clubs (Sevilla FC, Valencia CF, and Villarreal CF).
Atletico Madrid Barcelona Real Madrid
Villarreal Valencia Sevilla

Sources: Transfermarkt (transfer fees, arrivals & departures) and Capology (2025/26 wage estimates). Fees, loans, and free moves reflect how Transfermarkt lists them on the linked page snapshot.