Javier Tebas asserted that LaLiga clubs demonstrate greater effectiveness in their spending compared to their counterparts in the Premier League. His comments came during a week featuring three matchups between Spanish and English teams in the Champions League round of 16.
Real Madrid triumphed over Manchester City, winning 5-1 on aggregate after Vinícius Júnior scored twice in a 2-1 victory in Manchester. Meanwhile, Barcelona is set to face Newcastle on Wednesday, and Tottenham will play against Atlético Madrid.
This season, six Premier League clubs advanced to the last 16, compared to three from LaLiga. Arsenal has moved into the quarterfinals after defeating Bayer Leverkusen, while Chelsea was eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain.
“It’s not just my opinion; there are reports supporting it,” Tebas remarked when questioned about Spanish clubs’ transfer policies. “[The reports] indicate that the teams that spend most effectively on players are Spanish. It is what it is.
“There are many examples. Take Antony, who cost Manchester United €95 million, compared to what Real Betis paid. How many players move to Premier League clubs and then find themselves playing here? In my view, they’re indeed more efficient.
“Furthermore, the model of Spanish football emphasizes academies. We don’t require that kind of spending.”
On Wednesday, LaLiga released its financial report for the 2024-25 season, which showcased a record total income of €5.464 billion—an 8.1% increase from the previous year—with commercial revenue reaching €1.584 billion, and further growth is projected for 2025-26.
The league underlined the significance of homegrown talent, estimating that the total worth of academy players in Spain’s top division is €1.46 billion, surpassing the Premier League’s €1.076 billion, and the €419 million valuation in the Bundesliga.
Five LaLiga teams qualified for the current Champions League season, although Athletic Club and Villarreal were eliminated during the group stage.
“Our teams are competitive, and I believe they will continue to be for many years,” Tebas stated. “We strive to ensure that clubs that don’t adhere to fair play, the ‘state clubs,’ cannot succeed, and I would appreciate more backing, as our critiques often come independently.”
Tebas expressed concerns about the potential negative impact of unregulated spending in the Premier League on the transfer market.
“I worry that spending controls are not being adhered to, leading to a lack of financial soundness in management,” he noted. “This presents a troubling model, as it engenders losses, and clubs can only be rescued by qualifying for European competitions, which in turn creates a debt bubble.”