FIFA transfer report: Chiefs join Sundowns on list of Africa’s biggest spenders

Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns were among the top spending clubs in Africa when it comes to international transfers.

According to the FIFA transfer report of 2025, Chiefs moved into the top 10 of the big spenders in Africa, joining Sundowns, placed ninth, with the two South African clubs spending the least money from the top 10 sides.

As per the report, Egyptian clubs Al Ahly, Zamalek and Pyramids occupy the top three respectively followed by big-spending Libyan side Al-Ittihad, which have just signed Thembinkosi Lorch, followed by Moroccan sides Wydad Athletic Club and RS Berkane and then Tunisia’s Esperance as well as JS Kabylie of Algeria.

How much was received and spent in SA?

The report says a total of 66 players joined the PSL from other countries while 130 were sold with $3.31 million (R52.6 million) spent by South African clubs, who received a total of $5.16 million (R82 million) in transfer fees.

It is not reported, however, how much each club spent and on who but Sundowns brought in Portuguese midfielders Nuno Santos (Vitoria Guimaraes) and Miguel Reisinho as well Katlego Ntsabeleng on loan from Dallas FC.

Chiefs, meanwhile, signed Flavio Silva (Persebaya Surabaya, Indonesia), Ethan Chislett (Port Vale, England), Nkanyiso Shinga (FC Alverce, Portugal) and Khanyisa Mayo (CR Belouizdad, loan).

When it comes to transfer fees, Pirates accounted for most of the $5.16 million (R82 million) received by South African clubs with Mohau Nkota joining Saudi club Al-Ettifaq for over $2 million (R31 million) while Mbekezeli Mbokazi signed for MLS side Chicago Fire for $3 million (R47.6 million).