Football has reached the point of no return, with clubs spending more and more each year on the biggest names around. In the first instalment of a three-part series on the flourishing transfer market, theScore explains how and why it’s become a multi-billion-pound industry.

Complete series:

• Why do agents have so much power? (Aug. 1)
• How to fix the inflated transfer system (Aug. 2)

When moustachioed striker Alf Common joined Middlesbrough from Sunderland in 1905 for a then-record £1,000 fee, the world was a different place. Capitalism had just taken hold of English industry, television was a distant reality, and footballers had second and third jobs.

The transfer sparked “heated debate” in the House of Commons, according to the book, “When Saturday Comes.” How could a footballer cost so much? And why would Boro, only six years old at the time, spend that kind of money?

The answer was survival. Risking the drop, the Smoggies looked to Common to keep the club in the first division. And he did, scoring a penalty on his debut to secure Boro’s first away win in nearly two years.

(Photo courtesy: The Telegraph)

More than a century later, Common is nothing more than a laughable footnote in the annals of football’s lavish culture of spending. Transfers totalling billions of pounds happen every summer, and the costs continue to soar.

The market, once dictated by local businessmen, exploded once the game went global. As television companies one-upped each other for the chance to show top-tier matches, clubs gained a considerable amount of disposable income. Sponsorships increased revenue, and foreign owners entered the fray with their own fortunes.

The result? An overinflated transfer system in which clubs try to buy success.

And sometimes, it’s the desperation of Middlesbrough’s kind that forces the hand.

The big bang

Clubs’ coffers began to overflow in the 1990s, when TV networks realised they could sell live football as a way to boost subscriptions.

“This made the market more competitive,” Alex Duff, co-author of “Football’s Secret Trade: How the Player Transfer Market was Infiltrated,” told theScore. “Before that, in the UK, there was only one match a week. Maybe not even that, just a highlights show.”

In the early 1980s, TV rights went for around £200,000, according to Duff. Before that, clubs even paid sponsors to wear their merchandise.

Contrast that to the Premier League’s current £8.3-billion TV deal – and sponsorships in the hundreds of millions – and it’s no secret why England’s elite can and will drop bigger chunks of change for coveted players.

That difference in trends dates back to Silvio Berlusconi’s push for pay-per-view in the 1980s. By televising AC Milan’s high-profile friendlies on his network, Mediaset, he created a supply for the demand. Berlusconi also helped give life to the Champions League by encouraging UEFA to expand European competition so networks could televise as many marquee matches as possible.

Oddly enough, there’s now almost a surplus of live football on television. A top team can expect to play 50 fixtures per season – all for a sweet piece of the pie.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid and Barcelona benefited for years from generous bank loans and a disproportionate share of La Liga’s TV money, which funded the famous Galacticos in the early 2000s and the signings of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo. Even with new regulations in place to curb their financial monopoly, Madrid and Barcelona have enough revenue to handle hundreds of millions of pounds of debt.

And Paris Saint-Germain has emerged as a serious player on the transfer market thanks to Qatari-backed investments. Should PSG sign Neymar, the entire package, including fees and wages, could reportedly exceed the £300-million mark.

Because of the massive disproportion of money in European football, and the relative weakness of Financial Fair Play regulations, the business of buying and selling players is a high-end pursuit.

Only 10 percent of the 13,500 players who switched clubs in 2014 cost a fee, according to Duff.

The fans want more

But the Premier League has far exceeded its peers. By moving from terrestrial to satellite TV, it turned the upper echelon of the English game into one of the richest sports landscapes in the world.

As a result of the newly negotiated TV deals, the Guardian’s David Conn said the league’s 20 clubs earned a record £3.649 billion in income in 2015-16. Wages represent 61 percent of that total, which is considered sustainable. As long as the cash is coming in, there’s a will to spend.

The biggest difference between the Premier League and its rivals is the circulation of wealth. Even relegated Sunderland, which went a dismal seven straight league matches without scoring a goal, received payments just short of £100 million last season. Only the Black Cats’ level of debt restricted significant activity on the transfer market, proving that mismanagement is still a real problem for smaller clubs.

For England’s leading pack, however, there’s a higher threshold and expectation for big signings.

Faced with shortcomings in goal and defence, Manchester City has splurged nearly £300 million since the 2014-15 season to find a fix. It may now have a stable backline with the pricey acquisitions of Benjamin Mendy and Kyle Walker, but that doesn’t guarantee success.

What it does achieve is supporter satisfaction.

“The big-money signing is a way to materially demonstrate a commitment to the fans,” Stefan Szymanski, professor of sport management at the University of Michigan and co-author of “Soccernomics,” told theScore. “Building a new stand, enhancing the training facilities – while they might actually contribute to a club’s long-term success, they don’t seem as tangible to the fans. Bringing these gift-wrapped players to the fans is part of the whole relationship with the owners and elected presidents.”

The foreign invasion

Now that foreign owners have taken over the sport – which they see as an opportunity to strengthen their international profiles – the rapport between supporters and those owners is more important than ever. And spending has strengthened that bond.

The only reason supporters of Manchester City, Leicester City, and Chelsea have accepted their new lords is down to their clubs’ respective transformations. Each of those outfits left behind mid-table mediocrity or life in the lower rungs of football once billionaire foreigners spent their cash and erased debt.

Chelsea’s ever-present Roman Abramovich can hire and fire managers at a whim without losing supporters’ faith because he’s delivered top players and major trophies. Even a less visible owner like Manchester City’s Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan has had a great effect on the local community, attracting some of the world’s flashiest footballers and one Pep Guardiola.

Spending increasing amounts on newer, shinier things, year after year, has become a means by which to sell season tickets and keep the fans’ trust.

“Buying a big name is a way of saying, ‘Yes, we are a big club.’ It gives supporters the thrill of expectation, a sense that their club is going somewhere, which may be as much fun as actually winning things,” Szmynaski wrote, along with Dutch journalist Simon Kuper, in “Soccernomics.”

The gold rush

While the globalisation of the Premier League, which boasts players from 65 different countries, has certainly boosted its value, it’s also forced traditionally local clubs like Everton to find wealthy investors in search of life among the elite.

By ceding half of his 26 percent share to Monaco-based accountant Farhad Moshiri, longtime Everton board member and Merseyside native Bill Kenwright put the club in the hands of someone who could finance it like cross-town rival Liverpool.

Stabilising finances, as Kenwright did during David Moyes’ frugal tenure, was no longer a concern.

Everton didn’t need to sell Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United to spend around £100 million. Instead, Moshiri’s investments gave the Merseyside outfit the ammunition to recruit Davy Klaassen, Michael Keane, Jordan Pickford, Sandro Ramirez, and Wayne Rooney.

There’s now talk the Toffees could crack the top four.

“You can never take over a club. You become part of it and that’s what I’m hoping – to become part of a club,” Moshiri said in March 2016, after purchasing a 49.9 percent share. “For me, I bought into a new family and that’s what is special for me.

“I give them whatever I have.”

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

Every footballer on the planet has blemishes, weaknesses in their game they wish didn’t exist. But what if they didn’t? What would the ideal player look like in every position? Plucking specific traits from various superstars, theScore is diving into the lab to build the perfect footballer.

Complete series:

In the final installment of our seven-part series, we’re assembling the perfect forward: pace, power, silky skills, and ruthlessness in front of goal, this ideal attacker strikes fear into the hearts of defenders and goalkeepers alike.

Pace: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund)

Borussia Dortmund’s 28-year-old scoring machine, coming off a 31-goal campaign, isn’t solely reliant on his pace, but being fast as lightning certainly doesn’t hurt. Aubameyang’s raw speed allows him to outrun defenders and set himself up inside the area to score an inordinate number of simple tap-ins; his speed, combined with Dortmund’s slick attack that relies heavily on cutback passes inside the area, is a match made in heaven.

Strength: Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United)

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Lukaku is a physical marvel. The 24-year-old Belgian striker, fresh off a massive move to Manchester United, bullies centre-backs on the regular, which, considering they’re supposed to be some of the strongest, most imposing players on the pitch, is quite the feat. At 6-foot-3, and about 220 pounds, Lukaku pairs brute strength with explosiveness that makes him one of the most daunting assignments in the game for any defender.

Shooting ability: Luis Suarez (Barcelona)

In terms of a pure No. 9, there’s nobody better than Barcelona hitman Suarez. The feisty Uruguayan has netted 139 league goals in his last five seasons; 40 of those came in 2015-16. Some of that is the product of playing alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar, sure, but Suarez has carried the Barcelona attack by himself at times since moving to the Camp Nou, his pinpoint shooting accuracy, especially from tight angles, making him a threat to score from everywhere on the pitch.

Heading: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

Nobody hangs in midair like Ronaldo. Real Madrid’s photogenic Portuguese has scored more headed goals (33) than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues over the past five seasons. Conventional wisdom suggests footballers in general, and especially forwards, diminish with age, but as Ronaldo continues to transition to a classic No. 9, his ability to find pockets of space inside the penalty area and dominate in the air should see him fill the net for years to come.

Inventiveness: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

The most magical footballer in history. There’s nothing else to say.

Penalty box instincts: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

Bayern Munich’s Polish assassin hasn’t scored fewer than 17 times in any of his last six Bundesliga seasons, a run that includes consecutive campaigns where he reached the 30-goal plateau. Of his 60 league markers over the last two years, 56 have come from inside the penalty area, highlighting just how skilled Lewandowski is at exploiting space, and how ruthless he is when chances fall his way.

Work rate: Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)

Arsenal’s Chilean terrier – soon to be Manchester City’s, perhaps – is a manager’s dream. Aside from being a prolific attacker who is equal parts creator and finisher, Sanchez acts as the first line of defence, hurrying and harrying opposing defenders to win possession back in dangerous areas. In an era when pressing systems are more prevalent than ever, having forwards who are willing to put in the dirty work without the ball is crucial, and Sanchez, who seems to be powered by a never-ending battery, is a prime example.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images unless otherwise stated)

Every footballer on the planet has blemishes, weaknesses in their game they wish didn’t exist. But what if they didn’t? What would the ideal player look like in every position? Plucking specific traits from various superstars, theScore is diving into the lab to build the perfect footballer.

Complete series:

In the sixth installment of our seven-part series, we’re assembling the perfect winger: frightening speed paired with the ability both to put defenders on skates and then make the perfect final pass to tee up a striker.

Pace: Leroy Sane (Manchester City)

Sane took some time to acclimate to life in the Premier League under Pep Guardiola, but once he did, there was no stopping the 21-year-old speed demon. The German, whose upright running style mirrors that of Cristiano Ronaldo, is a sight to behold when he gets his legs pumping in fifth gear. Raw pace like Sane’s can’t be taught.

Power: Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)

When his troublesome calves aren’t keeping him on the shelf, Welsh powerhouse Bale is the epitome of a modern winger; fast, technically excellent, and boasting a rocket of a left foot when he cuts in from the right side, his greatest quality is arguably his physicality. Real Madrid’s top-knotted No. 11 is built like a superhero, his combination of lower-body strength and broad shoulders making him a handful against (typically) smaller full-backs both in the air and on the ground.

Dribbling: Ousmane Dembele (Borussia Dortmund)

Dembele’s shot-fake is a work of art. The French international, 20, can beat opposing defenders in his sleep, gliding past them with ease thanks to his superlative ball control, quick burst of speed, and ability to use both feet. Just ask John Stones, whom Dembele sent back to the Stone Age with this move in a recent friendly. Borussia Dortmund’s young winger is one of the most prolific dribblers in European football, completing 4.5 take-ons per 90 minutes last season; among players who made at least 20 appearances, that total was good enough for fourth across Europe’s top five leagues.

Flair: Neymar (Barcelona)

Wingers are supposed to be fun. Theirs is the only position on the pitch where there’s enough space to line up your prey and pull off some electrifying bit of skill that puts them on a poster and gets the crowd oohing. Nobody does this better than Neymar. He’s the most disrespectful player in the game (this is a compliment) because he’s willing to try things that are more commonly found in FIFA Street. His incredible Santos highlight reel was basically a crash course in how to humiliate defenders, and while the 25-year-old doesn’t toy with the opposition in the same way anymore, he still has more fun than anybody else in the game when he laces up his boots.

Shooting: Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)

Robben’s tombstone will read as follows: “He dribbles down the right wing. He cuts inside onto his left foot. He curls home a gorgeous effort to the far post. Rinse. Repeat.” Everybody knows that sweet left-footed effort is coming, and nobody can do a damn thing about it.

Work rate: Angel Di Maria (Paris Saint-Germain)

That Di Maria is often saddled with the “Premier League bust” label stemming from his brief spell at Manchester United is a shame, seeing as how the lithe Argentine is one of the world’s best wingers; history will likely be kind to him, as people will realize how unfortunate he was to arrive at Old Trafford during a time of disarray for the club. The 29-year-old is an uber-versatile footballer who doesn’t get enough credit for his willingness to put in the lung-busting, dirty defensive work that has been a hallmark of his game going back to his Real Madrid days.

Final pass: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Salah is going to light up Anfield this season. The speedy Egyptian winger, who racked up 17 Serie A assists for Roma over the last two seasons, has developed into one of the most consistently devastating wingers throughout Europe, pairing an ability to finish moves himself with a penchant for setting up teammates – it’s no coincidence Edin Dzeko enjoyed the best scoring season of his career last year. Salah’s 2.6 key passes per 90 minutes was among Europe’s best marks for wingers, and that number should have Reds fans salivating heading into the new campaign.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images unless otherwise stated)

Every footballer on the planet has blemishes – weaknesses in their game they wish didn’t exist. But what if they didn’t? What would the ideal player look like in every position? Plucking specific traits from various superstars, theScore is diving into the lab to build the perfect footballer.

Complete series:

In the fifth installment of our seven-part series, we’re assembling the perfect attacking midfielder: a No. 10 with an eye for a pass, the quickness to cause havoc, and the dribbling ability to create something out of nothing.

Vision: Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)

No, this isn’t a joke about his eyes. Mesut Ozil’s game is always under the microscope. His slumping shoulders and perceived lack of “fight” – whatever that means – garner unfair criticism from pundits who suggest he doesn’t work hard on the pitch because he isn’t constantly moving at hyper-speed like teammate Alexis Sanchez. In truth, he’s able to operate at a different pace than everyone else, using his superior vision to slow the game down before picking out inch-perfect passes. He’s a dying breed in a modern game that is so heavily built on athleticism and physicality, and it makes him a joy to watch.

Passing: Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)

Age is just a number. Unlike his hairline, Andres Iniesta’s footballing intellect and ability to thread the needle haven’t withered away over the years. Now 33, the Barcelona icon remains a football genius, running with the ball attached to his foot as if it was on a string, and linking up with his teammates like few others in the game. He was always at the heart of Barca’s tiki-taka identity, and even as the club’s eschewed that style somewhat in recent years, Iniesta has remained a master of the killer pass.

Versatility: Isco (Real Madrid)

Isco was always a supremely talented footballer, but his issue was getting enough playing time at Real Madrid to showcase his deft skills on a consistent basis. Thanks to Gareth Bale’s persistent injury problems last season, he finally got just that, and sparkled down the stretch, playing a massive role in leading Los Blancos to a La Liga-Champions League double. A wizard with the ball at his feet, the Spaniard thrives because of his ability to move seamlessly between attacking positions – slotting in, in theory, on the right wing of Madrid’s 4-3-3 before proceeding to drift inside, shift to the left, and pop up wherever he finds pockets of space.

Dribbling: Paulo Dybala (Juventus)

From striker to chief creator for Juventus’ diminutive Argentine. Paulo Dybala arrived in Turin expected to carry the scoring load, but the signing of Gonzalo Higuain saw the 23-year-old drop into a traditional No. 10 role. Good thing, too, as Dybala blossomed into a playmaking force, using his silky dribbling skills to carve open the opposition and help create openings to either set up a teammate – often his aforementioned compatriot – or curl in a sweet effort of his own. Comparisons to Lionel Messi are unfair, but there is one striking similarity: Despite being so left-foot dependent that defenders know he’s eventually going in that direction, they’re still helpless to stop him.

Quickness: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Nominally a winger, Eden Hazard was given the freedom by Antonio Conte to roam wherever he desired last season, returning to his invigorating best and shredding defenders while leading Chelsea to the Premier League crown. He’s an elite dribbler and is exceedingly strong – his powerful lower half makes him a nightmare to slow down – but it’s always his quickness that awes. Hazard’s change of pace and acceleration are mind-blowing, allowing him to make a quick shimmy before turning on the jets and pulling away from his marker with a couple blistering first steps. He lulls you to sleep, and then he’s gone, whether he’s cutting laterally inside or driving toward the line.

Ambidexterity: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

In playing an attacking midfield role, where holes appear for a second and vanish if you don’t react instantly, being able to maneuver in both directions is crucial. Kevin De Bruyne can do exactly that. Naturally a right-footed player, Manchester City’s Belgian mastermind can easily go left, his unpredictability and two-footedness keeping defenders honest. It’s an enormous advantage in a role where you simply don’t have time to always position your body just right and set up your dominant foot perfectly; being able to use both feet allows De Bruyne to make plays that others can’t because they’re too reliant on getting the ball to their right or left peg.

Shooting: Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)

The electric Brazilian would likely benefit from taking his finger off the trigger and continuing to improve his shot selection – he made significant strides in that area last season – but it’s hard to ease up when you know you’re capable of picking the top corner from 25 yards out. Reportedly making Barcelona swoon and Liverpool sweat this summer, Philippe Coutinho is an excellent ball striker who keeps defenders honest by uncorking thunderbolts from outside the penalty area when they back off him.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)