LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Manchester United were the biggest spenders on the Premier League’s transfer deadline day as they splashed out £82 million ($94 million) on Ajax’s Brazilian forward Antony.

Against the background of Britain’s cost of living crisis, United led the way as Premier League clubs moved closer to the all-time record spending total for an entire season.

The £1.86-billion record from 2017-18 is under threat because United and their domestic rivals have found no outlandish fee or wage demands beyond them.

As of last Thursday, gross spending by the 20 Premier League teams stood at £1.5 billion, surpassing the 2017 record of £1.43 billion spent by English clubs in the close-season window.

It was also more than the £1.44 billion spent in the whole of last season.

United Manager Erik ten Hag has been responsible for a large chunk of the spending after returning to his former club Ajax to sign Antony.

The 22-year-old is the fourth-most-expensive player in Premier League history.

“This is an incredible moment in my career to be joining one of the most iconic clubs in the world,” Antony said.

United had a busy window signing Casemiro for £60 million from Real Madrid and Lisandro Martinez from Ajax for £56 million.

Ten Hag did seal another less expensive deal on Thursday as Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka arrived on a season-long loan.

The 33-year-old is reported to have cost a £2-million loan fee and will serve as backup to first-choice keeper David de Gea.