If one takes the net £120m splashed by Manchester City out of the picture, it’s been a subdued transfer window. This reflects a lack of cash in the Premiership and a scarcity of quality players available at affordable prices.
If one takes the net £120m splashed by Manchester City out of the picture, it’s been a subdued transfer window. This reflects a lack of cash in the Premiership and a scarcity of quality players available at affordable prices.
What we can expect in the closing hours of the window is a flurry of loan signings. When money is tight, loan transfers help a club to reduce their wage bill, although sometimes it is necessary to pay a proportion of the outgoing player’s wages to make the deal affordable. This is particularly the case where a Championship club is involved as with the move of Craig Bellamy to cash strapped Cardiff City. Shipping disgruntled players out also avoids any damage to morale.
The new rule which requires clubs to name a 25-man squad, eight of who must be home-grown (or developed) has hit Manchester City hardest. To a lesser extent, Spurs are also affected. Other clubs such as Fulham and Newcastle United may be able to take advantage of their situation by signing players on loan.