Premier League transfer spending cut

UEFA’s new Financial Fair Play rules already look to be having an impact on football’s transfer market, with the amount spent in the January transfer window plummeting, according to Deloitte.

The firm is set to release its analysis of transfer window activity next Wednesday (Feb 1) after the window closes but said that with a couple of days to go gross transfer spending by Premier League clubs of around £30m is well down on last year’s level.

Dan Jones, partner in the Sports Business Group, said: “Going into the final weekend before the winter window closes, so far Premier League clubs have played it low-key with overall transfer fees of around £30m. This contrasts with £80m spent at the same time last year – the clubs’ transfer exertions in the final few days raised the total to a January record of £225m.
 
“As clubs are now in the reporting period that will count towards the first assessment for UEFA’s Financial Fair Play requirements, their comparative restraint is indicative of an overriding reflection on spending levels.  

“However, whilst it’s a sparse January so far, we can again expect an active summer window following Euro 2012. The global popularity of the English game helps drive continuing growth for Premier League clubs’ revenues, with transfer spending further supplemented from the pockets of some owners.”