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The changing transfer market

Transfer spending across Europe's top five leagues is estimated to have fallen by 61 per cent as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic according to a report by CEBR: https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/january-transfer-spend-expected-to-fall-by-61-due-to-covid19-pandemic-b917928.html

The transfer market in the UK held up well in the summer when more than £1bn was spent by top English clubs.  However, it was distorted by one or two clubs with unlimited funds.

The winter window is usually quieter than the summer one.  Even so, Premier League clubs spent £230m in last year's pre-pandemic transfer window.   They have spent just £65.1m so far this month.  The last time the total was below £100m was in 2012.

In addition to the effect of the pandemic which has made clubs more reluctant to spend money, Brexit has also been a factor.  All foreign players must adhere to a new points-based system, based on factors such as how often they have played in top leagues or national teams.   There are also new limits on the number of players under the age of 21 who can be signed by clubs.

One signing that has satisfied Home Office rules was the £37m capture of Amad Diallo by Manchester United from Atlanta.  He applied for the visa in person in Rome.  It will make more difficult the recruitment of little known players such as Leicester City's signing of Mahrez in 2013 from Ligue 2 Le Havre.

With under 18s stopped from moving to UK teams from overseas altogether, clubs will no longer be able to fill their academies with the best European players, arguably creating more opportunities for younger British players.


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