Premier League 'Big Six' have unexpected view of rules which kept spending down
One year ago, the Premier League had a record-breaking transfer window with £830m spent.
Fast forward 12 months and clubs have spent a small fraction of that amount as the mega-rich English top flight has been incredibly cautious. In fact, they are running scared.
It was always going to be a quiet January window because of a few factors - players being away on AFCON duty and at the Asia Cup plus unrealistic inflated values - but the biggest single reason has been the Premier League ’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Everton and Nottingham Forest have fallen foul of PSR and the common misconception is the big clubs hate it because the likes of Newcastle, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City and so on have got money - but are not allowed to spend it.
But the reality is very different because even clubs among the Big Six are big and vocal advocates of PSR because they believe passionately it helps provide a level playing field. After years of feeling as if they cannot keep up with City, now the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool might feel as if they are in there with a fighting chance.
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Many are very happy that the rules have now got some teeth. Let’s not forget that Everton and Forest are the first teams to face punishment even though PSR has been in place for a decade. That is because in the last few windows, clubs have maxed out their spending - and are now having to reign it in.
The Premier League will adjust the figures of PSR from next season because the set amount of permitted losses - £105m over three years - are horribly outdated and out of step with spiralling transfer fees and inflation. The number will be increased and the Premier League are like to push for a similar system to UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules which also include percentages of turnovers.
Arsenal have been vocal about the league's Profit and Sustainability Rules (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Arsenal are one of the most vocal clubs in Premier League circles about PSR, even to the point that other clubs get wound up by their “holier than thou” approach in meetings. They were never going to buy unless they sold first.
Tottenham’s whole model built by chairman Daniel Levy is based around their new £1billion stadium and they need PSR to work to give them a chance. The majority of clubs probably feel the same as Spurs.
Long gone are the days when Roman Abramovich could buy any player he wanted or even the perception that City could buy up the league (even if their spending has been more sensible than many). Now Newcastle have huge Saudi backing but are one of the most frustrated clubs because they will have to grow more organically.
Newcastle have been left frustrated by the rules (James Gill - Danehouse)There is frustration among clubs like Arsenal, United, Liverpool and even Aston Villa that they keep being linked with deals which simply cannot happen in January. It raises false hopes.
Despite all the warnings about it being a quiet window, it seems many did not want to listen. While fans and TV stations may be frustrated about a lack of activity, PSR is the reason why this window has been so quiet.
But if you are looking for some comfort then be assured that the summer will be back to normal. The numbers reset, clubs can sell without being held to ransom and there is certain to be a return towards the huge excess of last year.
Henderson's shot at redemption
Jordan Henderson at his Ajax unveiling (Remko de Waal/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)Jordan Henderson got off his soap box for the sake of his money box when he went to Saudi Arabia. But arguably the bigger thing to do was to admit a mistake and he is due to get his first shot at redemption when he is widely expected to make his Ajax debut.
Henderson, 33, sat out last weekend’s win at Heracles because of their plastic pitch but he has been training well, high-fived his team mates after that 4-2 victory and is looking sharp. Ajax play runaway leaders PSV Eindhoven on Saturday night, Henderson is primed for his debut and this is a big chance for the England international.
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England boss Gareth Southgate tends to keep his scouting missions quiet these days but is sure to check on Henderson soon and the player’s return to Europe gives him a solid chance of making the Euros squad this summer. Ajax are one of the great clubs in European football but will be relying on Henderson to give them a big lift to save their ailing season.
Carabao Cup final's European ramifications
Liverpool will face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final later this month (Getty Images)Chelsea have a lot of catching up to do if they are to beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final after Mauricio Pochettino ’s men were humbled at Anfield this week.
However, if Chelsea do win at Wembley it could have ramifications for the Premier League’s European places. Chelsea would get a Europa Conference League spot but if they stayed where they are in the table then it would mean one less place for the Prem.
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