Premiership clubs ruled
against importing talent in this summer's transfer window.
Gross spending by Premier
League clubs since the end of last season was down
£50m on the £500m spent last summer. But the telltale figure is net
spending, the money going out of the Premier
League, which is down to £80m, according to
Deloitte’s sports business group.
Deloitte’s Paul Rawnsley told the Daily Mail:
"Historically, English Premier
League clubs have always been net importers because
their revenue is so great. But overall net spend is significantly
down this year, largely helped by the money from Real Madrid for Cristiano
Ronaldo and Xabi Alonso."
Like any other industry, football is concerned about the future,
unsure about how fans, advertisers and sponsors will react as the
recession drags on.
Leading agent Leon Angel said: "People are nervous and the main
reason is the economy. Clubs have wanted to reduce their pay roll
which has led to deals of lower value. There has been less money
around and clubs have generally been more careful because of the
risk income may be further reduced."
