Gary Neville on how the January transfer window has changed
Premier League January spending dropped from £465m in 2018 to just £140m in 2019
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gary Neville believes the January transfer window has become “stuck” as a result of inflated fees which have deterred clubs from buying and selling players.
Premier League January spending dropped from £465m in 2018 to just £140m in 2019, as a number of clubs passed on the opportunity to splash out.
Only seven top-flight clubs spent in the window while Tottenham made history after becoming the first Premier League side not to bring in a single player for a second successive transfer window.
Addressing this year’s lack of transfer activity, Neville said clubs are now being priced out of the market due to inflation.
Neville said: “We asked this week: Are we surprised that Arsenal didn’t bring in a defender? Are we surprised Tottenham didn’t bring in a replacement for Kane, or anybody?
“But the problem is, they can’t get the players available. They cannot get them. Honestly, it’s a real issue.
“Clubs are not letting go for normal prices, and clubs are now thinking: Do I go and pay over the odds in January? Am I going to get the player I want?
“I genuinely believed Arsenal would have strengthened more than they have done if they believed something was available.
“Would Manchester United have brought in Raphael Varane, or Harry Maguire for example, if they believed they were available for decent prices in this transfer window? One hundred per cent they would. Would Manchester City have brought in a left-back, the one they wanted? Of course they would.
“But they’re not there, they can’t get them! They would have tried, asked the question, made the noises underneath with the agents and the scouting departments, but they’re just not there.
“It’s a real problem, the market is stuck in someways.”
Neville also suggested that, in some cases, it is easier for clubs to sack their manager than reinforce their squad.
“I think certain clubs will always try and panic. But the panic now doesn’t actually centre around buying, it’s usually centred around the manager. What they normally do now is change the manager… clubs can do it twice in a season!”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments