English transfer window spending sets new record.

[JamesTheYiddo]

Premier League clubs spent 150 million pounds on new players in the January transfer window, a 150 percent increase on the 60 million spent in the same month a year ago and more than double the previous record of 70 million, set in 2006.

The surge in spending came despite joint leaders Manchester United and Arsenal not spending a penny and reflects the impact of substantially increased broadcasting revenues, which have begun kicking in this season.

Paul Rawnsley, a director of the accountancy firm Deloitte's Sports Business Group, said: "The new television deal is clearly the main driver in this record spending, and that is emphasised by the fact the spending is across the league rather than involving just a few clubs.

"There is also a pattern when a change of ownership or manager has acted as a catalyst for transfer activity."

Chelsea's signing of Nicolas Anelka for 15 million pounds represents the highest-ever January transfer move.

Link.

 

[speccy_spur]

With all the cash washing around the premiership (except at Pompey maybe!), I do not understand the modern phenomena of loaning of players between top division clubs or to top division clubs. Back in the old days I am sure players were only lent down, from top clubs to lower division clubs.

Just seems odd and wrong that these super-rich teams can get players on loan whilst lower division clubs struggle. The bizarre situation of ManU getting Henrik Larsson on loan last season was akin to Bill Gates asking Oxfam to loan him a computer.