Jim Rodwell has this summer transfer window prediction as he outlines his approach to Sunderland's budget planning

Jim Rodwell is predicting a ‘drastic drop’ in the transfer market across the EFL this summer.
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Rodwell has started work as the club’s new CEO and his first priority has been to establish the impact of the COVID-19 crisis at Sunderland.

The EFL remained determined to conclude the current campaign when safe to do so but it is not yet clear when that will take place, or whether the new campaign will be able to begin in front of supporters.

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The economic implications are significant and Rodwell expects playing budgets at all clubs to be reduced.

Jim Rodwell and Phil Parkinson are set to begin preparations for what is likely to be a busy summer transfer windowJim Rodwell and Phil Parkinson are set to begin preparations for what is likely to be a busy summer transfer window
Jim Rodwell and Phil Parkinson are set to begin preparations for what is likely to be a busy summer transfer window

With Sunderland’s promotion fate uncertain, Rodwell is working on defining two playing budgets for manager Phil Parkinson and the recruitment team for next season.

One if they are forced to face a third season in League One, and another if they are able to progress into the second tier.

“There will be two plans,” Rodwell said.

“A plan for League One and a plan for the Championship, and it really is as simple as that.

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“We’re just refining things at the moment in terms of what playing budgets might look like.

“They’re obviously different in the Championship to League One.

“It is going to be a really interesting summer period for all football clubs. I think we’re going to see a drastic drop in the market.

“Good players will always be at a premium but I think good players are going to be more affordable than they were last summer, I think that will be a natural reaction to what’s going on now.

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“Playing budgets are I think going to be depressed next season throughout all three EFL divisions because of the cash requirements to get through this season.

“So we will have two plans involving budget and recruitment.

“We’ll plan for all eventualities and we’re well on that.

“We will sit down with the manager, with the analysts, Tony Coton, and see exactly where we are.”

Sunderland are set for a busy summer regardless of which division they find themselves in, with twelve players due to leave at the end of the current campaign as it stands.