Sunderland and the League One salary cap: How things stand as Lee Johnson targets transfer deals

The restrictions, brought in at the start of the season, have already had a bearing on the Black Cats’ movements in the transfer market this season – and are likely to have a long-term impact too.

But there is some space beneath the caps, which gives Lee Johnson some room to manoeuvre as we enter the final seven days of the winter transfer window.

Here, we take a look at exactly where Sunderland stand:

THE SQUAD CAP AND THE RULES FACING SUNDERLAND AND LEAGUE ONE RIVALS

The regulations introduced at the start of the season limit clubs to registering 22 players over the age of 21.

Sunderland currently have 21 players registered against the squad cap, while a number of younger players - such as Jack Diamond and Dion Sanderson – are under-21 and therefore are exempt from the limit.

Johnson, therefore, has just one more space for a player over the age of 21 in his squad. That space was created by the exit of George Dobson earlier this week, with the midfielder joining AFC Wimbledon on loan until the end of the season.

Sunderland could theoretically sign as many under-21 players as they wish before the window closes, but will be restricted to just one more senior addition – providing there are no more outgoings before the deadline.

Of course, should any senior players leave before February 1 then fresh space would be created beneath the cap.

THE SALARY CAP AS LEE JOHNSON REVEALS IMPACT OF GEORGE DOBSON EXIT

The squad cap is the easy part in many senses – for while Johnson has space under that cap to bring in a new player, he may not have as much wiggle room beneath the salary cap.

Sunderland, we know, were operating very close to the salary cap as we entered the window. They have since signed Carl Winchester, whose wage will count towards the cap.

The exit of Dobson will create some more space under the cap, but it isn’t the case that his entire wage will now be available for the Black Cats to spend on new recruits.

"It does free up a little bit under the salary cap," said Johnson of his exit at the weekend.

"I can’t go into the details, obviously, but there was a contribution [from AFC Wimbledon] and I think about 70 percent of that contribution goes back into the salary cap kitty.”

That has created some extra finance for Johnson – who has already admitted that he is eyeing under-21 players this month, given they don’t count towards the salary cap.

Should further senior players leave before February 1 – with Danny Graham and Will Grigg among those linked with an exit – then extra spending power may appear.

But for now, it’s no surprise to see the focus put on loan deals for younger players.

THE LOOMING DEADLINES AS SUNDERLAND, PORTSMOUTH & CO LOOK TO STRENGTHEN

This year’s winter window will close at 11pm on February 1 – giving Sunderland a week to finalise their additions.

A consequence of the cap is that a host of League One clubs are now chasing similar players, particularly those exempt from the cap.

That in turn leads to a waiting game, and could see deals sanctioned late on in the window.

So for now, Sunderland must wait.

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