The big transfer window changes set to engulf the EFL - and how well-prepared Sunderland are to deal with them

Sunderland will enter a drastically different transfer window ahead of the 2020/21 season - but how will the changing face of the game affect Phil Parkinson’s recruitment plans?
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While much remains unclear as to how the next transfer window will unfold - and indeed, when it will unfold - it is clear that this will be unlike any trading period we have seen in recent history.

So what changes could we see in the market, and how would they affect Sunderland? We take a look:

LOWER EXPENDITURE

Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson is already looking towards the summer transfer windowSunderland manager Phil Parkinson is already looking towards the summer transfer window
Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson is already looking towards the summer transfer window
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This is a problem likely to affect all EFL clubs - not just Sunderland.

With financial pressures increasing on lower league clubs and match day income at nill for the foreseeable future, transfer fees will naturally drop this summer.

That’s not to say that deals won’t be done and fees won’t be paid. The likelihood is that cash will still change hands during the next transfer window, but not for any sort of inflated fee.

Even free transfers will be affected, with players often offered lucrative signing-on fees and bonuses to entice them to a club. Wages, too, will likely drop.

So how will this affect Sunderland?

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In a recent interview with FC Business magazine, non-executive director David Jones revealed how clubs and agents are still expecting an ‘easy payday’ when negotiating with Sunderland.’

“Richard [Hill] is the guy that holds the purse strings and he’s the one that spreads the message that agents aren’t going to get an easy payday here,” he explained.

“ We had situations, even in January, where clubs in the Championship were expecting a level of money because it’s Sunderland, and we had to say no.

“Sometimes you have to be firm and a manager might say they really want a player but we have to explain the reasons why he can’t have him.”

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While this won’t change the outside perception of Sunderland being a big club in League One, it may well see clubs and agents asking for more realistic fees - which could aid the Black Cats in their recruitment drive.

A GREATER POOL OF FREE AGENTS - OF INCREASED QUALITY

Delving into the pool of free agents during a summer window is often equated with shopping in the bargain basement - although Sunderland’s record of landing impressive signings such as Jordan Willis and Chris Maguire without a fee proves that there are always some talented players available without a fee.

And this year, that pool of eligible recruits could be larger than ever.

With uncertainty over what will happen in regards to player contracts that are set to expire on June 30 when, and indeed if, the season will resume, clubs are already cutting their cloth to suit.

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Already this week we’ve seen League Two side Cambridge United release nine players and Colchester United confirm that they will not be offering fresh terms to four of their most-coveted assets.

That quartet, who all played a key role in the U’s promotion push in the fourth tier, will now head to the free agent pile.

Colchester and Cambridge are unlikely to be the only clubs to take such measures as the weeks go on, and that could see some improved options available on a free transfer this summer.

It’s certainly a market for Sunderland to monitor - particularly given the financial pressures all clubs will be facing when it comes to paying fee.

A CHANCE FOR YOUTH?

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With expenditure likely to be down, could clubs now turn to their academy graduates?

Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett believes that there could be a spike in the number of younger players handed opportunities as we move into the 2020/21 season.

“You have got to concentrate on those players you have and getting the best out of them if you can,” he told Portsmouth’s official website.

“You can also look to bring on some younger guys and give them the opportunity to prosper whenever possible.

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“It will change slightly and given that you won’t be able to alter that, it will bring a manager’s skill and qualities to the fore.”

Sunderland have a number of young players on the periphery of the first-team who could be deserving of a chance if new recruits are hard to come by.

Jack Diamond, Bali Mumba, Benji Kimpioka and Ethan Robson have all caught the eye either at the club or while away on loan, and could provide a welcome boost to Parkinson’s squad next season - albeit the final pair are out of contract on June 30, with no decisions yet made on their future.

SALARY CAP DISCUSSIONS CONTINUING

After reports last week that League One and Two clubs were keen to see a salary cap implemented in the future, the EFL confirmed that talks are ongoing over fresh financial controls.

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In a statement issued on April 25, they said: “In consideration of the current challenges, a variety of proposals and ideas have also been put forward by EFL Clubs in relation to operational and financial matters. While these contributions are welcome, it is important to emphasise that there is a range of opinion among our membership and that no decisions have been taken at this stage.

“In addition, the EFL Board is also consulting with member Clubs about potential changes to financial regulations with the aim of improving the current position. These discussions follow on from the reviews of divisional cost control measures that were already underway at the start of the outbreak.”

In the short-term though, these look unlikely to affect Sunderland and their recruitment plans for the summer.