Financial pinch is hitting clubs

Renowned football agent Glyn Binkin has shared his thoughts about the past Premier Soccer League (PSL) January transfer window, saying the financial crisis at clubs was the major reason why there wasn’t much action in the market.

Binkin believes financial issues have made things difficult for teams in the PSL and worldwide to get the players they want.

The football agent says most signings that were made in January were small deals and plenty of loan deals were made, while stating that financial fair play also plays a huge role with clubs in South Africa not having the financial muscles to bid for quality players.

“This window was generally a quiet window throughout the world. Often when the big clubs spend money buying from the “smaller clubs”, then there is money in circulation and has a cascading effect, but in this window there were hardly any big clubs spending big money,” Binkin told this publication.

“Most deals in the window were small deals and plenty of loans. I think in Europe with the stricter implementation of financial fair play, clubs were less inclined to spend or face the consequences such as Everton are currently facing, so that’s also a contributing factor.

Binkin added that the past window in the country was expected to be quiet, with teams such as Moroka Swallows FC having big financial issues.

But, for a team like Mamelodi Sundowns, they were able to get the players they wanted as they aim to make their squad more competitive for big tournaments.

“From a South African point of view, as you’ve seen over the past few months, many clubs are struggling financially,” he added.

“Except Sundowns, who are looking to bolster their squad for the Caf Champions League, AFL (African Football League), and next year’s Club World Cup.”