If the cap fits...how salary and squad limits affect Cats’ window
Sunderland’s business in the final week of the transfer window will ultimately by dictated by the League One salary and squad caps.
Therestrictions,broughtin 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 longterm impact too.
But there is space beneath thecaps,whichgivesLeeJohnson room to manoeuvre as we enter the final few days of the winter transfer window.
Here, we take a look at exactly where Sunderland stand...
THE SQUAD CAP
Theregulationsintroduced 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 – are under 21 andthereforeareexemptfrom the limit.
Johnson,therefore,hasjust 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 loanuntiltheendoftheseason.
Sunderland could theoretically sign as many under-21 players as they wish before the window closes, but will be restrictedtojustonemoresenior addition – providing there are no more outgoings before the deadline.
Of course, should any senior players leave before February1thenfreshspacewouldbe created beneath the cap.
THE SALARY CAP
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,weknow,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 createsomemorespaceunderthe cap,butitisn’tthecasethathis entire wage will now be availablefortheBlackCatstospend on new recruits.
"It does free up a little bit under the salary cap," said Johnson, of Dobson’s exit at
the weekend.
"I can’t go into the details, obviously, but there was a contribution [from 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.
Shouldfurtherseniorplayers leave before February 1 –withDannyGrahamandWill Griggamongthoselinkedwith 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.
This year’s winter window will close at 11pm on February 1 – giving Sunderland just under a week to finalise their additions.
A consequence of the cap is thatahostofLeagueOneclubs are now chasing similar players, particularly those exempt fromthecap.Thatinturnleads to a waiting game, and could see deals sanctioned late on in the window.
So for now, Sunderland must wait.