Why Is This Transfer Window So Quiet?

The 2024 winter transfer window is set to be the quietest ever in recent years. 

As we approach transfer deadline day on Thursday, clubs are resisting the temptation to splash the cash to strengthen their squads for the remainder of the campaign.

In this winter transfer window, Premier League clubs have spent £58.1m in signings where the fee has been made public. 

The window closes at 11pm on Thursday which could see a late flurry of transfers, but it could be the quietest winter transfer window in the last eight seasons.

The winter window during the 2020/21 season is the lowest in recent seasons with just £84m spent, as the league still got to grips with the COVID pandemic. 

So why are clubs reluctant to pay big money for new players this year? Gambling.com takes a deep dive. 

Clubs Are Scared Of Having Points Deducted

There is a train of thought that clubs are being extra cautious not to fall foul of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules. 

Everton had 10 points deducted before Christmas for breaching the league’s rules and they have more charges to answer. 

So do Nottingham Forest. And Manchester City, who are favourites with football betting sites to win a sixth title in seven seasons, still have 115 outstanding charges to answer. 

As a result, clubs seem to be more focused on not breaking those rules and potentially being docked points.

The Premier League has sent a message to clubs that they will not tolerate breaches of their rules, which has had an impact on spending in this latest transfer window. 

Academy Players Are Given More Chances

You only have to look at the shirt numbers being worn these days to realise how many young players are being given their chance to prosper. 

Finding gems in the youth set up can save a club fortunes in transfer fees, as Manchester United found out with the Class of ‘92. 

David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Gary Neville all came through the youth system at Old Trafford into the first team at the same time. 

In recent years, clubs have invested heavily in their academies and now they are starting to reap the rewards.

Jurgen Klopp is a firm believer of giving young players a chance in his first team as Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah are finding out. 

Liverpool lead the Premier League and are one of the favourites on betting apps to win a second league title in five seasons and young players like Bradley and Quansah will have a part to play.

Supporters are more forgiving if a young player makes a mistake than if the club’s record signing has a bad game.

Loan Moves Are The Flavour Of The Month

Why pay for players when you can loan them? 

More clubs are moving into the loan market to strengthen their squad, with the option of possibly signing them at a later date.

Kalvin Phillips’ £45m transfer from Leeds to Manchester City made headlines in the summer transfer window of 2022.

However, the move hasn’t worked out for the England midfielder who has aspirations of playing in this summer’s European Championships in Germany. 

Phillips has joined West Ham on loan until the end of this season, which is a win-win for all parties involved. 

One Big Signing Can Trigger Others

Transfer windows often burst into life after one big signing is made, which often triggers other signings.

Last summer, Arsenal signed West Ham’s Declan Rice for £105m, hoping he would help them win their first title since 2004. They are among the favourites on UK betting sites.

The Rice transfer left a massive hole in the Hammers’ midfield. David Moyes had James Ward-Prowse lined up as a replacement for Rice. 

The Hammers got their man for £30m, but it left Southampton looking for a replacement for Ward-Prowse, and so on. 

We await the first big signing in this transfer window which might trigger more spending throughout the league.