The January 2024 transfer window has been ongoing since the turn of the year. Throughout the month, there have been various rumours of players who could move, but not many have become a reality until the end of this transfer period.
Not many clubs – from both the top and bottom of Europe – are buying and selling players. This condition occurs due to various factors.
This time, Football Wowkia will discuss why the January 2024 transfer market has limited player purchases and sales.
Reasons why the January 2024 transfer window is so quiet
Changing Conditions in the Saudi Arabian League
Clubs in the Saudi Arabian League received a lot of attention in the previous transfer window (June-August 2023). Various players from the European continent – ranging from stars to players with lesser prestige – moved to the kingdom.
European clubs utilize this situation to generate revenue from player sales. Fabinho, N’Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Sadio Mane, and Aymeric Laporte are among the players who moved to the Saudi Arabian League in mid-2023.
But six months later, significant changes emerged. Jordan Henderson’s decision to terminate his contract at Al Ettifaq to move to Ajax, and news of Karim Benzema’s desire to leave.
This seems to be a sign that the Saudi Arabian League is not providing the conditions expected by players who have been highly experienced in Europe.
This issue arguably closes the door for European clubs to sell the players they want to the Saudi Arabian League – at least in the soon-to-be-ended January 2024 transfer window.
Financial Crisis
The financial crisis has been one of the most closely related things in recent years. The problem makes it difficult for some teams when they want to buy players or when make other arrangements in the club.
Barcelona, for example, struggled to sign Inigo Martinez at the start of the season and had to borrow Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix.
Xavi’s decision to step down at the end of the 2023/24 season could also have a significant impact on the Blaugrana’s plans in the coming months.
Repeal of Tax Regulations in Italy
AC Milan came under scrutiny when they sold Sandro Tonali to Newcastle United and used the proceeds to buy several new players. The San Siro-based club bought Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek from Chelsea, as well as several other players.
However, the Italian Government’s decision to repeal a tax regulation that gave tax breaks to players brought in from outside the country has had a significant impact. AS Roma was one of the clubs that took advantage of the rule, but is now unable to do so.
Other big clubs such as Inter and Juventus also do not have sufficient funds to compete with Premier League clubs, PSG, and Real Madrid. In the long run, Italian clubs are likely to utilise young players from their academies.
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