The email from the Premier League was sent out in response to unusual activity in the transfer window, which has involved clubs selling, or attempting to sell, players to each other. At least one top-flight club planned to raise this matter with the Premier League. The correspondence has been issued as a reminder to all top-flight sides that they will face punishment if found guilty amid the so-called player-swap deals that have been taking place.
The worries arose from allegations that the club trade agreements would keep them compliant with the Profit & Sustainability Rules. The Premier League’s letter cautions that should top-flight lawmakers determine the deal has been “inflated,” a transfer fee would be restored to the selling team.
Aston Villa have sanctioned the sale of two players so far this window, with Tim Iroegbunam joining Everton for £9 million, while Lewis Dobbin went in the opposite direction for a reported £10 million. Chelsea are also set to complete the signing of Villa midfielder Omari Kellyman in a £19 million move, while Unai Emery’s side will welcome Ian Maatsen from Stamford Bridge in a deal worth an initial £37.5m. There is no suggestion that any of the clubs involved have breached any of the Premier League’s rules.
A double deal including Yankuba Minteh heading to Everton for £40 million and Dominic Calvert-Lewin moving in the other direction for £37 million has also been discussed by Newcastle and Everton. However, earlier this week, the talks broke down.
While there is plenty of time left for clubs to do business on the transfer market, the Profit and Sustainability Rules deadline is just two days away. On June 30th, the financial year will come to an end and clubs must submit their accounts. After Everton and Nottingham Forest were clamped down on last season and issued with points deductions, clubs are scrambling to finalise last-minute sales in order to avoid being in breach of PSR.
Clubs have been looking for methods to function inside the framework as the Premier League attempts to enforce its Profit & Sustainability Rules more strictly. Twelve clubs supported a temporary ban on loan transfers between teams owned by the same person back in November.
