He said: “The players on the biggest wages are the ones who are going to be most at risk because they are the ones that are most difficult to move on.”
“If you are on £100,000 a week, the number of clubs who can afford to pay that sort of salary is very limited.”
“So if you are a club who needs to get rid of players in order to balance the books, the players who are on the biggest wages are the ones who are going to be most at risk.”
For players on more manageable contracts, there may still be opportunities out there – but with so many clubs in a similar position, the market could be flooded with available players, making it a buyer’s market.
What are the potential consequences?
Clubs who fail to meet the PSR requirements can face a range of penalties. Points deductions are one of the most high-profile, but fines and transfer embargoes are also possibilities.
Everton and Nottingham Forest have already been docked points in the Championship this season for breaching the rules, and there could be more to come if other clubs fail to act before the June 30 deadline.
For players, the consequences can be just as severe. Being at a club that is forced to sell players can disrupt their careers and leave them in limbo, with the uncertainty of finding a new club and settling into a new environment.
What changes are on the horizon?
There are discussions ongoing about changing the PSR rules in the Premier League, with a proposal to scrap the current system and replace it with a ‘break-even’ model similar to UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations.
This would see clubs given more flexibility in how they manage their finances, but could also lead to increased scrutiny and potential sanctions for those who fail to comply.
For now, clubs are operating under the existing rules, and the pressure is on to balance the books before the June 30 deadline.
It’s a high-stakes game of financial jenga, and the consequences of getting it wrong could be severe for clubs and players alike.
Clubs would also risk damaging their reputation and relationships with players, agents, and other clubs by taking a points deduction instead of complying with PSR. It could deter future signings and make it harder to attract top talent in the future.
Overall, while taking a points deduction may seem like a quick fix, the long-term consequences could be severe for the club both on and off the pitch. Compliance with PSR regulations is the safer and more sustainable option in the long run.