Coronavirus Pandemic in Football: Transfer Market Kneels to Uncertainty

Coronavirus pandemic in football has had ramifications anyone could have barely thought about. From suspension of leagues, to players and staff taking the wage cuts and no assurance over resumption of leagues, the widespread chaos has arrested multiple prospects of the game.

The wave that has also made sure that coronavirus pandemic in football will have gargantuan impact for football transfer market, existing contracts of players, new signings and the club's revenue for the coming quarters.

Transfer Window

Transfers are a serious headache, given how major leagues across the world operate. The window for player transfer opens in or around August. But, if the league gets resumed, it would technically still not be over with its previous season. The circumstances weigh heavily on how Europe is able to fight back from the coronavirus pandemic. Even at its best, it is expected that a few matches could go forward, but without fans in the stands.

It is a situation that further leaves a void for several other situations and has a direct implication on revenue that the clubs need to function. Also, will the date of transfer be pushed ahead or made flexible, still has to be seen.

Crisis Calling

Looking at the top five leagues of Europe, a study by KPMG recently said that cancelling the rest of the season would cost clubs across Europe €4billion in revenue. However, demands to sign a certain player may still not change. And with clubs already identifying targets for summer, the budgets may not change as well.

However, where will the money come from, especially as losses mount during the shutdown. Interestingly, the situation can vary across leagues, since a lot rides on the money received from the television companies, which have been already contracted for a certain sum. Therefore, receiving the amount in full or not will have a major say on how clubs approach spending. Imagining at its worse, this amount could even be slashed by 50 per cent or more, which could then lead to unprecedented withdrawals from the transfer markets.

Scouting

Coronavirus pandemic in football has spared no one. Another important aspect to transfer market is scouting. Although this time can be used to wisely think about the potential signings, lack of live action only leaves the option to analyse using old video clips.

Selling and Retaining Players

Selling players is just as tough as signing the new ones. With transfer market riddled by bearish conditions, no club would sell their asset at a price, which they deem is really low. However, no club would either sign a player, they think is really costly.

On the other hand, current state of contracts also plays a major role. For a lot of players, contracts expire soon after Champions League is concluded in June. Implying, they are available for transfer, but who is the buyer anyway. Meanwhile, for those who have put pen to paper for a longer duration, and are not to experience the dilemma this season, pay cuts are almost ascertained.

What Next?

Coronavirus pandemic in Football and transfer market for that concern, has taken a really big blow. The dynamics of the game have changed, making highly likely that the prices of players will fall. But, will the clubs agree to buying and selling at low costs, still remains unknown.