What the Premier League’s new financial rules mean for Sunderland’s transfer budget | OneFootball

Sunderland are braced for the Premier League’s switch to Squad Cost Ratio this summer, a change that will shape their transfer spend. Florent Ghisolfi said they will try to strengthen but a major overhaul is unlikely, and while sales could happen there is no pressure to sell.

According to Sunderland Echo, SCR caps first-team costs at 85% of revenue, or 70% for clubs in Europe, covering wages, agent fees and amortisation. Net transfer profit or loss, averaged over three years, also counts.

Budgets are set against forecast revenues in the summer and reviewed in March. Clubs up to 30% over face fines and reduced future headroom, those beyond that risk sporting sanctions. The change aims to simplify rules and curb disputes.

Sunderland are understood to have backed the switch, aided by strong recruitment and a large fanbase. Infrastructure and academy spending sit outside SCR, potentially boosting long-term revenues at the Stadium of Light. Even so, the model favours the big six, a clear medium-term challenge.

Exact positions are unclear because the latest accounts cover the Championship. Turnover was around £40 million then, with TV at £12 million, and top-flight income could lift TV by at least £100 million.

Costs are rising fast. Wages were about £30 million and amortisation near £10 million, and last summer’s spend points to a far higher outlay. Agent fees have also jumped across the last two windows.

Expect a modest, resale-focused window, with no need to sell now but occasional departures inevitable as SCR tightens.

Source: Sunderland Echo