Clubs use lengthy contracts to spread the cost of transfer fees
UEFA have announced changes to a loophole that has allowed clubs to spread transfer fees over lengthy contracts.
Chelsea are one of those clubs most well-known for using the loophole, by signing players on long-term contracts. One example includes the record signing of Enzo Fernandez – who signed an eight-and-a-half-year deal – for £106m.
The Blues have done this in order to spread the cost of the fee over a longer period of time so that they can comply with the governing body’s financial regulations.
However on Wednesday, UEFA, via The Independent, announced changes to the guidelines after an executive committee meeting on Wednesday. While there is expected to be no limit on the length of a contract, clubs will only be allowed to spread a fee over the course of five years.
Last season, Chelsea spent over £600m on players, the majority of those all being tied down on contracts longer than five years.
In order to balance the books, the two-time European champions are now looking to offload a number of their first-team players.
Kalidou Kouliably, N’Golo Kanté and Mateo Kovačić have already left Stamford Bridge while the likes of Edouard Mendy, Hakim Ziyech, Mason Mount and Romelu Lukaku have also been linked with a move away from the club.
Christian Nkunku is the only arrival so far this summer after Chelsea agreed a deal with RB Leipzig before the end of last season. Nicolas Jackson of Villarreal – who saw a move to Bournemouth collapse in January after failing a medical – is expected to sign in the next few days.
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