With under a week until the window shuts, several clubs are still looking to strengthen in midfield. Judging by completed business, this window has tilted clearly towards loans.
Loans account for more than 60 per cent of deals, up on the previous window. Industry figures read this as broad caution during a period of wage restructuring.
Why everyone is short in midfield
Several scouts point out that tactical demands on midfielders have risen sharply: they must play the first pass out of defence and also track back and intercept. Players meeting both requirements were always scarce.
- Loans: more than 60 per cent of deals
- Scarcest position: central midfield
- Window closes: this weekend
- Trend: long-contract negotiations taking longer
Some club executives say that if no signing is completed before the deadline, they will promote from the academy to fill the rotation.
Saved to read properly later. Thanks for putting it together.
Saved to read properly later. Thanks for putting it together.
The takeaway for me is that it all comes down to execution.
That detail in the middle — I assumed it was only like that where I live.
You do not see many pieces that show the process like this any more.