Manchester United, Manchester City and their upcoming 2024/25 rivals have received an email from the Premier League regarding a warning against 'fraudulent player transfers' during the summer window. All 20 top flight clubs in England have been written to, to reiterate the league's stance on player-swap deals and the punishment teams may face if found in breach of the rules.
The email has been sent following 'days of unusual activity' on the transfer market which has involved certain clubs selling, or attempting to sell, players to one another, according to The Telegraph.
The summer transfer window opened on June 14th and will shut on August 30th, giving clubs plenty of time to buy and sell players ahead of the 2024/25 season. However, the financial year closes at the end of the month, leaving just two days before the Profit and Sustainability Rules deadline, which is when clubs must submit their accounts. In order to keep within the guidelines and avoid being penalised, certain clubs are scrambling to sanction player sales before June 30th.
Both Everton and Nottingham Forest were made examples of last season with points deductions for breaching PSR. The two were docked six and four points respectively, meanwhile City continue to await a verdict after being hit with 115 Premier League charges, which they deny.
Aston Villa have attracted attention with their latest transfer activity. Tim Iroegbunam was sold to Everton for PS9 million on June 22nd, and the Villans brought in Lewis Dobbin from Goodison Park a day later for a reported PS10 million. Discussions with Chelsea have also been agreed, as the Blues are due to finalise the signing of Omari Kellyman from Villa for PS19 million, while Ian Maatsen heads in the opposite direction in a deal worth an initial PS37.5 million.
The Premier League has warned its clubs that the legal team is looking for 'issues of concern' around whether recent deals represent 'good faith arm's length transactions over PS1 million'. The process can demand further details on transfer transactions in question, including how negotiations took place, including internal and external correspondence, as well as any other documentation.
Section B15 in the Premier League's transfer rules reads: "For the avoidance of doubt and by way of example only, it shall be a breach of the duties under this rule to act dishonestly towards the league or another club; or engage in conduct that is intended to circumvent these rules or obstruct the board's investigation of compliance with them."
United sanctioned the sale of Alvaro Carreras prior to the window opening - Benfica signed the defender following a successful loan spell. Omari Forson has also agreed pre-contract terms with Monza ahead of the expiration of his contract this month. The Red Devils have their eye on multiple targets but are yet to bring anyone in.