West Bromwich Albion is facing a challenging financial landscape, particularly with the imminent implementation of a new deal governing the allocation of funds to EFL (English Football League) clubs from the Premier League. The termination of West Brom’s parachute payments has created a significant gap in spending capabilities compared to teams recently relegated from the top flight, and concerns are mounting that the situation may worsen with the potential scrapping of the current system.
Martin Ziegler, reporting in The Times on November 8, highlighted growing fears among second-tier clubs that relegated teams will receive additional spending advantages under the proposed “New Deal” agreement between the Premier League and the EFL. The six-year deal is expected to provide a total of £915 million in new funding to the 72 EFL clubs, and many feel compelled to accept the offer from the top flight.
The existing financial disparity in football has long been a concern, with the Premier League’s influence felt in the Championship through parachute payments received by relegated clubs. The proposed new deal includes changes to the terms, requiring EFL clubs to limit their wage bill to 70% of revenue, while clubs coming down from the Premier League would have an 85% limit, raising fears of providing further advantages to relegated sides.
West Brom, having already exhausted the advantage of their previous parachute payments, finds itself on the unfavorable side of this financial divide. The pressure on manager Carlos Corberan to guide the team back to the Premier League is likely to intensify, and the urgency for a takeover to improve the club’s financial situation becomes even more pronounced, especially given the challenges faced off the field. In addition, there are reports that West Brom is looking to secure a “prolific” forward in the January transfer window after the player unexpectedly became available for a move.
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