Why Clubs Have Hardly Spent Money on New Players in January As Benzema Remains Available

• The January transfer window has flown by with only a few deals to report on
• Clubs appear to be stung by the punishments recently meted out to Everton
• Sports Brief looks at the other reasons why there hasn't been much activity

You would not be mistaken in thinking that the January transfer window was scrapped this year.

The period, often characterised by mass movement of players in whatever direction, has been met with a rather dull approach from clubs this time around.

Fabrizio Romano is sleeping better, with Radu Drăgușin's move from Genoa to Tottenham Hotspur being the only major move (cash-wise) so far.

Clubs still have six days thereabout to move for new players, but the silence has been conspicuous. Is it that clubs are satisfied with their current pool of players, or is it a matter of lack of finances?

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Sports Brief delves into the situation, but from the foregoing, the short answer to both questions is 'not really'. Keep reading for the long version.

No 'cheap' available option in the market

For starters, clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea could desperately use the services of a proven number 9. Gabriel Jesus boldly admitted that scoring goals wasn't his strong suit, while Eddie Nketiah is not the type of forward his manager can depend on in a title race.

On the other hand, Chelsea lead the division in big chances missed, according to Premier League stats. Nicolas Jackson and Raheem Sterling have been guilty of missing high-profile chances, with the fitness issues of Christopher Nkunku not helping either.

The problem for these two sides in our case study is that there aren't proper 'cheap' options in the market at the moment. The only viable options like Ivan Toney, Victor Osimhen, or Dusan Vlahovic will warrant a high fee that no one would want in the books for a January transfer.

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It makes more sense to bid your time until the summer window.

Fear of flouting FFP, PSR rules

This brings us to the second point: financial regulations. The heavy hitters in England remain stable enough to move for any player they want but are treading carefully in light of recent events.

Everton was deducted 10 points for breaching the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules. The Toffees have been handed a second charge alongside Nottingham Forest. Manchester City's 115 charges case is also still pending.

No club will want to make a hasty signing and find themselves on the wrong side of the Premier League financial watchdog. Many have instead opted for loan moves, with Timo Werner joining Spurs and Kalvin Phillips on his way to West Ham United, among others.

Newcastle United has been in the news for reportedly wanting to offload one of its star players to avoid potential sanctions over Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches.

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BBC Sport reports that the Magpies could be willing to let go of Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson, or even Bruno Guimaraes, but it is highly unlikely they will make a January purchase due to a lack of funds.

Why Benzema's deal is not as simple as it looks

The same financial issue is what is believed to be holding Karim Benzema's move back to a European club.

Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United have all been linked with the French striker, but his hefty wages of around £86 million annually will present a significant issue for these clubs.

In football, you never say never, but seeing an EPL club make a huge money move this January will be surprising. Loan moves or small sales to help in balancing the books remain viable.

Like we said, it is as if we are not in a transfer window. The number of 'here we go' posts have quietened, unlike last year, where the Enzo Fernandez's deals had everyone in a vice grip.

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Why stars are quitting Saudi Pro League

Sports Brief has also previously reported why Saudi Pro League stars want to quit. Jordan Henderson ripped up his Al-Ettifaq contract after only six months and has since joined Ajax.

Al-Ittihad's Benzema is the other notable player who has been linked with a move away from the Gulf State, prompting questions about what has gone wrong all of a sudden.