News
TUE 06.09.2016
The LaLiga headquarters in Madrid played host to the presentation of the latest edition of the Soccerex Transfer Review today, Tuesday 6 September. This report is produced by Prime Time Sport, a company that gathers data and provides independent analysis in relation to the variables influencing transfer activity in the major European leagues. LaLiga president Javier Tebas and Esteve Calzada, Prime Time Sport's CEO, outlined the study's standout findings concerning Spanish football, including an evaluation of the fact that LaLiga Santander clubs shelled out €477 million on signings this summer, a figure lower than the equivalent sum last year, but which still represents the third highest-spending window in the division's history. "Less was invested on signings this summer because the best players in the world are already here and clubs made an effort to keep hold of their existing players," Tebas observed.
One of the factors highlighted at the presentation was the increase in the majority of LaLiga Santander clubs' television revenues as a result of the new centralised TV rights model and the more equitable distribution of this income. This growth has consolidated clubs' economic recovery, improved their management and enabled them to continue slashing their debt, all of which has, in turn, reinforced the financial control system. "This has not only led to a substantial hike in overall revenues, but has also had a knock-on effect on the spread of transfer spending, with the more modest clubs also benefiting. Now promoted outfits can also strengthen and invest [significantly] in order to try to stay up, something that wasn't the case a few years ago," noted Calzada.
Tebas, for his part, pointed out that "had the Royal Decree [5/2015, paving the way for the new approach to broadcasting revenues] not been passed, this could have been a very tough summer and we would be sitting here talking about how the Premier League was luring away great players from Spain. There would have been an exodus. The strategy devised by LaLiga has served as a defence mechanism, enabling clubs to hang on to their key figures."
The report also shows that LaLiga 1|2|3 clubs have been similarly boosted by the new television contracts. This is evidenced by a 40% increase in transfer spending across the board in the division and the fact that, as touched on by Calzada's comment above, the teams that gained promotion from the second tier to the top flight last term have been able to invest €11m on signings. "A few years ago there was only talk of debts and dressing-room sit-ins at that level. That has all been tidied up today," stated Tebas.
Another notable finding in the review is that the increase in broadcasting revenues meant the 10 LaLiga Santander sides with the lowest expenditure this summer still splashed out €43m on additions to their squads, €25m more than last season.
"Three years ago there was a talent exodus because the debt to the state had to be paid back. Now that exodus has been considerably reduced and clubs can protect their players. We're in a sector where you have to weigh up sporting achievements coupled with investment. If we put those two factors together, LaLiga and its clubs are the best in the world. We have to stand up for the heads in charge of our football because they've managed to bring us out of a crisis and take us far in every international competition," Tebas explained, before cautioning that, "If we don't draw up a plan for further growth, that effect could be diluted."
In terms of the challenge posed by the Premier League having the edge where broadcasting income is concerned, the LaLiga president spoke clearly: "We are confident that the differences with the Premier League in television revenue will fall because they can't grow their domestic market any more due to the high percentage of penetration that they have. In Spain, we're far from that point which is why we have a very high margin for growth. In fact, pay TV subscriptions have a smaller share of the market here than in Portugal." He concluded by describing how, "In international terms, the Premier League has a big advantage because they've been working on their brand for many years, but they don't have a player in the top three in Europe or even in the Team of the Year. That's why we can say we have the best league in the world in Spain."
Tebas also answered questions from journalists in attendance at the presentation. When asked about Marcelino's sacking as Villarreal CF coach, the LaLiga president offered his viewpoint: "I'm not here to evaluate whether he's honourable or not, but Marcelino's behaviour is ethically reprehensible because every match must be played with maximum intensity for the sake of the club, the fans and other sides. The worst thing that can happen to a sporting competition is for it to lose its integrity. If Fernando Roig believes Marcelino didn't exhibit the values that he wanted at his club, I congratulate him for dispensing with him. In any case, if Marcelino has since apologised, he has redeemed himself in my eyes."
Read the Socerrex Transfer Review 2016/17 here
© LALIGA - 2016