Serie A: number of transactions in 2014 winter market up 21.7%, sharp drop in the sums involved

The 2014 winter transfer market in Serie A was characterised by a 21.7% increase in transaction volume, which rose from 341 movements in January 2013 to 415 a year later. 286 players were involved in these transactions, against 257 during the transfer window of 2013, +11.3%. The rate of transactions per player was 1.45 on 31/01/2014, against 1.32 a year earlier.

Despite this increase in the number of transactions, the aggregate amount decreased. Transfers of players represent a total amount of €46.5m during the 2014 market, against €83.75m in January 2013, a decrease of 44.5%. The cumulative acquisitions of the first Italian division reached €50.74m in January 2014, against €107.5m in 2013, a decrease of 52.8%. The deficit in the balance of payments in Serie A during the transfer window of 2014 amounted to - €4.24m, or €19.5m better (82% less) than the - €23.75m registered during the winter transfer window of 2013.

As in 2013, the Serie A clubs first and foremost completed transfers amongst each other, or with other Italian divisions in January 2014. Thus, foreign leagues are…