Why English stars are so expensive

ENGLISH players are likely to cost more in transfer fees because Premier League clubs are reluctant to let their contracts run down, according to a top football finance expert.

James Milner moved into the top 10 of English player transfers when he joined Manchester City from Aston Villa for £18 million (€21.8m), with Stephen Ireland going in the opposite direction.

Milner’s fee contrasts with that of Germany’s World Cup midfield sensation Mesut Ozil, who joined Real Madrid from Werder Bremen for a bargain €15m.

However, Ozil’s contract was due to expire at the end of next season and the player could have begun contract talks with other clubs in January.

It was therefore in Werder Bremen’s interest to get the highest price they could, knowing that Ozil could walk out for free at the end of the season.

Milner however, still had two years of his contract to run at Villa Park and Mark Hovell of George Davies and Co believes that factor, as well the higher pulling power of English players, is reflected in the higher transfer fees.

“Transfer fees tend to reflect how long a player’s contract with the transferring club has to run,” said Hovell.

“Mesut Ozil was nearing the end of his contract so he would then have been able to walk under a Bosman/Webster ruling, whereas Milner had a few years to run.

“Agents will also be aware of the wealth of the Premier League teams from their TV deal and foreign owners, so I suspect the prices rise as soon as agents talk to Premier clubs compared to other countries.

“English players do tend to cost a bit more. Perhaps a better example is Craig Bellamy. Him going to his home town team from Manchester City will undoubtedly result in more shirt sales, more season tickets, etc.

“Some overseas stars will have that effect, but they are in the minority. Will Yaya Toure give that type of lift to City?”