There are bigger concerns in the world right now than football transfers, but for those whose livelihoods depend on the movement of players — agents, or clubs’ recruitment departments — it is difficult to ignore discussions about what the market might look like once the game emerges from the coronavirus crisis.



With so much still unknown about how this disease will grip football globally, mapping an exact picture is impossible, but already there are theories about the broad brushstrokes and a consistent theme is being drawn: the financial downturn will make this year a buyers’ market.



In particular, the richest clubs with the biggest cash reserves are expected to hold an advantage once the dust settles and trading resumes. It might be considered indecent haste to be talking on such terms, crass even, yet you can be assured executives and agents are doing so, because their jobs demand it.



That is the backdrop to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer...