Mike Rigg: Transfer inflation dates back to Robinho

Nine years ago The Abu Dhabi United Group, backed by Sheikh Mansour, bought Manchester City from Thaksin Shinawatra in the lead up to one of the most famous transfer deadline days to date.

On Sunday 31 August 2008, City and arch rivals Manchester United were in a tug of war for the signature of Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov. Mark Hughes' side appeared to be favourites to land the Bulgarian, but United came in with a late bit to complete the transfer of one of the most exciting footballers at the time.

City's new owners, however, were determined to bring in a superstar signing before the transfer window slammed shut. With just minutes to go before the midnight deadline, the club announced they had completed the £32.5m transfer of Robinho from Real Madrid, in what was a new British record transfer fee.

Rigg believes that it was this deal that sparked a domino effect that is still driving up transfer prices ahead of the new 2017/18 season.  

Speaking to 'Sky Sports News', Rigg said, "If I take us back to 2008 and when Manchester City bought Robinho, it does have a knock on effect, it does inflate prices."

"Regardless to how you see it, England is seen as an easy way of bringing money into other leagues."

He also believes Neymar's astronomical £200m move to PSG this summer will have a lasting impact across a number of leagues in the modern game.

"The finances that Neymar will kick on will have an effect, not just at the first-team level but right throughout all different levels, so it has an effect in the Championship and young players coming through the system as well," he added.

"To give you an example, I've sat through negotiations before where there's an agent representing a young player - and he may be 18, 19 - that will be using examples of other players who have been sold in the league or from the club as upping the value of their particular player, as he'll be cited as the future Neymar."