As the Premier League season is set to kick off, the topic of Academy Player Protection has been a subject of discussion among football fans and experts alike. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has called on the Premier League to change their financial rules, which he believes are compelling clubs to sell their academy players. The Italian manager’s comments come after Chelsea agreed to sell midfielder Conor Gallagher to Atletico Madrid in a £33m deal. Gallagher, who has been at Chelsea since he was eight, is the latest in a long line of academy players to be sold by the club in the past 12 months.
The Financial Rules and Their Impact on Academy Players
The Premier League’s financial rules state that when clubs sell academy graduates, the entire transfer fee goes down as ‘pure profit’ in their accounts. This can help clubs navigate the top flight’s strict profit and sustainability rules. However, Maresca believes that these rules are forcing clubs to sell their academy players, rather than giving them a chance to develop and play for the first team.
“It’s not only us, it’s all the Premier League clubs,” Maresca said. “It’s a shame because in Italy, we have [Francesco] Totti with Roma, 20 years with the same club – one club man. We love that in football, the fans want to see that. But with the rules now it is different than the past.”
Maresca’s comments are echoed by many fans who feel that the current system is not conducive to developing young players. The sale of academy players not only deprives fans of the opportunity to see their favorite players develop, but it also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the club.
The Impact of Chelsea’s Spending on Academy Players
Chelsea’s spending in the past four transfer windows has been well over £1bn, with the club revamping their squad with young players. While this may seem like a positive move, it has also led to the sale of several academy players. Mason Mount, Lewis Hall, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ian Maatsen, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Billy Gilmour are among the other academy players to be sold by the club in the last 12 months.
When asked whether Chelsea’s spending has put them in this position, Maresca replied: “Yeah, but it is not only Chelsea spending money on players. It’s all the big clubs to try and buy players. Some of the clubs spend more, some spend less. My personal opinion is it’s a shame because we like to see a one club man but the rules are different.”
The Alternative Financial System
Premier League clubs have agreed to trial an alternative financial system, which operates like a spending cap, in the 2024-25 season. This move is seen as a step in the right direction towards protecting academy players and promoting sustainable spending.
“If they want to protect academy players, then probably yes,” Maresca said when asked whether the rules need changing. “But it’s not only about the rules, it’s about the culture of the club. We need to create a culture where we can develop our own players and give them a chance to play for the first team.”
The Case of Conor Gallagher
Gallagher’s sale to Atletico Madrid is a prime example of the current system’s flaws. The 24-year-old midfielder has been at Chelsea since he was eight and has worked his way up through the ranks. However, he was deemed surplus to requirements by the club and was sold to the Spanish side.
“Nobody is going to be a regular starter because if I say someone is going to be a regular starter, I think it is a lack of respect,” Maresca said. “For them, they need to work day by day very hard and show me and convince me they are to play, but nobody knows.”
Gallagher’s sale has sparked debate among fans, with many feeling that the club has made a mistake by letting him go. The midfielder’s departure is a reminder that the current system is not conducive to developing young players and that changes need to be made to protect academy players.
As the Premier League season gets underway, the topic of Academy Player Protection is sure to be a subject of discussion. With the alternative financial system set to be trialed in the 2024-25 season, there is hope that changes can be made to promote sustainable spending and protect academy players.