Premier League clubs increasingly scouting EFL academies for the next Semenyo or Eze
Premier League clubs have recruited 14 young players from EFL and Scottish academies this summer, matching last season's total, in hopes of finding the next breakout star. Most of the new recruits are 18-year-olds, many from League One clubs.
When Manchester City paid £12.5m to sign 17-year-old winger Jeremy Monga from Leicester City, Arsenal were also chasing the highly rated teenager. The deal reflects a broader trend of Premier League clubs increasingly turning to EFL and Scottish Premiership academies to find young talent for their development squads.
The appeal is easy to understand given the career paths of several current stars. Antoine Semenyo, once rejected by multiple academies, built his career through college football and Bristol City before joining Bournemouth for around £10m and later Manchester City for £64m. Ollie Watkins, Adam Wharton and Eberechi Eze followed similarly winding routes through lower-tier clubs.
According to BBC Sport research, 14 players have already moved from EFL or Scottish Premiership academies to Premier League development squads this summer — matching the total for the whole of last season. Of those 14, 11 are 18 years old, compared with just five out of 14 in the equivalent period last season. League One has also become a key source, providing seven of this summer's 14 recruits.
Why 18 is the sweet spot
At 18, players have already had years of professional coaching but are still young enough to spend time in under-21 or B-team setups before decisions are made on loans or first-team involvement. Nine of this summer's 14 moves were free transfers, with the remaining five for undisclosed fees.
The Premier League has approached the EFL about potentially capping compensation payments for young players moving between academies.
Brexit's role
Brexit has reshaped the recruitment landscape. With freedom of movement gone, English clubs now face far greater obstacles signing young European players who don't qualify for work permits, increasing the appeal of homegrown talent. Liverpool's 18-year-old defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe, for instance, cannot play competitive matches because he lacks a work permit.
CIES data shows wide variation in how much clubs rely on club-trained players, ranging from 16.2% of minutes at Manchester City to zero at Bournemouth, Brentford and Burnley — helping explain why many clubs are turning to academy talent developed elsewhere to build their pipelines.
