Maresca Calls for Reforms to Safeguard Academy Players.

Posted 2 months ago

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca urges the Premier League to revise financial rules to prevent clubs from feeling "compelled" to sell academy players.

When clubs sell academy graduates, the entire transfer fee counts as "pure profit," helping them comply with strict profit and sustainability rules.

Chelsea's Conor Gallagher, 24, at the club since age eight, is joining Atletico Madrid for £33m.

Recently, Chelsea also sold Mason Mount (£55m), Lewis Hall (£28m), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (£15m), Ian Maatsen (£35m), Callum Hudson-Odoi (£5m), and Billy Gilmour (£7.5m). Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah are also expected to leave soon.

These sales have allowed Chelsea to spend over £1bn in the past four transfer windows to revamp the squad with young talent.

When asked if selling popular academy players might upset fans, Maresca responded, "This is not just Chelsea's problem; it's due to the rules. All Premier League clubs are compelled to sell academy players because of these rules. It's a shame because we miss seeing one-club men like Francesco Totti at Roma. The rules now make it different from the past."