Brexit has reshaped the landscape of football recruitment in the UK, and the impact on youth football is proving to be complex. A new study by Analytics FC and law firm Fragomen offers a deep dive into how post-Brexit rules are affecting clubs, young talent, and the very fabric of the game.
The Shrinking Pool of Foreign Talent
Since January 2021, English clubs have had to navigate a points-based system that requires a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) for overseas signings. This regulation has had a dramatic effect. Foreign players available to English clubs have dropped by around 90%. And the signing of leading non-British 18-year-olds has halved from the 2020–21 season to 2021–22.
While top-tier clubs still command major signings—evidenced by Manchester City’s acquisition of superstar Erling Haaland—the ability to scout and secure emerging foreign talent has been notably dented.
No Guarantees for Homegrown Talent
Many assumed that restricting foreign signings would automatically create more opportunities for domestic players. However, the reality is more nuanced.
In summer 2022, Premier League clubs spent approximately £1.2bn on foreign players compared to just over £700m on homegrown talent.
Although the number of British players making appearances has risen from 272 in 2019–20 to 322 last season, the total minutes played by these players actually fell—from 315,000 to 296,000.
This indicates that while more English players are getting on the pitch, they are not necessarily enjoying increased playing time. In contrast, the second tier (EFL) has seen more significant gains for domestic players, both in terms of appearances and minutes played.
A Mixed Blessing for Youth Football
The end of free movement hasn’t just limited the talent pool; it has also changed the dynamics of youth recruitment.The new rules have slowed down the early exodus of top British talent to European leagues, meaning young prospects like Jude Bellingham are staying within the UK system longer.
The way English clubs recruit 18-year-old players has undergone a significant change. There’s a noticeable move away from the dominance clubs once enjoyed in the international youth market.
The Debate Over Future Regulation
The report raises important questions about the balance between protecting homegrown talent and maintaining competitive recruitment.Many Premier League clubs are now calling for a relaxation of the GBE rules. They argue that the strict regulations hinder their ability to compete for the best young foreign talent.
On the other hand, the Football Association is keen to preserve opportunities for English players and is expected to resist major changes to the current system. Analytics FC’s CEO, Jeremy Steele, summed it up well: “The detail and range of this report shows the enormous impact the regulations have already had, and we are looking forward to following up on this report once additional data are available.”
Looking Ahead
The evolving political and regulatory landscape means that the impact of Brexit on youth football will continue to be a hot topic. While there are clear challenges—especially for the Premier League’s ability to recruit young, foreign talent—there are also opportunities. The benefits seen in the lower leagues and the retention of domestic talent highlight that the full picture is far from black and white.
As stakeholders from the Premier League to grassroots clubs monitor these developments, one thing is clear: the future of youth football in a post-Brexit era will depend on finding the right balance between welcoming global talent and nurturing homegrown stars.