In each transfer window, most Premier League clubs overlook their young graduates and instead spend multimillions of pounds on fully formed overseas stars. The EFL says it is “supportive of the holistic development of young players”, and the Premier League aims “to support the development of well-rounded young players”. Fifteen Premier League and nine Championship clubs have Category One EPPP academies and operate under-23 teams, so they report a relatively high number of 18-year-olds given initial professional contracts – 65% last year, according to the Premier League. “That is all you aspire to: football, football, football. Huddersfield’s landmark Premier League promotion was secured after hiring a German manager, David Wagner, and by signing a clutch of German players.

Source: The Guardian October 06, 2017 11:02 UTC