Clubs in Scotland can’t hang on to their best young players for long enough to command a proper transfer fee. They are fed up nurturing these young players, only to have them poached away as soon as they turn 16. Perhaps if there was a clearer - and more accelerated - pathway to first-team football these young players wouldn’t be so quick to jump ship. Just last week, another report found that young players have seen their opportunities at senior level increase by almost 50 per cent this season. Until that changes, and until such times as these young players can see a clear pathway, nobody can blame them for moving down south.

Source: Metro January 14, 2026 07:55 UTC