The Brexit transition period is set to end on December 31, 2020. Since the deadline is just few weeks away, the new rules for the player transfers are being formed in the English football. Players arriving from outside the country will have to qualify for a work permit through a points-based system.
Premier League, Football Association (FA), and the English Football League (EFL) have devised this new points system. It has now been approved by the Home Office. As per new guidelines, English clubs will not be able to sign overseas players until they turn 18.
Moreover, senior players from the European Union will need required points tally to qualify for the work permit. The points system for men’s football is based on senior and youth international appearances, club appearances and the pedigree of the selling club.
In the upcoming winter transfer window during January, clubs can sign at most three overseas players. From next season, the limit will be six for the whole campaign. The points-based system was already in place for players from Non-European players. From 2021, players from the European Union will also have to go through this process to acquire the work permit to play for English clubs.
As per the new guidelines, the points system will be slightly different in women’s football. The youth international appearances and pedigree of the club will not be considered.
The new guidelines are a major hindrance to the club’s recruitment at the youth level. Clubs will have to rely on homegrown talent at the youth level. As per the BBC, Premier League believes there are enough relaxations in the new guidelines for the big clubs to improve their first team by signing the best talent in the world.