Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has urged the Premier League to modify its financial regulations so that clubs are not “forced” to sell players from their academies.
When clubs part with academy graduates, the entire transfer fee is recorded as ‘pure profit’ in their financial statements, aiding them in complying with the league’s stringent profit and sustainability rules.
Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, aged 24 and with the club since the age of eight, has finalized a transfer to Atletico Madrid for £33m.
Other academy players sold by Chelsea in the past year include Mason Mount (£55m), Lewis Hall (£28m), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (£15m), Ian Maatsen (£35m), Callum Hudson-Odoi (£5m), and Billy Gilmour (£7.5m), with Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah anticipated to follow suit.
These transfers have enabled Chelsea to invest over £1bn in the last four transfer windows, significantly reshaping their squad with young talent.
When asked if the club risks alienating supporters by selling beloved academy players, Maresca stated: “But this isn’t Chelsea’s issue; these are the regulations. Currently, all clubs are compelled to sell academy players due to the rules. It’s a challenge for all Premier League clubs.”
He added, “It’s not just us; it’s a concern for all Premier League clubs. It’s unfortunate because in Italy, we have [Francesco] Totti at Roma, who spent 20 years with his club—a true one-club man. Fans appreciate that in football. However, the current regulations differ from those in the past.”
When pressed about whether Chelsea’s expenditures contributed to the situation, he acknowledged: “Yes, but it’s not solely Chelsea investing in players. All the major clubs are in pursuit of talent.”
“Some clubs spend more, some less. Personally, I find it regrettable because we enjoy seeing a one-club player, but the regulations have changed.”
He was then asked if the rules require revision, to which he responded: “If they aim to protect academy players, then perhaps yes.”
Premier League clubs have decided to experiment with a new financial system resembling a spending cap starting in the 2024-25 season.
