- Chelsea midfielder Gallagher is nearing a transfer to Atletico Madrid
- He is set to join the list of academy talents sold by the current management
- The player was informed on Friday that he lacks a long-term role at the club
Enzo Maresca stated that the rules of the Premier League are forcing clubs to let go of their academy talents, asserting that Chelsea is not to blame as they prepare to transfer Conor Gallagher.
Atletico Madrid’s £33.7million offer for Gallagher has been accepted, with the player having joined Chelsea at just six years old.
He will follow in the footsteps of previous academy graduates sold under current management, including Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mason Mount, Ian Maatsen, Billy Gilmour, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Omari Hutchinson, and Lewis Hall, while Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja could also depart this summer.
The 24-year-old was informed last Friday that he would not have a future with Chelsea and that he would only be a squad player under Maresca as his style does not align with the desired game plan. Upon finalizing the deal with Atletico, he will be accounted for as pure profit in the financial statements.
Since their takeover in May 2022, Chelsea has invested over £1billion in player transfers, but Maresca emphasized that it is the Premier League regulations creating difficulties for clubs.
Enzo Maresca has stated that Premier League rules compel clubs to sell their academy talents, as Conor Gallagher is poised to sign with Atletico Madrid shortly.
Gallagher was informed last Friday that he has no long-term future at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea has parted ways with academy talents including Mason Mount under the current management
‘This isn’t a Chelsea issue; it’s a matter of the rules,’ Maresca remarked before their final friendly against Real Madrid during their United States tour.
‘At present, all clubs are obliged to offload players from their academy due to these regulations. This is a widespread issue among Premier League teams.’
When questioned if he believes Chelsea still aims to nurture players from their academy rather than only selling them for financial gain, Maresca replied: ‘Certainly. I genuinely think the club’s intent is not to let go of academy players, but it’s the regulations that necessitate this action.’
‘This is not unique to us. It involves all Premier League teams. It’s unfortunate because in Italy, we have (Francesco) Totti with Roma, who spent 20 years at the same club. We cherish that in soccer. The fans want to witness that. However, the current regulations differ markedly from the past.’
When reminded of Chelsea’s significant spending, Maresca stated: ‘Chelsea is not the sole team investing heavily in players. Some clubs allocate even more funds, while others spend less. Personally, I find it disappointing because fans enjoy seeing one-club players, but the standards have shifted.’
Maresca indicates that the transformation of football rules may prevent players from remaining with one club as Francesco Totti did for two decades with AS Roma.
Should the regulations change? ‘If they wish to safeguard academy players, then probably yes,’ he mentioned.
Maresca further asserted that he has a role in transfer market decisions, especially with speculation surrounding attackers Samu Omorodion and Victor Osimhen. ‘I believe no manager in the world would accept a player who does not align with their playing philosophy,’ he stated.
‘How can I agree to accept a player that isn’t in sync with the way I want to play?’
