Enzo Maresca calls for rules to limit selling of academy players

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has urged the Premier League to reconsider its financial regulations to prevent clubs from feeling “compelled” to sell their academy graduates.

In recent months, Chelsea has sold several prominent academy players, including Mason Mount, Lewis Hall, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ian Maatsen, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Billy Gilmour.

Additionally, midfielder Conor Gallagher, who has been with the club since he was eight years old, has agreed to join Atletico Madrid in a £33 million deal. The departures of Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah are also anticipated.

The entire transfer fee from these sales is recorded as ‘pure profit’ in the club’s financial accounts, helping them adhere to the Premier League’s stringent profit and sustainability rules. This practice has facilitated Chelsea’s substantial investment in new players, totaling over £1 billion across the past four transfer windows.

“This is not Chelsea’s problem; these are the rules. All Premier League clubs face this issue because of the regulations. It’s not only us; it’s a broader problem across the league,” Maresca said.

Enzo Maresca hopes for long-term stay for players

He lamented the shift from past practices where clubs cherished long-term relationships with players, like Francesco Totti’s 20-year tenure with Roma.

“We love seeing players who spend their entire careers at one club. But with the current rules, things have changed,” he added.

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Regarding Chelsea’s spending and its impact, Maresca noted that the issue is not unique to Chelsea. “It’s not just Chelsea; all big clubs are trying to acquire players. Some spend more, some spend less. My personal opinion is that it’s a shame because we miss seeing ‘one-club men,’ but the rules are different now.”

When pressed about the need for rule changes to better protect academy players, Enzo Maresca supported the idea, stating, “If they want to protect academy players, then probably yes.”

Chelsea will kick off their new campaign with a highly anticipated match against champions Manchester City.