- Maresca criticized Premier League financial regulations
- The Blues have faced intense scrutiny
- Chelsea's recent departures have sparked debate
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has criticized Premier League financial regulations for forcing clubs to sell academy-grown talent.
The Blues have faced intense scrutiny for their decision to part ways with a host of homegrown players, including Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, among others.
The Italian tactician argues that the league’s strict profit and sustainability rules incentivize clubs to sell academy graduates, as the entire transfer fee is classified as profit.
This, in turn, has led to a wave of departures among young, promising players.
Maresca expressed disappointment at the trend, contrasting it with the loyalty often seen in leagues like Italy, where players like Francesco Totti spent their entire careers at one club.
He acknowledged that Chelsea’s substantial spending has contributed to the club’s financial position but emphasized that it’s a league-wide issue.
To address the problem, Maresca called for a revision of the Premier League’s financial rules to better protect academy players.
While the league is currently trialing a spending cap for the upcoming season, it remains to be seen if this will effectively mitigate the issue.
Chelsea’s recent departures have sparked debate about the long-term impact on the club’s identity and fan base, as well as the broader implications for English football.
