Premier League Rules Force Chelsea to Sell Academy Players

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca highlighted the impact of Premier League profit and sustainability rules (PSR) on academy player sales. Conor Gallagher is the latest player potentially leaving Chelsea for Atletico Madrid due to these regulations. Maresca emphasized this issue affects all league clubs, noting it's a larger systemic problem.

Chelsea's manager Enzo Maresca has pointed a finger at the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules (PSR) as a driving force behind the necessity for clubs to sell academy players. Over recent years, Chelsea has seen several academy-developed players exit, most recently midfielder Conor Gallagher, who might move to Atletico Madrid.

Gallagher, who joined Chelsea's ranks at just eight years old, is under contract until 2025. Post-2025, he could leave on a free transfer. Academy player sales are financially beneficial, being recorded as pure profit, prompting several Premier League clubs to view homegrown talent as a crucial revenue stream to remain financially stable.

Maresca clarified this isn't solely a Chelsea issue but a league-wide challenge. Ahead of their pre-season match against Real Madrid in North Carolina, he stated, 'These are the rules. Currently, clubs almost have no choice but to sell academy players, as mandated by the PSR. This affects every club.'

Chelsea will kick off their Premier League season against Manchester City on August 18.

(With inputs from agencies.)