Premier League clubs looking to EFL for next Semenyo & Eze

Premier League clubs are increasingly looking to lower-tier English Football League (EFL) and Scottish academies for young talent, as evidenced by Manchester City's £64m signing of Jeremy Monga from Leicester City. Arsenal also pursued the 17-year-old winger, but City secured him first. Monga broke records at Leicester before becoming their youngest league starter and top goalscorer in the Championship.

This trend of targeting young domestic talent is part of a larger battle for players who can be integrated into development structures. Antoine Semenyo, who was rejected by multiple academies, found success with Bristol City after loans at Newport County and Sunderland. Other notable examples include Ollie Watkins from Exeter City, Adam Wharton from Blackburn Rovers, and Eberechi Eze, who rebuilt his career at Millwall and QPR after being released by Arsenal.

The Premier League has approached the EFL about capping compensation for young players moving between academies. Brexit has also impacted player recruitment, as English clubs can no longer easily scout a European market due to immigration restrictions. Club-trained players now account for a smaller percentage of minutes played in the Premier League compared to previous years, with Tottenham having the lowest percentage at just 0.1%.