Sports10/19/2025The Guardian

England’s under-21 leagues are filled with players whose clubs see no future for them

England’s under-21 leagues are filled with players whose clubs see no future for them

The article discusses the challenges faced by players in England's under-21 leagues, where many are signed to Premier League clubs but have little chance of breaking into the first team. The author's research, which began in 2012-13, has revealed that the search for talent has led to an overheated market, with a large number of players signed at age 18 but ultimately failing to establish themselves in the top tier. The article highlights the stories of 11 players who were registered as under-21 players in 2012-13, illustrating the false dawn of a contract award at a young age and the lack of benefit many of these players experience. The article suggests that the system is not serving the players well, with many being used to "make up the numbers" rather than being given genuine opportunities to develop and progress.

Source: For the complete article, please visit the original source link below.

Related Articles

Projecting the CFP top 12 after Week 8: Big move for Bama
⚽ Sports6h ago1 min read

Projecting the CFP top 12 after Week 8: Big move for Bama

Best of Week 8: The SEC runs through Alabama, Georgia and ... Vanderbilt?!
⚽ Sports6h ago1 min read

Best of Week 8: The SEC runs through Alabama, Georgia and ... Vanderbilt?!

Transfer rumors, news: Messi close to signing new Inter Miami contract
⚽ Sports6h ago1 min read

Transfer rumors, news: Messi close to signing new Inter Miami contract

Titans to simplify offense for Ward, sources say
⚽ Sports6h ago1 min read

Titans to simplify offense for Ward, sources say

Sources: Panthers eye other teams' 2-RB attack
⚽ Sports6h ago1 min read

Sources: Panthers eye other teams' 2-RB attack

Penn State loses interim's debut, 0-4 in Big Ten
⚽ Sports6h ago1 min read

Penn State loses interim's debut, 0-4 in Big Ten