PL CLUBS WANT LOAN RULE U-TURN

PReMIeR LeAGUe clubs have discussed reforms to the transfer window that would permit players under the age of 21 to leave on loan after deadline day. Ahead of the 2016-17 season, FIFA scrapped the emergency loan window that allowed players to leave their clubs on a temporary basis, even though the transfer deadline had passed, to protect the sporting integrity of the game. But restrictions have hindered chances for young players in senior football, and can reveal proposals to adapt the rules to allow them to leave on loan outside the summer and winter transfer windows have been devised. A rule reversal could be beneficial for emerging players who would not normally feature for their parent club’s first team. The potential regulation shift was discussed during a Premier League conference call last week. Most top-flight clubs are thought to be in favour of the move. If given the green light, the reform would help teams who have had their hands tied with regards to letting youngsters leave on loan to secure senior action. equally, the move is likely to be welcomed by young players who have found their careers stifled by the decision to abandon the emergency loan window. In December, the Premier League’s director of football Richard Garlick hinted at the possibility of new transfer rules, saying: ‘We will look to restructure the loan system to enable more young players to go out on loan, or be loaned earlier in their development.’ In a further boost to top-flight prospects, academies are expected to reopen in March. Some age groups were forced to scrap training following the third lockdown, but during last week’s Zoom call it was decided that academies could operate as normal from later this month.