Revealed: Leeds United plan confirmed as game-changing transfer development on the cards
Leeds United are confident that the points-based visa system will be relaxed amid ongoing talks between the Home Office and Premier League, Football Insider can reveal.
The entry requirements for European footballers were tightened following the UK’s exit from the European Union.
Many clubs – as well as Premier League CEO Richard Masters – have blamed Brexit for pushing up transfer fees as a result of a restricted recruitment pool.
But in their 2021-22 accounts released last Saturday (8 April), Leeds said they were optimistic that talks between the top flight and the government would provide a solution.
Any such solution would also require the assent of the FA, who have historically been opposed to relaxing the visa system for fear of stifling opportunities for homegrown talent.
Leeds CEO Angus Kinnear has previously admitted that there has been tension between the Premier League and FA over post-Brexit work permit rules.
But that stance is beginning to soften somewhat and it is understood that there is hope that change could be sparked by an imminent government review of the visa system.
Players currently must attain 15 points to qualify automatically for a work permit, while players with 10 points or more are eligible to go before an appeals panel.
Points are awarded based on criteria such as international caps and experience in elite domestic or continental competitions, which has made it harder to sign young players particularly.
Elsewhere in the 2021-22 accounts, Leeds posted a £34million loss on club-record turnover on £189m.
Around £15m meanwhile has been chalked up to the fee Leeds have been forced to pay RB Leipzig for the transfer of Jean-Kevin Augustine in 2019-20.
The French striker signed on loan with an obligation to buy if Leeds won promotion that season, which they did but then argued that Covid-enforced delays to the campaign made the clause void.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled against them, and they have since been ordered to pay Augustin himself and a further £24.5m for breach of contract.
In other news, Leeds United leapfrog Everton in race to sign red-hot star.