Kieran Maguire: Man City poised to exploit political U-turn and sign multiple rising stars
Man City are poised to exploit a possible relaxation of the Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) points system to sign rising stars from Europe on the cheap.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about a mooted revamp of the rules on foreign signings.
Britain’s exit from the European Union means UK teams are no longer free to poach under-18 players from European clubs, with rising stars instead required to meet a 15-point GBE threshold.
The FA have traditionally tried to use its powers to push UK clubs to shop domestically in the interests of the England national team.
But per The Athletic on Monday (3 October), the FA are now considering relaxing their stance on the GBE points system, and there is unanimous support from the Premier League.
There is a consensus that such a move would stop top-flight clubs from being held to ransom in the transfer market because of a reduced talent pool.
Maguire explained why City, whose multi-club empire was in part designed to circumvent post-Brexit recruitment red tape, would be delighted if the rules are relaxed.
“There’s no doubt that all Premier League clubs would like the relaxation of GBE rules,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“This is more of a political issue that has been set by the government in terms of the desire for a restriction on the recruitment of staff from other countries. They want a more immigration-focused policy with regard to the Home Office.
“Multi-clubs do give clubs an opportunity to build up a points portfolio.
“I’m sure clubs would like to take a more direct route if they believe players to be good enough at an early stage. I’m also sure Man City would be very happy for these rules to be relaxed.“
In other news, Gabby Agbonlahor on Pep Guardiola potentially quitting Man City after BBC reveal.