BBC Sport explores why Premier League clubs increasingly trade academy players and the impact on youngsters. This summer, all six of the Premier League's wealthiest clubs either signed or lost a highly-rated academy player to a direct rival.

Ryan Cardwell, former youth scout at Liverpool and Southampton, says the market is now intensely competitive, with tens of transfers between elite academies every summer. The transfer of Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea to Liverpool at age 15 is seen by some as ushering in a new era. Brexit is a major factor, as English clubs can no longer sign European Union academy players under 18.

Youth signings don't count towards the Premier League's squad cost ratio rules, and future sales count as 'pure profit'. Players can de-register at the end of under-12, under-14 and under-16 seasons. Phil Jagielka, whose son Zac left Liverpool for Hull City in 2024, says families must strike while the iron's hot. JJ Gabriel, who has an Irish passport, can potentially join clubs in Europe. Compensation fees for academy signings can reach millions of pounds, and some parents now compile data packs on their sons.