Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has pointed the finger at the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules for forcing the club to sell promising academy players like Conor Gallagher.
Chelsea recently accepted a £34 million ($43.4m) bid for Gallagher, who is yet to sign a new contract with the club.
Under Todd Boehly’s ownership since May 2022, the Blues have seen several homegrown talents leave, including Mason Mount, Ian Maatsen, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Callum Hudson-Odoi. This trend has upset many fans, who feel the club is losing its identity.
Maresca explained that these sales are not a choice but a necessity due to the Premier League's financial rules.
Maresca said: "This is not Chelsea's problem. This is the rules problem. The clubs are compelled to sell players because of the rules. It's not a Chelsea problem, it is a Premier League problem.”
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The business of selling academy players
Selling academy players is financially advantageous for clubs as it is recorded as pure profit, which helps comply with profit and sustainability regulations. Maresca lamented the impact of these rules on maintaining club loyalty and nurturing long-term talents.
He expressed his admiration for one-club men like Francesco Totti: "I love that [Francesco] Totti was at Roma for 20 years and a one-club man. It’s the rules. My personal opinion is it’s a shame because we all like to see a one-club man.
"If we want to promote academy players - yes, change the rule," he added.
Gallagher is set to join Atletico Madrid pending medical and final negotiations. He had previously rejected a higher bid from Aston Villa, preferring to stay at Stamford Bridge.
On Gallagher's future, Maresca said: "What I know is Conor and the club are talking about a decision…hopefully, the final decision will be something good for Conor and the club."
🔴⚪️🛫 Conor Gallagher's flight to Madrid has been booked for today, he's set to travel as soon as he gets the green light.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 6, 2024
Plan revealed on Monday now set to be confirmed.
Gallagher would join Atléti on €40m fixed fee, five year deal, waiting for Omorodion & Julian Alvarez. pic.twitter.com/QldOyx9R1W
Chelsea eye potential replacements for Gallagher
Chelsea are already scouting for Gallagher's replacement, with Celtic’s Matt O'Riley being a key target.
O'Riley has attracted interest from several clubs, including Atalanta and Brighton, and was the subject of a bid from Atletico in January.
As Chelsea continues to navigate the financial pressures of the Premier League, Maresca’s comments highlight the difficulty balancing between complying with regulations and maintaining the club’s tradition of developing homegrown talent.
