21 Jul 2026 07:19:18
We need to get rid of some of the non-homegrown players in the squad to free up places for new players.
We currently have 16 non-homegrown and are allowed 17.
One place for Barcola maybe.
We need to sell Ramsay, Endo, Chiesa and maybe MacAllister as they all need replacing.
Free up 4 more spaces for the likes of Zbaryni, Rayan, a RB.
21 Jul 2026 09:22:28
Rayan would come under the u21 since he's born after 2005, same as if we signed Diamonde. Only issue would be Barcola, he would take up a space, but Ramsey will not be included. I could see Mac leaving and a midfielder coming in.
21 Jul 2026 09:51:39
I very much doubt Endo, Chiesa and Ramsey not being moved on would be a barrier for bringing in a non-HG player we really wanted.
I wouldn't be surprised to see all 3 leave for first team football.
21 Jul 2026 12:07:49
Whilst I'm all for getting rid of non-hg players who don't really play, there is an alternative - we could just sign some homegrown players.
21 Jul 2026 12:09:06
Important to remember, as I was schooled a few weeks ago, that the U21 rule is different for the EPL and UCL.
For the EPL, they just need to be born on or after 1 Jan 05, so Rio, Leoni, Rayan or Diomande (if they join) and others will qualify for that list and not have to take up a HG or non HG place.
For the UCL, same DoB requirement, but they need to have been eligible to play for your club for 2 years. So, Rayan, Diomande, Leoni etc won't be eligible (nor will Will Wright), but Rio, Nyoni, Danns, Nallo etc will be.
21 Jul 2026 12:09:48
Wasn't Chiesa left out of the CL squad last season?
21 Jul 2026 12:23:45
IIRC, he was for the group stages and then reintroduced for the knockout stages as we had someone LT injured who was originally in the non-HG list.
21 Jul 2026 12:31:07
@WDW, He was - until Leoni picked up his injury and then he took his place in the squad.
21 Jul 2026 16:52:55
Yep, that's right but it does show that we can have as many non-HG players the club wants to buy as long as they kept the numbers registered for the PL or CL as is allowed.