Premier League Clubs Scout EFL for Next Semenyo and Eze

Premier League clubs are intensifying their search for the next generation of stars within the English Football League (EFL) and Scottish academies, mirroring the successful career trajectories of players like Antoine Semenyo and Eberechi Eze. This trend highlights a strategic shift towards securing promising talent before they establish themselves in senior football.

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The rises of Antoine Semenyo and Eberechi Eze shows the value of EFL development

The appeal of scouting from lower leagues is clear: players often possess a foundation of professional coaching while remaining young enough for development squads. Manchester City's acquisition of Jeremy Monga from Leicester City for £12.5 million exemplifies the escalating value of these young domestic talents. Monga, who broke multiple records at Leicester, was also pursued by Arsenal, underscoring the competitive landscape for teenage prospects.

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Premier League clubs are increasingly looking to EFL and Scottish academies for players who can be brought into their development structures, sometimes before they have established themselves in senior football.

BBC Sport research reveals a notable increase in these transfers. Fourteen players have already moved from EFL or Scottish academies to Premier League development squads this summer, matching the entire total from the 2025-26 season. This surge is particularly evident in the age profile of recruits, with 11 of this summer's 14 players being 18 years old, compared to only five in the previous season's sample. League One has also become a significant hunting ground, contributing seven players this summer.

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For recruitment departments, finding the next player capable of following a similar route can be enormously valuable.

Notable moves include Blade Earley from Cambridge United to Aston Villa and Harrison Bettoni from Wigan Athletic to Chelsea. The recruitment of players like Ollie Watkins from Exeter City and Adam Wharton from Blackburn Rovers demonstrates the potential for substantial returns on investment. As Premier League clubs continue to 'jump the queue' for emerging talent, the EFL and Scottish leagues are proving to be crucial incubators for future football stars.

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Monga is not part of BBC Sport's 14-player sample because he had already broken into Leicester's first team. His fee, however, illustrates how quickly the equation can change once a teenager proves himself at senior level.