KT2000
10-08-2008, 12:57 PM
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_4260702,00.html
I think that is interesting considering what we've seen here in the states with our pro leagues. Professional clubs in England are currently only limited by what their owners make available for spending. Soccer has exploded commercially this decade in Europe.
The Premier League has seen a record amount of foreign billionaire owners buy up teams the last five years. It has completely changed the complexion of English soccer.
Most of the league's best players are foreigners, and that would have been unheard of just 10 years ago. Their youth academies are suffering as a result because the foreign infusion has led to less investment by clubs in their youth academies. Why devote the energy to developing talent when you can just cherry pick the best profiles from various countries?
Completely homegrown stars like Paul Scholes (Manchester United) and Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) are a rare sight in England these days.
Clubs like Sporting Lisbon, Barcelona and Ajax Amsterdam should be examples to everyone in the area of youth investment.
I think a salary cap would be good for England especially because it would force clubs to live within their means and actually develop their product rather than just seeing who all can drop 50m+ pounds in a given transfer window.
I think that is interesting considering what we've seen here in the states with our pro leagues. Professional clubs in England are currently only limited by what their owners make available for spending. Soccer has exploded commercially this decade in Europe.
The Premier League has seen a record amount of foreign billionaire owners buy up teams the last five years. It has completely changed the complexion of English soccer.
Most of the league's best players are foreigners, and that would have been unheard of just 10 years ago. Their youth academies are suffering as a result because the foreign infusion has led to less investment by clubs in their youth academies. Why devote the energy to developing talent when you can just cherry pick the best profiles from various countries?
Completely homegrown stars like Paul Scholes (Manchester United) and Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) are a rare sight in England these days.
Clubs like Sporting Lisbon, Barcelona and Ajax Amsterdam should be examples to everyone in the area of youth investment.
I think a salary cap would be good for England especially because it would force clubs to live within their means and actually develop their product rather than just seeing who all can drop 50m+ pounds in a given transfer window.