…I think it’ll be lots to do with money, Zat.
Gateways are for park paths, they don’t really mean anything in football if youngsters aren’t good enough. The very talented come through, it’s always been the case. I personally don’t blame any in-demand 18yo looking to cash in on their talent, clubs are quick to discard them if they’re not good enough.
I also have a theory, which is basically that the "life changing" (in real terms) money is just available a lot earlier now than maybe it was say 30 years ago, so you are seeing ruthlessness creep in earlier.
I'm sure I heard the RS offered Elliot 50k p/w plus a hefty sign on fee at 17. In anyone's books, that's him sorted for life on a 3 year deal. He's clearing ,
4m in wages after tax and maybe another million on a sign on fee. Like it's not say to say you would go an alternative path, but the opportunity for financial freedom must be tempting.
It's probably not for the best of players on the long term from a playing perspective, but honestly if you can secure yourself financially for life, why wouldn't you?
The amount of next big things at 17 you see who are working in a petrol garage playing county league level at 22 is startling.