Liverpool and Chelsea have dominated the headlines with their high-profile signings this summer. The Reds saw the international trio of Diogo Jota, Thiago Alcantara and Kostas Tsimikas arrive at the club, whilst Chelsea spent over £200 million in pursuit of challenging Liverpool’s domestic dominance.
However, with the international transfer deadline passing, the two clubs have turned their attentions to the English Football League. And in particular, Ian Holloway‘s Grimsby Town.
David Ornstein of the Athletic reports that midfield duo Louis Boyd and Ben Grist are attracting the interest of a whole host of top flight clubs. Coupled with the quality of those after the pair, it will be exceptionally difficult for Grimsby to keep the young stars.
Grimsby Town’s Louis Boyd and Ben Grist Linked With Liverpool and Chelsea
Duo Have Been Surrounded by the Grimsby First-Team
Despite the pair being 15-years-old, they have both been in and around the first-team squad this season. Boyd made his league debut for the Mariners last month, when he came on with 20 minutes to go in a 1-0 defeat to Walsall.
In fact, Boyd etched his name into the club’s history books by becoming Grimsby’s youngest ever goalscorer, when he found the back of the net against Harrogate Town in the EFL Trophy. Grist was also named in the squad that day, but remained an unused substitute.
Chance to Earn Much Needed Funds
The main concern for Grimsby lies in their financial situation. Like most football league clubs the effects of COVID-19 have hit the club hard.
The club’s chairman, Philip Day told the Athletic that he estimated that Grimsby will make a £700,000 loss this season, accrediting that to the pandemic. Their economic status means the club may be forced into selling their most prized assets.
Liverpool and Chelsea Interest Highlights Changes to the Recruitment Model
Speculation over the pair by top tier clubs in England indicates a different approach to recruitment. This is because once the UK leaves the EU, British clubs will be banned from signing European players under 18.
It seems that this notion of Premier League seeking talent from the EFL will only become more common. The battle for the best young homegrown talent will certainly intensify in the months ahead.
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