Brits Abroad: The Rising…

After Arsenal training sessions, reserve team players Jimi Gower, Lucas Martin Nygaard, and Elián Quesada Thorn would hurry to catch their 2 p.m. tee time at Hertsmere Golf Club.

“I don’t mean to brag, but I won most of the time,” Gower shared with ESPN. Their last round was played in early June. “Our futures were uncertain, and we sensed this might be our last game together for a while, but none of us knew where we would go or what lay ahead.”

During their time at Arsenal, they all aspired to make it into the Premier League. Gower was on the first team bench three times but never made it onto the field. With his contract ending in June 2025, he learned the previous February that no new deal would be offered.

He attracted interest from lower-league clubs but recalled a specific match with the Arsenal under-21s against Leyton Orient, where he felt disconnected, like a net in a game of ping pong. A technical midfielder by nature, Gower preferred engaging with the ball at his feet rather than watching it soar overhead.

For his next step, he sought something different rather than simply dropping down to climb back up. Gower had a strong support network: his father Mark is part of Liverpool’s recruitment team, and his uncle Simon Francis serves as the technical director at AFC Bournemouth. Francis’ Cherries, associated with the same Black Knight ownership group as Moreirense in Portugal, caught Gower’s attention after he mentioned them. Following a fruitful trial, Gower secured a three-year contract.

Meanwhile, his two friends ventured abroad. Quesada Thorn, who possesses dual Costa Rican nationality, signed with Alajuelense, while Martin, a Danish goalkeeper, rejoined Brabrand IF on loan.

All three had dreams of succeeding at Arsenal and had options within the UK, yet they chose different paths.

“Young players in England face a scarcity of opportunities,” one agent noted to ESPN. “Clubs prefer to acquire established talents from abroad or foreign youth players, as English youngsters come with a higher price tag.”

Last summer, Gower was among a group of 26 homegrown British and Irish players departing clubs in England and Scotland for top leagues across Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, or the Netherlands. The previous gradual trend (an average of 3.05 players per year from 2000 to 2017) is quickly becoming a torrent of talent heading abroad (with an average of 15.22 yearly since), and for those already in European leagues, many believe it might turn into a flood soon.

The Chalobah and Sancho Effect

Historically, success stories of British players moving abroad before the Premier League’s inception were rare. Even as the 21st century progressed, the number of homegrown players leaving English or Scottish teams for overseas clubs could be counted on one hand. Icons like David Beckham’s transfer to Real Madrid in 2003 and Gareth Bale’s a decade later were exceptions rather than norms, as players who ventured abroad often returned after a season or two following mixed results.

Unless you were Beckham or Owen Hargreaves, playing for England in a major tournament likely meant being part of the Premier League.

However, between 2015 and 2019, interest in foreign opportunities rose, and agents, sporting directors, players, analysts, and family members frequently cited two key figures as catalysts: Nathaniel Chalobah and Jadon Sancho. Chalobah’s loan to Napoli from Chelsea in 2015 allowed him to feature five times in Serie A and enriched his experience.

“He had captained England’s under-17 and under-19 teams, so his peers looked up to him. The players began conversing with him about how beneficial his move was,” a source indicated. “He certainly matured due to that experience.”

The other influential transfer was Jadon Sancho’s switch to Borussia Dortmund in 2017 from Manchester City, where he excelled over four seasons, accumulating 147 appearances, making his England debut, and subsequently joining Manchester United in a £73 million deal in 2021.

“[Sancho] believed in his capabilities and took a chance,” Neil Roberts, former youth player acquisition head at Manchester City, remarked. “Dortmund’s move was somewhat experimental, determining the potential of acquiring English talent, contrasting with the traditional approach of them taking players from us. This opened avenues for agents to consider more global prospects for their clients.”

The next summer saw 16-year-old Noni Madueke move to PSV Eindhoven from Tottenham Hotspur. Others followed suit, such as Keanan Bennetts going from Tottenham to Borussia Mönchengladbach, Reo Griffiths transferring from Tottenham to Lyon, and Jonathan Panzo moving from Chelsea to AS Monaco.

“The elevated technical and tactical capabilities and the recent success of youth players in England reflect a significant improvement compared to a decade ago,” one source contended. “However, the Premier League’s stringent demands and short-term analysis result in a glass ceiling for the talent they cultivate. Other leagues are adapting and managing their operations more strategically.”

Jude Bellingham’s move from Birmingham City to Dortmund in 2020 paved the way as Jamie Gittens joined him that summer, also signing for Dortmund, and Samuel Iling-Junior transitioned from Chelsea to Juventus. Angel Gomes departed Manchester United for Lille, while Aaron Hickey went to Bologna. Bellingham has since moved to Real Madrid, Gomes currently plays for Marseille after making his England debut, and others have returned to the Premier League with lucrative deals.

These narratives demonstrate that players can establish themselves abroad and remain visible and relevant, as many teams leverage data and video scouting to keep track of talents, especially post-COVID.

In recent summers, more youngsters are looking overseas. The successes of players like Gomes, Madueke, Bellingham, and Sancho have notably influenced younger talents.

“With those guys getting substantial playtime at 17, 18, or 19, many aspiring players feel they shouldn’t delay their careers,” an agent noted. Yet, players who have made recent moves often express concerns about the narrowing path within the English football system, attributing diverse reasons for their international pursuits.

A Broken System

Each summer, players between 18 and 21 near the conclusion of their time at their childhood clubs often face critical decisions about their futures. At this juncture, players may either break into the first team, receive a new contract with loan provisions, get transferred, or part ways amicably.

In August 2022, Robbie Ure scored ten minutes into his debut with his lifelong team, Rangers, but by the following summer, he found himself at a turning point. Recognizing the need to move to continue his development, he accepted an offer to join Anderlecht’s RSCA Futures team in Belgium.

“I didn’t see further development opportunities at Rangers,” Ure, now 21, told ESPN. “I wasn’t keen on a loan to a lower league in Scotland, so I sought other options, and when Anderlecht approached me, it was enticing. I aspired to be within a renowned club known for nurturing young talent. It felt natural to step out of my comfort zone for growth, especially given their track record.”

Ure eventually transitioned from Anderlecht to Swedish Allsvenskan side Sirius in March.

“Having played with the under-21s at Anderlecht and occasionally trained with the first team, it felt like the right moment to take a step up,” he mentioned, finishing the season with 11 goals and four assists in 30 matches, ranking as the club’s second-highest scorer. He isn’t rushing to return to Scotland.

“When Sirius came calling, I had offers back home, but I sought the challenge of being a leading striker. I’m aware that clubs everywhere utilize data and scout every player effectively. This experience has strengthened me physically and enhanced my ability to handle the pressures of being a regular starter. I’ve learned to be comfortable with discomfort, boosting my mental resilience.”

In the summer of 2024, 20-year-old Shola Shoretire evaluated his options after making a few substitute appearances for Manchester United. Although the club proposed a new contract, he desired consistent first-team football and accepted an offer from PAOK Salonika in Greece.

“I had strong Championship interest for a permanent move, but if I was to leave United, I wanted to make a significant leap—not just in football but in my personal growth. When PAOK’s proposal arrived, it resonated with me as the next logical step,” he recounted.

Shoretire appeared 27 times in 2024-25 but sought more consistent playing time. PAOK obliged, and he is currently on loan at PEC Zwolle in the Eredivisie. However, players are increasingly hesitant about short-term loan experiences like Shoretire’s.

“A few poor performances can lead to benching and the challenge of regaining a spot in a new team,” Shoretire elaborated. “Navigating a cycle of loans makes breaking into your parent club even trickier.”

This growing sentiment is why permanent moves are increasingly favored. In fact, U21 players have accumulated an average of 19,790 minutes in top-flight leagues across several countries this season, compared to only 16,117 minutes in the Premier League.

The landscape reflects two major reasons that players perceive: the short-termism inherent in football and the pressure associated with it. Premier League teams have reserve squads that compete in an under-21 tournament called Premier League 2, representing the final tier of youth football.

Whereas these promising younger talents would traditionally have chances in “men’s” football via breakthroughs or loans to Championship teams, opportunities have become scarce.

Parent clubs often establish clauses in loans mandating playing time expectations, with penalties for non-compliance potentially leading to canceled arrangements. Furthermore, many involved with Premier League clubs believe the loan market is less appealing for Championship teams than it once was, given the increased financial power of England’s second division.

“Managers are cautious about giving young players opportunities, influenced by job security fears,” explained a sporting director. “With promotion on the line, clubs are cautious; giving a debut to an inexperienced prospect poses too much risk of adverse results.”

Troy Parrott, a former Tottenham academy standout, has felt this firsthand. He described how five loans over four seasons hindered his progression.

“Once you enter the loan system—particularly to the Championship or League One—you’ll find development stagnates,” Parrott, who transferred to AZ Alkmaar in July 2024, achieving 44 goal contributions in 69 appearances, noted. “The focus shifts to performance and results rather than actual player development.”

A Smaller World

In late August, England’s U16s faced Italy in a doubleheader in Rome. Agents, scouts, family members, and fans filled the stands as Italy secured a 2-1 victory in one match, only for England to return the favor by the same score days later.

Afterward, players mingled, revealing a sense of familiarity.

“I was taken aback by how well they all interacted, like old friends,” one agent commented. “But they explained they had been connecting via social media, keeping tabs on each other’s profiles. Consequently, moves later on are far less intimidating than they previously were.”

Social media has rendered the world more interconnected, but it can also feel stifling for many players.

“There’s a growing issue of loneliness in football,” one player care expert remarked. “Players might have millions of followers, yet there’s a prevailing sense that those individuals want to extract something from them. The constant feedback from countless voices can be overwhelming compared to the days of seeing what was broadcasted in local publications.”

Living in a foreign country where the language presents challenges complicates matters. Despite public opinion on their performance, players may find it hard to focus on food for thought, be it in their game or personal lives.

There is perceived minimal risk for clubs involved in these kinds of transactions. For those relinquishing a player, clauses are often included that allow the player to return for a set fee or permit them to receive a percentage of any future transfer profits. Conversely, the club acquiring the player understands they are gaining “an intelligent individual raised in a respectable system,” according to one agent.

“Many foreign clubs view young British and Irish players as market prospects. They can acquire someone young, nurture them, and ultimately transfer them when they are around 22, 23, or 24,” a sporting director noted. “At that stage of their career, they wouldn’t be able to afford a player who’d progressed through the ranks of the Premier League. They can provide exposure for three to four years, including games in European competitions, and enhance the player’s market value while establishing a sustainable model.”

The Future

As the upcoming transfer windows approach, an increased number of players heading abroad is probable. Agents and directors indicate that many players still favor the Bundesliga, while the Belgian Pro League, Ligue 1, Danish Superliga, and Eredivisie remain appealing destinations.

Countless examples of young British players flourishing overseas this season abound, and they will likely influence their friends back home. With the January transfer window approaching and British clubs seeking midseason talent infusions, expect to see numerous players who have left the British Isles come into consideration, along with more homegrown talents looking for opportunities abroad.

“In the coming years, I anticipate an increase in young English players venturing overseas,” Shoretire observed. He, Gower, and their peers are aware of this trend, yet they are relishing their roles as pioneers in this migration.

“Overseas, the boys mature far more rapidly than they do in England,” an agent stated. “The combination of playtime, cultural exposure, a new environment, and offered challenges makes this decision a no-brainer. Our advice is always to pursue the right club at the right moment and to consider moving abroad.”

Gower remains in touch with his former golf companions and hopes to catch up with them over another round one summer when they reunite from their respective endeavors. They’ll have experiences abroad to share.

“It’s astonishing how far football can take you,” he reflects. “It broadens your perspective on the diverse opportunities to play, extending far beyond just England’s borders.”