A club with a good youth academy is the envy of others. Ideally, a side will bring a gifted young player through the academy and the youth team before introducing a polished and capable talent to the first-team picture.
But a win at all costs attitude means it has instead become commonplace to sign young starlets or ready-made players for big fees from other sides.
And such is the ferocity of competition – especially at the biggest clubs – that young players will often go out on loan. These are players the manager doesn’t want to sell, but can’t fit into the team right now.
They can go off, develop their skills and gain senior experience, before returning and potentially slotting into the first-team.
Read more on dailystar.co.uk