Premier League Transfers: Why Are Some Fees Not Disclosed?

Why Do Clubs Keep Transfer Fees Hidden?

Andrew from New Forest asks why some clubs choose not to reveal transfer fees. The main reason is that clubs prefer to keep their spending under wraps. By not disclosing fees, rival teams remain unsure about how much budget has been spent and how much remains for replacements.

In today's world, though, this secrecy often feels unnecessary since agents and other insiders frequently leak the details. Some transfers involving foreign clubs listed on stock markets, like Lyon or Juventus, require those clubs to report exact figures publicly. Even so, English clubs still often label these deals as undisclosed.

What Defines a Homegrown Player?

A homegrown player is anyone who has spent three full seasons or 36 months registered with an English or Welsh club before turning 21, no matter their nationality. For example, Chelsea's Joao Pedro, born in Brazil, joined Watford at 18 and qualifies under this rule.

This differs from UEFA's homegrown criteria, which only counts time between ages 15 and 21, while the Premier League starts counting earlier.

Does the Rule Work Both Ways?

Mike from Bath wondered about players like Eric Dier, who was English but considered overseas because he completed his youth training abroad. That's right. It's all about where the player's football education happened. Dier spent less than three years at English clubs before 21, so he didn't qualify as homegrown.

On the flip side, Noni Madueke trained extensively in England before moving to PSV Eindhoven and is considered homegrown due to his time at English academies.

How Does Jeremie Frimpong Qualify?

Daniel from Derby asked why Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong counts as homegrown despite being Dutch-born. He qualifies because he spent nine years at Manchester City's academy, from 2010 to 2019, fulfilling the three-year requirement.

Understanding Sell-On Fees

Nick from Brentford wanted to know how sell-on fees are paid. Here's an example:

• Team A sells a player to Team B for £5 million.
• Team B later sells the player to Team C for £20 million.
• The profit is £15 million, and if Team A holds a 10% sell-on clause, they receive £1.5 million.

Sell-on fees are usually paid according to how the buying club pays the selling club. If Team C pays in four instalments, Team B will also pay Team A in four instalments. Team A only gets paid once Team B has received funds.

Contracts can vary, though. Sometimes, the sell-on fee must be paid in full immediately, or Team A might negotiate upfront payment at a reduced amount.

More Transfer Window Questions Answered

• Rules around player swaps during the transfer window
• Reasons for scheduling the EFL Cup matches on weekends
• New financial regulations for Premier League clubs
• Changes in Fantasy Premier League rules for the 2026-27 season