As we all know, Great Britain voted to leave the European Union yesterday, meaning the scene across Europe is set for huge change.
The news is set to have a major affect on the English Premier League, as working visa laws will make it harder for English clubs to sign foreign players.
But one club that could be set to benefit is Manchester United, who may now have an improved chance of signing Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale or James Rodriguez.
‘Brexit’ affects Madrid because they are only allowed three non-EU players in their squad, and those slots are currently occupied by Brazilian pair Danilo and Casemiro, as well as James.
Players like Marcelo and Keylor Navas were able to apply for dual citizenship, having been in Spain for more than five years, meaning they do not count towards the non-EU player quota. Just to make it that bit more complex for you.
And now, thanks to Britain’s vote to leave the EU, Bale becomes their fourth non-EU player, meaning one of the four must leave the Bernabeu.
Obviously this doesn’t make Bale or Rodriguez a certainty to leave, especially with Danilo having received widespread criticism for his performances since his €31.5m from Porto last year.
Madrid are expected to ask the Spanish league authorities for an exemption to the rule, but should they not get it, they’ll be forced to sell one of the foursome.
Bale has long been linked with United, while Jose Mourinho’s new side were in for James before he joined the Spanish giants back in 2014.
This could be the start of a new era for the Premier League, as teams combat the visa laws while trying to sign the best players possible.
Britain leaving the EU will increase the amount of English players in the Premier League, as teams won’t be able to sign players from Europe who don’t meet criteria.
The likes of Anthony Martial, Dimitri Payet and N’Golo Kante wouldn’t have qualified for working visas had they joined post-Brexit, so the overall quality of the English top flight is set to take a dip.
It could have an increased effect on the national team, as more Englishmen playing in their domestic league will increase the talent pool available to the England manager.
And as discussed, it could help bring Gareth Bale home.
