Over the years, Paris Saint-Germain has seen plenty of its youth players depart, searching for greener pastures. One of the reasons was that the contracts in France only limit the capital club to a three-year deal when it comes to signing young players to a youth contract.
However, that rule could be changing. Roxana Maracineanu, the Minister Delegate in charge of Sports in France, announced that a bill is being introduced that would see the contract go from three to five years.
“We must protect the clubs which invest in the training of young talents but also guarantee that the rights of the players are well-protected thanks to their union,” Maracineanu tweeted.
“Social dialogue must be encouraged in professional sport, including women’s sport.”
This bill will be a significant change and will undoubtedly help avoid the departure of young talents. At the same time, the other countries in Europe can already sign their young prospects to a youth contract for five years.
Under the current rules, French clubs have a short window to give their young players playing time and clear roles, perhaps before they want to, with the fear of leaving after three years. Five years gives clubs more time to see a player and not rush them into playing time solely for fear of not losing them.
