How Brexit Will Change Business in the English Football League

Last Saturday, Emiliano Buendía scored a delightful goal to put Norwich City 1-0 up against Barnsley, the Argentine made a smart run to get on the end of a pin-point pass, and his deft touch helped guide the ball into the net. Teemu Pukki also starred in that hard-earned victory; the Finnish forward has been impressive in front of goal this season.

Just 98 miles south of Carrow Road, in East London, Norwegian centre back Leo Østigård helped Coventry to a 2-1 win against Millwall. On loan from Brighton, Ostigard has been a stalwart in the Sky Blues’ defence this season and will play a key role in their fight against relegation.

On the Friday night of that same weekend, Algerian winger Saïd Benrahma had played 90 minutes for West Ham in a vital 1-0 win away at Premier League rivals Everton. Benrahma is slowly finding his groove at The Hammers following his big-money summer move from Brentford.

It is quite poignant that these games were played just a few hours after the United Kingdom’s Brexit transition period ended, as all four players mentioned above wouldn’t have even been able to sign for a club in England following the UK’s departure from the European Union. Love it or loathe it, Brexit has happened and clubs need to prepare for this. Brexit has added a whole new layer of complexion to transfers as if they weren’t confusing enough already.