Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Manchester United

Which Premier League Clubs Still Rely on Local Players in 2025/26 – Ranked

September 12, 2025 Oliver Obel

The Premier League has long celebrated homegrown talent, but in 2025/26, the balance between local and international players is striking. Some clubs proudly showcase their roots through academy graduates, while others have completely moved away from local development. Here is the full ranking of every club, from those with none to those with the most.

Aston Villa – 0 Local Players

Villa, a club with a proud history, surprisingly feature no local players this season. Their reliance is now fully on external signings and non-local youth.

Leeds United – 0 Local Players

Leeds United also stand without a single local representative. Despite their reputation for producing talent in the past, the 2025/26 squad lacks a local-born presence.

Burnley – 0 Local Players

Burnley’s fighting spirit has long been their identity, but this season none of their players come from the local area. It’s a shift that marks the decline of homegrown representation at Turf Moor.

Wolverhampton Wanderers – 0 Local Players

Wolves, once reliant on West Midlands talent, are also left with none. Their recruitment focus has fully shifted toward international prospects.

Liverpool – 1 Local Player

Following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid, Curtis Jones is Liverpool’s sole local lad. Having joined the club at nine, he remains the only hometown hero at Anfield.

Bournemouth – 1 Local Player

AFC Bournemouth — Selman GEDIK / Shutterstock.com

Bournemouth also count just one local representative. The Cherries have invested heavily in external signings, leaving little room for homegrown development.

Nottingham Forest – 1 Local Player

Ryan Yates, with nearly 250 appearances, proudly represents Forest as their lone local player. His story reflects a deep loyalty to the club he grew up supporting.

Manchester United – 2 Local Players

United’s famous academy still delivers, though only two local lads remain: Kobbie Mainoo and Tyler Fredricson. While not the golden days of Class of ’92, the local link continues.

Everton – 2 Local Players

Everton, once a powerhouse of Scouse talent, now have just James Garner and goalkeeper Harry Tryer. The decline highlights how far the local core has shrunk.

Tottenham Hotspur – 2 Local Players

Spurs’ London roots are held by Dane Scarlett and Brandon Austin. Both keep the North London club connected to its local footballing culture.

Manchester City – 3 Local Players

City’s academy still shines through Phil Foden, Rico Lewis, and Nico O’Reilly. These players continue the proud tradition of local talent in Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Fulham – 3 Local Players

The Cottagers benefit from their London base, with three locally-born players featuring in the team. Their academy ensures a steady connection to the capital.

Newcastle United – 3 Local Players

Dan Burn, Lewis Miley, and Mark Gillespie all hail from the northeast. They embody Newcastle’s proud tradition of producing local heroes for St James’ Park.

Sunderland – 3 Local Players

Chris Rigg, Dan Niel, and Anthony Patterson ensure Sunderland still carry a local heartbeat. The Black Cats keep their strong regional ties alive.

Brighton & Hove Albion – 4 Local Players

Brighton now focus heavily on overseas recruitment, but Solly March, Jack Hinshelwood, and two others remain. They continue to offer a hometown touch at the Amex.

Brentford – 4 Local Players

Brentford mirror Brighton with four locals, including Ethan Pinnock and Myles Peart-Harris. The Bees still nurture talent from their London roots.

Chelsea – 5 Local Players

Chelsea’s Cobham academy continues to flourish, with Reece James leading five London-born players. Tyrique George, Jamie Gittens, Josh Acheampong, and Tosin Adarabioyo complete the list.

Arsenal – 6 Local Players

Arsenal stand tall among the top clubs, fielding six locals including Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Max Dowman. Their Hale End academy remains one of the best in the country.

West Ham United – 7 Local Players

Maximilian Kilman — Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

The Hammers proudly showcase seven locals, including Max Kilman, Oliver Scarles, George Earthy, and Freddie Potts. Their tradition of nurturing homegrown stars is alive and well.

Crystal Palace – 7 Local Players

Palace share the crown with seven local lads such as Marc Guehi, Nathaniel Clyne, Romain Esse, and Eddie Nketiah. Their strong London base gives them one of the most community-rooted squads in the league.