The Premier League is currently experiencing a lull, with players either away on international duty or putting their feet up in preparation for the final stages of the season, but planning for the future is always on the agenda.
For many clubs that means looking at the summer transfer window, when top-quality players from around the world can be bought and sold. But the Premier League ’s biggest clubs also have access to a sizable selection of players via other means.
Academies put a lot of time and effort into trying to prepare young players for the step up to the first team, while the loan system is always widely used to develop players. By now the top flight’s Big Six will have a good idea about those who are capable of moving into the first team next season.
