In which direction does a player go after being released from a Premier League club?
It is a question that many have learned the answer to the hard way, having seen their long-term dreams ended. Ninety-seven per cent of the former elite academy players now aged 21 to 26 years old failed to make a single Premier League appearance, according to data revealed by the i earlier this year, leaving them to carve out a new path.
Harrowing stories have come to light in recent years of individuals who have not been provided adequate support after failing to make it at the top level, resulting in mental health issues and youngsters ending their lives early.
