CIES: expatriate players represent 50.1% of the squads of clubs in the European Top 5 in 2021-22

"In 2021, for the first time in history, expatriates represent more than half (50.1%) of the players in the five major European leagues" (as of 01/10/2021), with a maximum of 60.6% in the Serie A TIM and a minimum of 38.1% in LaLiga Santander, according to the CIES Football Observatory's Monthly Report, published on 10/11/2021.

Across Europe's 31 men's divisions, "despite the increase in expatriates, the presence of club-trained players has also continued to increase after the pandemic. However, the level of footballers from home team academies remains much lower than the average measured between 2009 and 2015 (18% compared to 21.8%). The slight recent increase is mainly due to the increase in the less competitive leagues," continued the CIES. Indeed, club-trained players represent just 14.2% of the current squads of European Top 5 clubs.

"A clearer trend has been noted regarding the stability of squads. In 2017, the proportion of players recruited during the year attained a record level of 44.9%. In 2021, new recruits only represent 40.4% of squads, the lowest level observed since…