One thing Tottenham do not have to worry about heading into the 2023/24 season is the problematic non-homegrown player rules in Europe which have plagued them in the past. As the regulations do differ slightly between the Premier League and UEFA competition, Spurs have been in a position previously where they have had to cut players from their 25-man European squad.
Not an ideal situation for the head coach to be in when he's required to tell a certain individual that they will not feature for the club in Europe, Tottenham have worked hard in the transfer market over the past couple of years to make sure it is a thing of the past. Although not involved in Europe next campaign after finishing in eighth, the Lilywhites will still have to comply with the Premier League's rules when it comes to naming a squad.
As is the case in Europe, Tottenham will need to submit a 25-man squad to the Premier League in order for their players to be eligible to play in the competition next term. Clubs cannot name more than 17 non-homegrown players on the list and the remainder of the squad, up to a total of 25 players, must be homegrown.
The Premier League define a homegrown player as "a player who, irrespective of nationality or age, has been registered with any club affiliated to The Football Association or the Football Association of Wales for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons, or 36 months, before his 21st birthday (or the end of the season during which he turns 21)".
All teams are able to name players 21 and under on an under-21 list, thus freeing up space in the 25-man squad in the process. For the 2023/24 campaign, under-21 players will have have had to be born on or after 1 January 2002 to make the list.
So how do things look for Tottenham in terms of their homegrown, non-homegrown and under-21 numbers going into such an important summer for Ange Postecoglou and the club? football.london takes a look below.
READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou breaks silence with 'exciting' first message to Tottenham fans
Premier League
When you take into account the exit of Lucas Moura and the loan spells of Arnaut Danjuma and Clement Lenglet coming to an end coupled with the returning loan players, Tottenham have plenty to do in the transfer market this summer in order to ensure they cut their squad down to 25. As things stand, Tottenham have 17 non-homegrown players and 12 homegrown players on the books, leaving them four over the 25-man squad limit.
However, that number will immediately drop if Tottenham can move on a host of players who need to head elsewhere for regular first-team football. In terms of the non-homegrown players, potential exits for the likes of Hugo Lloris, Davinson Sanchez, Eric Dier, Ivan Perisic, Sergio Reguilon, Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso would open up plenty of space for new non-homegrown acquisitions.
Homegrown players that could also possibly move on include Japhet Tanganga, Joe Rodon, Ryan Sessegnon, Djed Spence, Harvey White and Harry Winks. Harry Kane has also been in the headlines regarding a Tottenham exit but all connected with the club will be hoping their main man commits his long-term future to Tottenham by penning fresh terms.
Whereas last term, Bryan Gil was registered on the under-21 player list, this season, providing of course he remains in north London, he will have to be included on the non-homegrown list as he was born after January 1, 2002. Destiny Udogie, who will link up with his Spurs teammates for the first time this summer after his Udinese loan spell, can be included on the under-21 list, however, as he is 20 years of age.
The left-back will be joined on that list by players such as Pape Matar Sarr, Alfie Devine, Dane Scarlett and Troy Parrott.
Premier League non-homegrown players: Hugo Lloris, Emerson Royal, Pedro Porro, Davinson Sanchez, Eric Dier, Cristian Romero, Sergio Reguilon, Ivan Perisic, Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, Son Heung-min, Bryan Gil, Richarlison, Dejan Kulusevski*
Premier League homegrown players: Fraser Forster, Brandon Austin, Alfie Whiteman, Japhet Tanganga, Ben Davies, Joe Rodon, Djed Spence, Ryan Sessegnon, Harvey White, Harry Winks, Oliver Skipp, Harry Kane
Notable Under-21s players: George Abbott, Matthew Craig, Pape Matar Sarr, Destiny Udogie, Alfie Devine, Dane Scarlett, Troy Parrott
*On the assumption that Tottenham turn Kulusevski's 18-month loan deal into a permanent transfer.
What do you think of the Postecoglou appointment? Have your say below!
READ NEXT:
Barnes deal, £30m transfer signed off, Kane decision - Ange Postecoglou's dream Tottenham attack
Maddison signs, £25m transfer win, Ndombele wait - Ange Postecoglou's dream Tottenham midfield
