Rangers handed transfer boost by SPFL work permit exemption rule
Rangers have been handed a huge transfer boost by the SPFL agreeing with the United Kingdom government to continue work permit exemptions, according to the Daily Record.
Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, new transfer restrictions were imposed on clubs meaning that incoming players had to meet certain criteria – such as the standard of the league they were playing in – to earn a work permit.
In the summer, the SPFL reached a compromise that allowed clubs to apply for exemptions for players who did not meet the criteria and an agreement has now been reached to make this arrangement permanent.
SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “Given the significant number of overseas players who enhance our league, and Scotland’s relatively small size in comparison to other nations, it was absolutely imperative that we were able to convince the UK Government to maintain the exemptions panel.
“Failure to do so would have dramatically compromised the competitiveness of Scottish clubs, particularly when playing in European competitions, and it is fantastic news for our game that we have managed to secure such a crucial agreement with the UK government.
“It is no exaggeration to say that this was one of the most pivotal issues for our clubs and I am absolutely delighted that we have managed to secure this ongoing arrangement.
“The alternative did not bear thinking about – and would have severely restricted the number of marquee players coming into our game, with disastrous financial consequences.
“The retention of the exemptions panel is hugely significant achievement for Scottish football and also protects the interests of the many Scottish clubs whose business model depends on the import, development and onward sale of overseas players.”
Excellent news
This is excellent news for Rangers and allows them to continue in the transfer market as normal.
Alfredo Morelos is a prime example of a player who may not have been able to complete a move to Ibrox without the work permit exemption rule in place.
The striker was 20 years old when the Bears signed him from Finnish outfit HJK in 2017 and he had previously played for Independiente Medellin in Colombia. At that point he had not made an appearance for the national team.
Morelos has gone on to be a huge success in Glasgow, so it would have been a big below if Rangers were not able to bring in players in a similar mould.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst may look to utilise his Eredivisie links in the transfer window, but the Dutch top flight is not considered to be a ‘band 1’ league in the work permit rules so the exemption agreement could come in very handy.
In other Rangers news, Giovanni van Bronckhorst needs to give more game time to this youngster or risk losing him in January.