Why Arsenal’s Madueke doesn’t count as homegrown player but Chelsea’s Pedro does

Homegrown classification isn’t determined by a player’s nationality or age.

Instead, it depends on whether the player was registered and trained by either the Football Association or the Football Association of Wales for a minimum of three years between the ages of 15 and 21.

For example, Liverpool’s new signing Jeremie Frimpong helps their homegrown quota thanks to his development at Manchester City.

Joao Pedro, also 23, qualifies as homegrown because he was part of Watford’s setup from age 18 to 21 after arriving from Fluminense in 2020.

Madueke, on the other hand, started out at Crystal Palace and later joined Tottenham Hotspur.

However, his switch to PSV in 2018 disrupted his eligibility. Despite earning seven caps for England and joining Chelsea in 2023, he doesn’t count as homegrown under UEFA regulations.

Premier League rules require clubs to include at least eight homegrown players in their 25-man squads.

Interestingly, even foreign players can be considered homegrown if they’ve spent formative years at an English or Welsh club before turning 21.

Madueke’s recent transfer from Chelsea to Arsenal was completed for a total of £52 million—£48 million upfront and £4 million in bonuses.

His contract is expected to run through to 2030, marking a long-term commitment from the Gunners.

On his arrival at Arsenal, Madueke said: “I’m somebody who goes with my gut feeling a lot of the time and I feel like it’s steered me in the right direction so far. So, I don’t think it’s going to be any different here. I think it’s going to be a great success and I’m really happy to be here.

“I’ve spoken to Dec [Rice], Myles [Lewis-Skelly], Bukayo [Saka], even Jurrien [Timber] as well and they all say amazing things about the club and the culture here, how warm it is and how much of a family it is,” Madueke said. “I’m really happy to be a part of the Arsenal family now.”

Madueke has become Arsenal’s fourth addition of the summer, following the arrivals of Kepa from Chelsea, Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi, and Brentford skipper Christian Norgaard.

Chelsea’s acquisition of Brazilian forward Joao Pedro marks another bold move by the reigning FIFA Club World Cup winners, and he’s already made a strong impression at the club.

Pedro signed a seven-year deal with Chelsea after they secured his transfer from Brighton, a move valued at up to £60 million. During his time with the Seagulls, the ex-Watford striker netted 30 goals in 70 appearances.

He joins a wave of fresh faces at Stamford Bridge this transfer window. Among the new recruits are Liam Delap, signed for £30 million, Dário Essugo for £18.5 million, and Mamadou Sarr for £18 million. Rising Brazilian talent Estevao Willian has also arrived from Palmeiras.

“Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history,” Joao Pedro said upon joining Enzo Maresca’s side.

“They had brilliant players in the past and have brilliant players now. So I am excited to join and you know when you are a Chelsea player you must think one thing — win.”