Whilst the leading Premier League clubs have long competed with each other to sign the best players, that battle is increasingly beginning at academy level with clubs prepared to move quickly when they spot emerging exceptional talent.
The contractual situation at youth level makes this market especially fluid. Young players do not enjoy the same long-term contractual protection as established professionals, and academy agreements are subject to different rules and compensation arrangements. Once a player’s existing commitment expires, or when he reaches a point where he can negotiate with other clubs, that opens the door for rivals to pounce.
Vincent Joseph is the latest example. The 16-year-old England youth international striker is set to leave Liverpool for Arsenal, who have beat off competition from Chelsea, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. With the two clubs unable to agree a sum, it will be left to an independent tribunal to determine the final fee.
But earlier this summer, Arsenal were effectively gazumped in their pursuit of Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga, who had made his league debut at the age of 15. Manchester City won the race for his signature in a deal that may eventually be worth up to £15 million.
And two years ago, it was Liverpool themselves who were able to steal Rio Ngumoha away from Chelsea who had been since the age of eight. He is already on the fringe of the first-team at Anfield, and has already made 19 senior appearances for them.
For the leading clubs, the rewards of getting this right are considerable. Developing an outstanding teenager can provide a first-team player for a decade or more, while also creating an asset potentially worth many millions of pounds. It can also help clubs meet home-grown player requirements, making successful academies increasingly important.
There are numerous other examples, and they illustrate how the transfer market is changing. Clubs are no longer competing for established stars, but they are ready to go up against each other for teenagers who who might become the stars of tomorrow.
