Does spending £60m on a young player pay off in the Premier League?

A report from Theguardian says Premier League clubs are signing younger players for ever-larger fees; Jérémy Jacquet’s £60m move to Liverpool makes him the fourth most expensive player aged 20 or younger. Some transfers are framed as long-term projects. Leny Yoro joined Manchester United for £52.2m at 18 and, after reaching 50 appearances, shows flashes of potential alongside moments of vulnerability.

Roméo Lavia’s £54m move to Chelsea at 19 has been disrupted by muscular injuries that have limited his game time. Other outcomes range from clear success to disappointment. Raheem Sterling, signed for £55.4m at 20, produced goals, assists and trophies before his role diminished at subsequent clubs.

Christian Pulisic, signed for £55.6m aged 20, was hampered by injuries and managerial changes at Chelsea, started 58 of 152 Premier League games and later moved to Milan for less than Chelsea paid.

England