What Does Brexit Actually Mean for European Players and the Premier League?

Leaving the EU is a gamechanger for the likes of Dimitri Payet, N'Golo Kante and Anthony Martial.

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With all the votes counted and the referendum result locked in, the countdown has begun to the UK's departure from the European Union.

Once the new Prime Minister – most likely to be Boris Johnson – pulls the trigger on Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the UK will begin the process of withdrawal from the EU which could take from anywhere between two and ten years.

One of the major changes from the EU withdrawal will be the rights of Europeans to live and work in the UK, which has led to questions on the impact it could have on players who want to play in the Premier League.

Here's how Brexit could affect your football team and your on-field heroes.

 

The British Pound has crashed, so transfer fees have gone crazy overnight

Minutes after Brexit was announced, UK finances went into free fall with the British Pound slumping to its lowest value for thirty years, five percent being wiped off the FTSE 100 and France overtaking Britain to be the world's fifth largest economy.

As a result, players who Premier League clubs were targeting just became a lot more expensive. Yesterday, it was reported that West Ham made a €40 million bid for Olympique de Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi. When that bid was made, it would have cost the Hammers £31 million – less than 24 hours later, because of how the British Pound has collapsed in value against the Euro, it now equates to £34 million.

As for Paul Pogba – the most in-demand player in world football – Manchester United and Chelsea fans don't even think they can afford him anymore.

This summer's transfer window won't unfold as we expected.

All players from Europe will have to get a work permit to play for Premier League clubs

Players will only be able to move to the Premier League once they're 18-years-old

Gareth Bale might have to apply for Spanish citizenship

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