Players who have yet to be vaccinated are struggling to secure moves
Unvaccinated Premier League players are struggling to find a move away from their clubs as sides around Europe remain reluctant to sign them.
The Telegraph have reported that clubs remain fearful of a spike in covid infections. Vaccinations in the French and Italian leagues were made compulsory for players, in particular those who were already playing there and had yet to receive the vaccine.
One source revealed that as soon as it becomes knowledge that a player has yet to be vaccinated, “the phone calls stop immediately.”
Chelsea recently announced that N’Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were left out of their squad for the club’s pre-season tour to the United States due to their vaccination status.
Chelsea confirmed that Kante and Loftus-Cheek wouldn't travel to the US after they were denied entry to the country https://t.co/NkcMDYZ3HW
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) July 9, 2022
It is unclear if either player has yet to be vaccinated or only had one dose so far, but the US’ strict entry rules prevent anyone from entering the country unless fully vaccinated, barring US citizens.
The general consensus among clubs is that while they could theoretically still sign an unvaccinated player, the added problems that come with it are not worth accommodating.
Footballing protocols dictate that in the event of a major spike in the rate of covid infections, then players who haven’t been vaccinated could be banned from travelling with teammates and may even be denied the chance to go away on mid-season breaks.
Top flight sides have found it harder in general to sell players this summer due to the high wages some members of their squad command, with those in question unwilling to lower their demands to prospective buyers.
Related links:
- N’Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek left out of Chelsea pre-season tour after being denied entry to US
- Premier League wants clubs to phase out using betting sponsors
- Safe standing areas can be introduced in Premier League from 2022/23 season
