Heart Of Football

Precocious teens get fast track to the top

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The handful of clubs who can afford to go for the Champions League - the winning, not just the taking part - often neglect youth. They scout for proven pedigree, and are prepared to pay what it takes to buy it.

But sometimes, precocity forces their hand.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on July 21, 2019, with the headline Precocious teens get fast track to the top. Subscribe