Clubs now have the chance to sign foreign players who would not have been granted a work visa in the past because to changes in the regulations governing international transfers.
In an effort to assist Bolton advance to a higher level the following season, Ian Evatt and his head of recruitment, Chris Markham, are now investigating markets.
The club is thinking about short-term coverage for midfielder Carlos Mendes Gomes, who is playing for Guinea Bissau at the Africa Cup of Nations, and Gethin Jones, who plays his final game tonight before joining the Australian group for the Asian Cup. Based on the performance of their respective countries, both players might be out of commission long into February.
“That aspect of things is evolving, so maybe this summer we’ll be prepared to enter that market.
We want to remain flexible for the time being, but we are prepared for everything else.
A small relaxation of the rules governing international transfers occurred in June, allowing Championship clubs to recruit up to four players who were previously ineligible for an international visa. The same rules apply to clubs in Leagues One and Two when they sign two players.
Players were either passed or failed depending on their age, amount of playing time in the previous season, and international experience in order to receive a GBE (Governing Body Exemption).
However, in the summer, the Football Association announced that the new initiative ‘provides additional access to great international talent which falls beyond the present GBE criteria’.
Evatt, who previously gave Japan as an example, thinks Wanderers may gain value for money by looking into overseas transfer markets. However, he is hesitant to make hasty decisions and believes that for the improvements to be effective, the team would need to be competing in the second division.
He advised, “You have to have a department that can focus on the many, many variables in that type of transfer and set up a proper strategy.”
“Language hurdles, the necessity for individuals familiar with the market, agency, values, and how to adjust to a new nation are all very significant issues.
“You have to be careful to get it properly when you have little space.
“Hopefully, as we move forward—this year, next year, or whenever we return to the Championship—we will need to be astute and tactical in that market in order to acquire the best players at the most affordable prices.”
Tonight, Wanderers travel to Fleetwood with the intention of winning three straight league games and possibly moving back into the spots that guarantee automatic promotion.
If they can improve on Posh’s performance against Barnsley at home, they will surpass Peterborough United.
