Each Premier League club lists up to 25 players for league matches, with no more than 17 non-homegrown. Homegrown status comes from registration in England or Wales for 3 seasons or 36 months before age 21. Under-21 players can play without being on the list.
What the Squad List actually covers
The rule applies to league eligibility across the season. It is the Premier League Squad List, not a matchday squad and not a separate competition system.
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Players on the Squad List | Up to 25 |
| Non-homegrown players on the list | Up to 17 |
| Homegrown qualification | Registered in England or Wales for 3 seasons or 36 months before age 21 |
| Under-21 players | Can play without being on the list |
A club does not have to fill all 25 places. If it wants a full 25-man list, it needs at least 8 homegrown players.
If the homegrown total is lower, the list shrinks rather than giving extra room for non-homegrown players. A club with only 5 homegrown players can register no more than 22 players on its Squad List.
Who counts as homegrown
The key point is development history, not passport or age at the time of registration. The definition covers any player who was registered with a club affiliated to The Football Association or the Football Association of Wales for the required period before his 21st birthday, or before the end of the season in which he turns 21.
The required period is 3 seasons or 36 months, and it can be continuous or not. For this rule, a season runs from the close of the summer transfer window to the final league match.
| Factor | Does it decide homegrown status? |
|---|---|
| Nationality | No |
| Registration with a club in England or Wales for 3 seasons or 36 months | Yes |
| Timing before age 21 | Yes |
| Registration must be continuous | No |
That is why a foreign national can be homegrown, while an English player is not automatically homegrown unless he meets the registration condition.
When a player can appear in a league match
League eligibility is tied to both registration and Squad List status. A club must hold the player’s registration at least 75 minutes before kick-off.
From the close of the summer transfer window to the end of the season, a player can only be named on the team sheet or play in a league match if his name is on the Squad List or he is an Under-21 player. Homegrown status helps shape the list, but the appearance rule still works through those entry routes.
When clubs can change the list
Clubs can add or remove a player by sending the required form to the Board. The list is adjustable, but not at any time without restriction.
Changes can be made during a transfer window. Outside a transfer window, a change needs the Board’s permission.
There is also a separate limit on one category of youth signing: during the transfer windows of a season, a club cannot register more than 6 new Under-21 non-homegrown players under The FA’s points-based endorsement system.
FAQ
How many homegrown players does a Premier League squad need?
The rule is framed as a cap on non-homegrown players rather than a fixed minimum for homegrown players. To fill all 25 places, a club needs at least 8 homegrown players; otherwise the overall list becomes smaller.
Does a homegrown player have to be English?
No. The Premier League definition is based on where and when the player was registered before turning 21, not on nationality.
That means an overseas player can qualify as homegrown if he spent the required registration period with clubs in England or Wales.
Do Under-21 players count in the 25-man squad?
They do not need to be on the 25-man Squad List to play in league matches. This is why younger players can still appear in the Premier League without taking one of the listed places.
When can clubs change their Premier League Squad List?
The standard route is during a transfer window, using the required submission to the Board. Outside a window, a club needs the Board’s permission to make the change.