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Grace Dent’s favourite London restaurants for 2026

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Grace Dent's favourite London restaurants for 2026

One of my brand new faves. A French bistro that somehow feels a hundred years old. Low light and an intimacy that makes you want a date night. Sit up at the bar and share the chocolate soufflé. Spencer Metzger, head chef at Row on 5 on Savile Row and formerly of the Ritz, is knocking it out of the park.

A beautiful, cool, friendly restaurant serving South African splendour, now on Moxon Street after eight years in Peckham. Go for the bread with the melted Cape Malay butter, all curry leaves and pickled shallot, then the Kudu Kit Kat, chocolate mousse and kumquat under a marshmallow torched at the table. Patrick Williams and Amy Corbin are quietly running one of London’s most lovable restaurants.

Tucked into Newson’s Yard, which used to be a timber yard and is now a retail paradise serving very expensive lampshades. This is Aaron Potter’s first solo restaurant and a genuinely underrated spot serving Mediterranean food cooked over fire. The menu is seasonal, but the gnocco fritto with coppa, gorgonzola and truffle honey is unmissable. Expect things like scallop crudo with nashi pear, almonds and fennel. The upstairs wine bar is gorgeous and highly useful for a group rendezvous.

I keep Oma up my sleeve for any out-of-towner heading into the melée of Borough Market. Restaurateur David Carter is a genius and an industrious one at that, and head chef Jorge Paredes is cooking beautifully. Get the spanakopita gratin with malawach, the lobster bisque börek and the oxtail giouvetsi with bone marrow. Agora downstairs is a bit rowdier, but equally delicious.

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fish at Oma, credit GillesDraps

Fish at Oma, Borough

Gilles Draps

I go here whenever I want to feel like Sophia Loren. The lighting is so damn flattering. I wish I lived there. Martin Kuczmarski is one of London’s great restaurateurs because he understands what people actually need from a good night out, which is to see and be seen. Have the crispy potato cakes with caviar, lobster ravioli, and chicken cordon bleu in pizzaiola sauce. Seven martinis on the list, all of them potent and perfect for sipping on a tall stool while you wait for your table.

I’m a huge fan of chef-patron Chantelle Nicholson and this almost vegetarian, quietly radical restaurant, found just around the corner from Selfridges. Nothing is wasted and the vegetable is treated as a headline act. I’d go for the koji-glazed barbecue oyster mushrooms with black garlic, and that salted caramel soft serve with honeycomb to finish. Save the planet, then walk out into a haze of Lamborghini smoke because this is Mayfair after all.

The Ledbury, Notting Hill

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The Ledbury never falls off my top 10. For me it is absolutely the benchmark of solid, top-class hospitality, every i dotted and every t crossed. If you’re going to visit a ruinously expensive restaurant, then give Brett Graham your money. Settle in and enjoy it. Order the mushrooms from the cabinet, grown in-house and served over a truffle royale, and the brown sugar tart, which has been on the menu for the best part of two decades.

Many have tried to replicate Gymkhana, but they can never quite pull off its vigour and its raffishness. Gymkhana always feels like a moment. The clientele are global. It’s professional and delicious, but with a real silly streak. I often order the venison biryani, sealed under its pastry lid and opened in front of you, the kid goat methi keema with salli and pao, and the tandoori masala lamb chops with walnut chutney. The waiting list is ridiculously long, but the food never lets you down.

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Gymkhana’s lower ground floor

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I send everyone here for a Guinness martini, moi moi with yellowtail, and Ghanaian bofrot doughnuts. Akoko is genuinely fabulous and the tasting menu is ever-changing. It is a strong example of how the London dining scene is one of the most exciting on the planet. I think Aji Akokomi and Ayo Adeyemi are very, very clever.

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The Original Tea Hut , High Beech, Epping Forest

Fried egg sandwiches, mugs of builder’s tea, pieces of flapjack and the chance to look at motorbikes from all over the planet and men in leather, if that’s your thing. It has been there since 1930, a place for petrolheads or people who just like a down-to-earth cup of coffee. Cash only. This little bikers’ hut on the edge of the forest is fast becoming a national treasure.

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India’s Modi says armed Maoists are fading, but warns threat remains from ideological supporters

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India's Modi says armed Maoists are fading, but warns threat remains from ideological supporters

NEW DELHI (AP) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that India’s decades-long Maoist insurgency was nearing its end but warned that the country now faced a new battle against what he called “dimagi Naxals,” or people who align with the movement’s ideology.

In his address to the nation on India’s 79th Independence Day from the ramparts of New Delhi’s 17th-century Mughal-era Red Fort, Modi said Maoist violence was “breathing its last” after years of security operations against the insurgency, once described by Indian authorities as the country’s biggest internal security threat.

Also known as the Naxalite movement, it challenged state authority across large swathes of central and eastern India for decades, leaving thousands of civilians, rebels and security personnel dead.

“We have succeeded in getting rid of armed Naxals in the jungles, but ‘dimagi Naxals’ (intellectual Naxals) are looking for opportunities to create violence and unrest,” Modi said. “They have to be identified and isolated.”

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“They want to drag the society on the wrong path,” he added.

Modi also unveiled a series of measures aimed at boosting self-reliance in sectors ranging from defense to agriculture, with a strong focus on youth.

The outreach to young people comes weeks after a youth-led protest movement, the Cockroach Janta Party, emerged as a rare challenge to Modi’s government and helped force the resignation of his education minister. While Modi did not mention the protests, he repeatedly highlighted initiatives aimed at young Indians, including AI skills training and free online coaching for competitive exams.

He said India had transformed from a “fragile” economy into the world’s fastest-growing major economy over the past decade and reaffirmed his government’s goal of turning the country into a developed nation by 2047, the centenary of its independence.

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The Naxalite movement, inspired by Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Zedong, began in 1967 with an uprising in the village of Naxalbari in eastern India, and grew into a decades-long armed rebellion championing the rights of landless farmers, the rural poor and Indigenous communities.

Modi said the Maoist movement had “destroyed the future” of generations of young people and credited his government’s security and development policies with sharply reducing Maoist violence since taking office in 2014.

The phrase “dimagi Naxal” echoes the politically charged label “urban Naxal,” a term Modi and leaders of his Bharatiya Janata Party have previously used for activists, academics, intellectuals and other critics of his government. Critics say such labels have increasingly been used to stigmatize dissent.

Modi’s remarks come amid years of criticism from international rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which have accused the government of using anti-terror laws, sedition-related provisions and foreign-funding rules to squeeze civil society and target activists, journalists and groups critical of its policies.

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Heathrow Airport warns of disruption following floods

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Passengers push luggage outside Terminal 3 as a gate information screen can be seen in the background

Heathrow Airport has warned access to Terminals 2 and 3 is restricted because of flooding.

Water in the central terminal area means anyone trying to travel to or from either of these terminals cannot travel by road.

Instead passengers are being advised to travel by rail and tube and to avoid using cars.

“Our teams are working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, we apologise for any disruption caused,” the airport said early on Saturday.

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The disruption comes during the school holidays, one of the busiest periods for the airport.

Heathrow said 19 July was its busiest day of the year so far as many schools broke up for summer, with 267,000 passengers passing through.

The airport was recently affected by disruption to railway services, after a water leak prompted the closure of a tunnel.

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32 photos from Holly Johnson’s hit-filled Scarborough show

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32 photos from Holly Johnson's hit-filled Scarborough show

The Frankie Goes To Hollywood frontman delivered a memorable performance, blending hits from his band days and solo career – as can be seen in these 32 photos from Holly Johnson’s hit-filled Scarborough show.

Our reviewer Dave Lawrence said it was a fitting end to another great evening of music in Scarborough as “Johnson’s voice displayed no evidence of wear or tear since Frankie’s breakthrough performance on The Tube 43 years ago, which thrust the band into the nation’s consciousness”.

We’ve chosen the best photos from the night – of both the fans and stars – for our gallery featuring Holly Johnson and his special guests, the legendary ABC and Heaven 17 – with images by Dave Lawrence, and show promoters Cuffe & Taylor.

Thousands of fans turned out to see Holly Johnson play Scarborough Open Air Theatre last night, Friday, August 14, with special guests ABC and Heaven 17. (Image: Cuffe & Taylor)

The Scarborough Open Air Theatre 2026 season, presented by TK Maxx, continues tonight, Saturday, August 15, with the Hollywood Vampires, featuring Johnny Depp, Alice Cooper, Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry, and Tommy Henriksen.

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The American rock supergroup have returned to the UK and Europe this summer for their first live dates in almost three years, including their hugely anticipated show at Scarborough Open Air Theatre.

Their show at the venue attracted a sold-out audience back in 2023.

The venue is celebrating a record-breaking 2026 programme of 26 headline concerts, including Rick Astley, Tom Jones, Madness, Scissor Sisters, Teddy Swims, The Streets and Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter.

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Have you been to any of this summer’s shows? Share your highlights in the comments below.

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Spanish tourist hotspot rocked by 5.0 magnitude earthquake

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Spanish tourist hotspot rocked by 5.0 magnitude earthquake

A 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Spanish city of Granada in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The regional government said houses and cars were damaged, but no injuries had been reported.

The earthquake hit the metropolitan area of Alhendín just after 1am on Sunday.

Spanish television channel TVE showed debris strewn on the street and some damage to cars in the popular tourist city.

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Andalusian emergency services rescued a number of people from damaged buildings.

Antonio Sanz Cabello, vice-president of the Andalusian regional government, said in a post on X on Saturday that authorities had declared an emergency.

“If you’re in Granada, you’ve felt the earthquake, you’re okay, and your home shows no damage, stay calm and avoid entering and exiting buildings unnecessarily,” he said.

“On the street, stay away from facades, cornices, balconies, walls, and other elements that could fall.”

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Slipknot officially confirms Sid Wilson split but then deletes post

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Slipknot officially confirms Sid Wilson split but then deletes post
Sid Wilson has been kicked out of Slipknot … kind of (Picture: Getty/Slipknot)

Slipknot have finally addressed the growing speculation that Sid Wilson has left the band in a now-deleted confirmation.

Last month, a source claimed that Wilson, 49, was out of the group permanently but posts from band members seemed to contradict this.

Guitarist Jim Root warned fans not to ‘believe everything you read’ before yet another source said Wilson’s behaviour had been the catalyst for his exit.

Now, Slipknot has confirmed Wilson is leaving the band, only to delete that statement minutes later.

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Taking to Instagram, the heavy metal band wrote: Effective immediately, Slipknot will no longer be associated with Sid Wilson. We wish him the best with his future endeavours.

Fans screenshot the announcement and have widely shared it but the Wait and Bleed singers have not addressed the issue any further.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) (L-R) Michael Pfaff, Alessandro Venturella, Michael Shawn Crahan and Sid Wilson of Slipknot attend the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Wilson (R) has been with the metal band since 1997 (Picture: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

Speculation started on July 31, when TMZ’s source reported Wilson was ‘notified late Friday afternoon that he’s been permanently kicked out of the band.’

Slipknot stayed quiet but Root shared: ‘Don’t believe everything you read. Stop. Think. Take a breath. Sit with it for a while. Maybe. Just maybe even wait until there’s more information.’

However, no more information came forward from the group or Wilson to clarify the situation.

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Then TMZ doubled down on the report, revealing sources ‘with direct knowledge’ had told them the group had ‘finally had enough of his behaviour’.

‘Namely, the way he treated his bandmates,’ the outlet claimed. ‘We’re told the firing was a long time coming — not some abrupt decision made in the heat of the moment.’

Slipknot deleted post on social media about Sid Wilson
The band posted then deleted a message announcing his exit (Picture: Slipknot)

But at the inaugural World Scratch Invitational earlier this week, Wilson introduced himself as ‘from the world famous Slipknot’.

His Instagram bio still reads ‘@slipknot gang since 1997’ and he has not unfollowed his bandmates. The official account also still follows him.

Slipknot’s lineup hasn’t had the easiest time of late with Chris Fehn, longtime percussionist, being dismissed in 2019 over a financial legal dispute.

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In 2023, Craig Jones – who had been with the group since 1996 – up and left with no public explanation.

That same year, drummer Jay Weinberg was also fired over what the band called ‘creative differences’. He said he was ‘blindsided’ and ‘heartbroken’ by it.

Wilson is yet to address the split, having been posting about his DJing and home life on socials rather than mentioning Slipknot directly.

GUADALAJARA, MEXICO - NOVEMBER 8: Sid Wilson, of Alternative Metal band, Slipknot performs during a concert of 25 Anniversary Tour at Calle 2 on November 1, 2024 in Guadalajara, Mexico. (Photo by Medios y Media/Getty Images)
Wilson has not commented on the speculation (Picture: Medios y Media/Getty Images)
US DJ Sid Wilson and English TV personality Kelly Osbourne arrive for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 1, 2026. (Photo by Etienne Laurent / AFP via Getty Images) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE --
His ex Kelly Osbourne had strong words telling him to ‘take some responsibility’ (Picture: Etienne Laurent / AFP via Getty Images)

He might have not said anything but his ex Kelly Osbourne had some sharp words for him, even if she didn’t call him out by name.

The 40-year-old shared a string of cryptic Instagram Stories urging someone to ‘take some responsibility’ before demanding the return of her dogs, belongings, and even child support.

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The TV personality then suggested she had reached the end of her tether. ‘I want to be happy and I have a beautiful son to raise,’ she continued.

‘Leave me alone. Let me heal. I can’t protect you from yourself anymore.’

She also told him to ‘wake up’ and ‘take some responsibility’. Yikes.

Metro has reached out to Slipknot and Wilson for comment.

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FLO: ‘We owe our success to every girl group’

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FLO: ‘We owe our success to every girl group'

Therapy at the Club arrives 20 months after the release of FLO’s debut album, Access All Areas. And it’s safe to say the trio — made up of Douglas, Stella Quaresma, 24, and Renée Downer, 23 — have had a pretty successful time since. Following their 2023 Brits Rising Star win, they embarked on a world tour, earned widespread critical praise, sparked a viral TikTok dance trend and became the first British girl group in 20 years to receive a Grammy nomination. They’re still in disbelief. “It’s mad, isn’t it? I mean, where’s the Sugababes’ Grammy? It is criminal. We want every girl group to know that whatever success we gain, we owe a portion of that to them.”

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York’s best pubs with highly rated beer gardens revealed

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York's best pubs with highly rated beer gardens revealed

To help you find the best beer garden in your area, you might check reviews on Tripadvisor to see what locals recommend.

If you live in York or are visiting the city for a day, three pubs have made it into the 50 best-rated pubs with beer gardens in the UK on Tripadvisor.

Here are the three York pubs that are must-visits on a hot summery day.

The Lendal Cellars has cosy indoor seating as well. (Image: Tripadvisor)

Best pubs with beer gardens in York

Ye Olde Starre Inne

This pub was built in 1644 and is believed to be the oldest pub in York and was used as a hospital in the English Civil War.

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Now it is a popular choice for drinks and a meal while sitting in the little courtyard beer garden.

The pub has a four out of five rating from 1,650 reviews with people saying it’s very “charming” with “excellent” food.

One reviewer said: “Hidden behind one of the main shopping streets this Inn has great food and drinks.

“It is right in the heart of York and definitely one to visit.”

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Lendal Cellars

Lendal Cellars has a rich history and outdoor space with tables where you can have some small plates or a pub classic dish.

Not only is there a beer garden, but you can also enjoy your pint in the cosy cellar with exposed brick walls and archways.

People love the “quirky” pub thanks to its “friendly” atmosphere and range of cocktails.

The Old Bank

The Old Bank offers a range of facilities including pool tables, dart board, board games, and foosball as well as events like quiz nights and bingo.

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The Old Bank has a cute little courtyard with fairy lights and plants dotted around where you can enjoy a cocktail, beer, or simple soft drink during your visit.

The pub also offers a range of food from fish and chips and pizzas, to curries and loaded fries.

One reviewer on Tripadvisor said: “We had such a lovely time at Old Bank!

“The atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed, and the drinks were excellent.

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“Our server, Isabelle, really made the experience special – she was so friendly, attentive, and genuinely made us feel looked after.



“It’s always nice when staff go that extra mile, and she did exactly that.

“We’ll definitely be coming back again soon!”

What is your favourite beer garden in York? Let us know in the comments.

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How to watch Bulls vs New Zealand – TV channel and kick-off time

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Wales Online

The All Blacks face one final test before taking on South Africa in Johannesburg – here’s how to watch

New Zealand face one final challenge before their four-match Test series with the Springboks gets underway, as they take on the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday evening.

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The All Blacks remain unbeaten on their tour of South Africa so far, with an opening 21-38 win over the Stormers in Cape Town followed by an emphatic 54-0 nilling of the Sharks in Durban earlier this week. But Dave Rennie’s side will be keen to finish their first run of franchise matches in similar style, with the Springboks awaiting them in Johannesburg next weekend.

Here’s everything you need to know to watch Saturday’s clash…

JOIN OUR WALES RUGBY FACEBOOK PAGE Latest news, analysis and much more

What time is Bulls v New Zealand?

Bulls v New Zealand kicks off at 6pm BST (7pm local time) on Saturday, August 15, at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

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What channel is Bulls v New Zealand on?

Bulls v New Zealand is being broadcast on Sky Sports Mix.

Coverage begins at 5.45pm.

What about live streaming?

You can stream Bulls v New Zealand via the Sky Go app

Bulls v New Zealand teams

Bulls: 15. Willie le Roux, 14. Thaakir Abrahams, 13. Stedman Gans, 12. Harold Vortster, 11. Stravino Jacobs, 10. Curwin Bosch, 9. Embrose Papier, 8. Jeandre Rudolph, 7. Hanro Liebenberg, 6. Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5. JF van Heerden, 4. Ruan Vermaak, 3. Francois Klopper, 2. Juann Else, 1. Alu Tshakweni.

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Replacements: 16. Johan Grobbelaar, 17. Sti Sithole, 18. Khuta Mchunu, 19. Reinhardt Ludwig, 20. Elrigh Louw, 21. Paul de Wet, 22. Katlego Letebele, 23. Hakeem Kunene.

New Zealand: 15. Beauden Barrett, 14. Leroy Carter, 13. Rieko Ioane, 12. Anton Lienert-Brown, 11. Josh Moorby, 10. Josh Jacomb, 9 .Cortez Ratima, 8. Peter Lakai, 7. Anton Segner, 6. Simon Parker, 5. Patrick Tuipulotu, 4. Fabian Holland, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 2. Codie Taylor (capt), 1 . Xavier Numia

Replacements: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17. George Bower, 18. Siale Lauaki, 19. Josh Lord, 20. Wallace Sititi, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23. Emoni Narawa

Bulls v New Zealand referees

Referee: Nika Amashukeli (GRU)

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Assistant Referee 1: Karl Dickson (RFU)

Assistant Referee 2: Matthew Carley (RFU)

TMO: Eric Gauzins (FFR)

FPRO: Mike Adamson (SRU)

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Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our free daily newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here for all the breaking news.

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Heathrow flooding – live: Airport passengers warned ‘don’t travel by road’

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Daily Mirror

A statement from Heathrow Airport on X reads: “Flooding in the central terminal area has resulted in on-going road closures restricting access to Terminals 2 and 3.

“Passengers travelling to or from either of these terminals today must not travel by road. Passengers are strongly advised to use Heathrow Express, Elizabeth Line and Piccadilly Line rail services where possible.

“Any passengers that must travel by car must use Park and Ride, head to Terminals 4 or 5 and take free rail services from there, or change at local rail stations. Please allow extra time for your journey. Our teams are working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, we apologise for any disruption caused.”

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Premier League: Why clubs are targeting EFL academy players

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Antoine Semenyo (left) and Eberechi Eze's (right)

There is no uniform approach to youth development among Premier League clubs.

International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) figures for 2025-26 show club-trained players accounted for 16.2% of Manchester City‘s Premier League minutes, followed by Chelsea on 15.5% and Brighton on 12.5%.

CIES defines a club-trained player as someone registered with their current club for at least three full seasons, or 36 months, between the ages of 15 and 21. That means an 18-year-old recruited from an EFL academy can still go on to qualify as club-trained if he spends the next three seasons with his new Premier League club.

At the other end of the scale, Tottenham‘s club-trained players accounted for just 0.1% of league minutes, while Bournemouth, Brentford and Burnley were all at zero.

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Recruiting from EFL and Scottish academies therefore offers another way of building that development pipeline.

Rather than relying solely on players who have been with a club since childhood, a Premier League side can identify somebody developed elsewhere, bring them into their under-21 structure at 17, 18 or 19 and take responsibility for the final stages of their development.

The numbers do not yet show a relentless increase. There were 18 such moves in 2023-24, meaning this summer’s 14 cannot be described as unprecedented.

But the concentration of 18-year-olds and League One players suggests clubs are becoming increasingly precise about the market they are targeting.

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For EFL clubs, that raises questions over how long their best youngsters can realistically be retained.

For Premier League clubs, the calculation is different. The next Watkins, Eze, Wharton or Semenyo may already be somewhere further down the pyramid. The challenge is finding them before everybody else does.

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