How Brexit will impact European scout Roberto Gagliardi and Portsmouth's recruitment

Pompey are doing their research on how any future European recruitment will be impacted by Brexit.
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The Blues have worked hard to build up their knowledge of players on the continent since Kenny Jackett took charge as manager.

Head of European scouting, Roberto Gagliardi, identified Rasmus Nicolaisen, who signed on a season-long loan from Danish outfit FC Midtjylland last summer.

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He was also responsible for bringing ex-keeper Petar Durin to Fratton Park.

But since the United Kingdom left the European Union on January 1, clubs will no longer be able to sign players based in the EU as freely as they once did.

The government has rubber-stamped plans for football to operate a points-based system for EU players to join UK clubs.

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Points are scored on factors such as international appearances, quality of the selling club and number of club appearances.

Rasmus Nicolaisen was recruited from Danish side FC Midtjylland. Picture: Nigel KeeneRasmus Nicolaisen was recruited from Danish side FC Midtjylland. Picture: Nigel Keene
Rasmus Nicolaisen was recruited from Danish side FC Midtjylland. Picture: Nigel Keene

Jackett revealed Gagliardi’s job won’t change too much as he also eyes players across Britain and Ireland for Pompey.

But the Blues are examining how bringing in future talents from abroad might be affected.

Jackett said: ‘It is something that changes slightly. The rules and regulations are complicated and extensive but we are on it and looking into it.

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‘It is still possible and varies from country to country whether you need to take an established international, an under-21 international or have the flexibility to take somebody that’s relatively unknown in their country.

‘Roberto scouts England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and obviously around Europe, along with Phil Boardman.

‘The two of them do work full-time and work closely together and have done for the best part of four years now.

‘We do think that those two guys have got a good take on the market. We will keep an eye on how Brexit impacts the football industry.

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‘If there are certain countries that qualify under the points system then we will keep using it.’

Message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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