SPFL clubs, including Rangers and Celtic, have requested that the SFA review solutions that could prevent Scotland from losing its best young talent, according to The Press & Journal.

It is believed a proposal could be considered that would allow Scottish teams to offer professional contracts to players as young as 14. This would prevent clubs from losing millions of pounds.

At the moment, English Premier League and Championship sides are able to sign Scottish talent for minimal compensation as they have yet to put pen to paper on professional terms.

The problem has been exacerbated by Brexit when rules were introduced to make it difficult for UK clubs to recruit players under the age of 18 from abroad.

Premier League teams, in particular, have been scouring talent in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to fill up their academies.

Rangers have lost out on big transfer payments

Even before the Brexit rules were put in place, Scottish teams were getting a raw deal. One of the most talented players in the Light Blues’ academy, Billy Gilmour, left for Chelsea in 2017.

The Gers only received an initial £550,000 in compensation for the midfielder, which eventually increased to £2m after add-ons and appearances.

However, Chelsea still eventually raised £9m from Gilmour’s sale to Brighton in the summer of 2022.

Many other Scottish clubs have also had their academies raided

Celtic lost talented young winger Ben Doak in 2022, with the youngster going on to join Liverpool with just £600,000 being paid in compensation.

The likes of Kilmarnock’s Liam Smith (who moved to Manchester City), Aberdeen’s Lewis Pirie (Leeds United) and East Fife’s Jude Smith (Newcastle) are just a few other notable transfers.

It is believed that no timescale has been given for the proposed changes to professional contracts in Scotland but, for many, a solution can’t come soon enough.