Helps keep the quota ?
A home-grown player will be defined as one who, irrespective of his nationality or age, has been registered with any club affiliated to the Football Association or the Football Association of Wales for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons or 36 months prior to his 21st birthday (or the end of the Season during which he turns 21).
Yes, I agree. If it was, it would count against EU employment law.Unless he trained for a 3 year period in England, it would not help the 'home grown' quota. Quite the reverse. The 'home grown' requirement is unconnected with nationality. It relates to where a player trains between the ages of 15 and 21. During that time, it sounds as if Dier has been continuously affiliated to Sporting Lisbon. If so, he would not count as 'home grown'.
This is the relevant wording:
I'm surprised that there are people who still think it has something to do with nationality.
He's a big centre back who's played for England's under 21 team apparently:
He's only played in the slower Portuguese league, so it might take a little time to adapt. No idea how fast or good he is though.