How many players can Premier League clubs loan out?

Premier League clubs can loan out a maximum of 6 senior players at a time to international clubs. Previously, clubs were allowed to loan out an unlimited number of players, but this led to teams stockpiling players. For example, Chelsea loaned out 38 players in the 2016-17 season.

Clubs are allowed to loan out 3 players to the same team in another country at the same time. This rule came into effect after a vote in November 2023 rejected a temporary ban on loans between associated parties.

Premier League clubs can loan in a maximum of 2 players at a time from other top-tier English clubs. The rules state that Premier League teams cannot loan multiple players to or from another team in the same division.

Premier League clubs can loan in a total of 4 players per season, with no more than 2 players per transfer window. If a loan player becomes a permanent transfer during the season, this does not count towards the allowed number of loans.

Some players are exempt from these rules, including players under 21 and players developed by the club. A Premier League club is not allowed to loan out a player they have just signed to another Premier League team in the same window.

However, the league does allow players who have been loaned to participate in matches against their parent club, if both clubs agree.

EFL clubs have different rules, with fewer restrictions. EFL clubs can loan in an unlimited number of players, but they can only include 5 loan players in their matchday squad.

EFL clubs can loan in a maximum of 4 players from the same club, and only 2 players over the age of 23. The FA also allows all clubs to loan in an emergency goalkeeper in exceptional circumstances.