Top clubs look for edge in their players’ DNA

Two Premier League clubs have commissioned genetic profiles of their players to identify their strengths and potential weaknesses, it can be revealed.

The clubs signed a deal this season with a personal genetics company to provide DNA profiles of both senior and academy players.

The profiles, obtained via a simple mouth swab, disclose the players’ balance of speed and endurance genes, whether they have injury-prone genes and the best nutrition to fit their DNA. The company, DNAFit, is also working with a leading European team but insists all three clubs’ identities must remain confidential.