Amid an exodus of young Hong Kong footballers to mainland Chinese leagues, the next generation of stars have been advised to choose their moves carefully and realise harsh realities may await some of them.

Tai Po midfielder Remi Dujardin, who had limited opportunities when he spent 2023 with now defunct Dandong Tengyue in China League One, also said Hong Kong offered an improving environment for developing talent, whereas previously young prospects had “things handed to them on a silver platter”.

He believed a new under-22 league could help keep talent in the city, even if US universities offered a higher standard of football.

“[Mainland China has] a great league, but the timing to go has to be right,” said Dujardin, who made only four starts for Dandong.

“You have to join the right team, where you will be valued as a player. It’s important to not make the jump too early.”