While Josh Bates qualifies as a "rising star" it's believable the restrictions put in place were designed to allow him entry!
1) 24 as of the 1st January of the current year (Bates turned 25 in February)
2) have an average under a Premiership League CMA of 5.50 (Bates is 5.07), or under a Championship League CMA of 6.50 (Bates is 6.19).
Now if these regulations stay in place for 2022, I'll trust all is above board, however if the "rising star" requirements change It'll be very suspicious!