Choosing the right agent to represent you is one of the most important decisions you make as a player. It really can be the difference between achieving or even exceeding your goals on and off the pitch, and looking back with bitterness and regret on what could have been.
The good news is there are thousands of agents to choose from. The bad news is that in an industry that is often fuelled by rumour and misinformation, it can be hard to work out who the good ones are. Everyone can talk the talk, but who can really walk the walk when it comes to securing the deals and lifestyle that you want?
Even among the many competent and successful agents out there, some will not be right for your specific needs. Every one is different, and depending on your priorities, ambitions, stage of career and personal preferences, one agent’s style and profile will be better suited to you than another’s at this particular moment.
Fortunately, players have never been in a better position to make informed decisions about which people to trust with the important task of guiding their career. In this one-stop guide, learn about the 10 areas you should consider when choosing an agent:
If you can find someone who ticks every single box for you, then you are probably on to a winner. But simply by knowing what the boxes ARE, and deciding which are the most important to you, you will be able to make better decisions about which agents might be right for you.
- Contacts with the people who matter.
It may sound obvious, but the best agents are the ones who can get to the people who make decisions at clubs. Instead of relying on other agents or middlemen to get them an “in”, they can go direct to the directors of football - the clue is in the name! - and other club staff who will determine whether deals get done. And that doesn’t necessarily mean picking up a phone. By connecting with an agent on TransferRoom, you can make sure they're connected to decision makers at over 650 clubs worldwide.
- International network
There have never been more openings for players who are prepared to move to different leagues, countries and even continents. But if your agent doesn’t have international reach, you could miss out. Instead of being restricted to one market and set of clubs, you need someone who can find and pursue a variety of opportunities that gives you real options in your career. Clubs now think globally - so should your agent.
- Experience with players like you
An agent with a global network gives you a real headstart when it comes to finding opportunities. But it’s not everything. If an agent has not worked with players at a similar stage of their career or at a similar level, they may struggle to understand your needs and aspirations. You need someone who can not only do deals, but who can recommend the right steps to reach your career ambitions..
- Transparent communication
The basis of any business relationship is trust. And trust relies on effective, honest communication. One of the most common complaints from players is being kept in the dark about what is going on and that’s the gap which gets filled by rumour and misinformation. You need someone who is going to keep you in the loop and tell you the truth, so you can work together towards the best outcomes.
- Reputation among other players
How do different agents rate on numbers 1 to 4? There are now ways to access information that indicates how they measure up to expectations. But sometimes it is best to get the truth from the horse’s mouth. Your fellow players can give you their personal experience of how agents perform in practice, rather than in theory, and so give a real-life verdict on their abilities.
- Knowledge of regulations
The football industry is changing fast, with new regulations affecting every area of the game. From new agent licensing rules to alterations to visa requirements in different markets, there is a lot to tackle. If an agent is not on top of the latest developments, they risk missing opportunities or wasting time on deals that have little or no chance of happening. But someone who understands the rules properly gives themselves and their clients a head start.
- Proactivity
The world is connected as never before. The ability to stay up to date with the latest information, and then act on it, is crucial to success in every business. Instead of waiting for things to happen, the best agents make them happen. And they do that by keeping in tune with the market, knowing when openings have appeared, and then making their move.
- Number of other clients
Agencies come in all sizes, from one-man bands to multinational companies with offices all over the world and everything in between. Do you prefer to be a big fish in a smaller pond, or do you like being a smaller part of a bigger, ready-made network? Neither is right or wrong, and modern communication technology has started to level the playing field in terms of individual agents and smaller companies punching above their weight. It’s down to personal preference and feeling that your needs are being met.
- Track record
Football is a results business. If an agent got things done for others, the chances are they could get things done for you. When it comes down to it, an agent’s job is to do the right deals at the right time. It’s not a guarantee, but if you can access the right information, you can assess someone’s past performance and how likely it is that they will deliver for you as well. An agent's track record is available on their TransferRoom public profile.
- Personal connection
Football is big business, with a lot of money and status at stake, but there is still room for camaraderie and friendship. If your agent understands you as a person, as well as a player, then they are better equipped to work on your behalf and to find opportunities that are right for you. How much distance you want to maintain is a personal choice, but off the pitch as well as on it, teams with strong personal bonds tend to thrive.
Choosing an agent is not a precise science. There are so many people in the industry, and so much misinformation, that finding the right person to guide your career can feel like a lottery.
But there is more information available than ever before to help players make an informed decision on such a vital issue.
Football recruitment and the transfer market are global enterprises, with more opportunities than for players. Whether you are looking for your first agent or a new agent, TransferRoom can help you find the right person to give you access to those opportunities and the ability to achieve your potential. Sign up to TransferRoom now and connect with a Trusted Agent.
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