Information assists transfer operations

Data is the most valuable commodity in today’s business world, and it’s certainly the case when it comes to the football transfer market.

Who’s available? For how much? Who’s his agent? Is the player interested? How do I make the connection?

The inability to access that sensitive information quickly and accurately adds layers of costs and time to any deal.

That has been the frustration for Club Athletico Paranaense... until now.

The Brazilian club has joined TransferRoom to accelerate its activity and success in the transfer market.

CEO Alexandre Mattos explains: “TransferRoom allows you to reach out directly to clubs without relying on intermediaries and that facilitates the negotiation process. It means you instantly know their needs and whether or not it is possible to close a deal. This network you are able to create with clubs from all over the world is crucial to have success in the transfer market, and I recommend it to everyone in the football industry.” 

He continues: “With the speed of the contacts that the tool provides, it generates an ‘information facilitator’, allowing decision-makers to negotiate. The platform gives you all the information: contacts, deal feasibility, agent details and player contract data… This makes it easier for the club to be able to really do business with greater agility.

“A successful negotiation is when it is good for all parties: the selling and buying clubs; the player; and the agent. And through TransferRoom you have the transparency and ability to talk to all of those parties in a very direct way.”

Facilitating the sale of players to Europe

By joining TransferRoom, Athletico Paranaense have opened themselves up to a community of more than 650 clubs in over 60 countries.

For a country that is the biggest exporter of footballers in the world, direct access to new markets is vital.

Mattos continues: “Through TransferRoom we are able to explore the eastern European market much more, such as the Polish league for example [where TransferRoom has a league-wide deal in place], which is a market in which we would have difficulties if it weren't for the platform.

“Without a doubt, apart from the markets that everyone already knows and has contacts with, such as the big five European markets, TransferRoom makes contacting leagues a lot easier, even just to understand who the right people are. So, without a doubt, TransferRoom has brought together all the markets that exist in our football universe and things are happening very easily and transparently.”

TransferRoom also provides the club with a greater pool of buying clubs for fringe players developed at the academy, providing a pathway to a wider range of countries worldwide and driving up all-important player sales revenue to invest into the first team.

Marcelo Teixeira, the club’s Transition Director who is responsible for players’ pathways from the youth system, says: “As Brazil is the main exporter of players in the world, it is essential that I have knowledge of players leaving Brazil and where they move to in Europe.

“The TransferRoom database makes it easier for me to have contact with clubs from all over the world and understand markets where Brazilians play the most and which markets are most valued.”