Instant access to striker options

Signing a top-quality striker on a budget is a dilemma for many clubs in every Transfer Window, and an inspired signing up front can make a huge difference in a team's fortunes for the season.

Belgian top-flight side OH Leuven had such a situation when Head of Scouting & Recruitment Tom Torremans was targeting a forward ahead of the new campaign.

Previously faced with the problem of having a limited existing network and needing to rely on intermediaries to cut a deal and for market information, Leuven turned to TransferRoom.

There they gain direct access to decision makers at more than 650 clubs worldwide and their transfer market needs, as well as live player availability and data on potential targets across the globe.

Torremans saw that SC Braga had recruited a new striker and were well stocked in their attack, putting Mario González on the club's radar.

The Spaniard was shortlisted by Leuven on the platform, to ensure that they would get an instant email alert if he was ever made available by Braga.

No longer restricted by having a limited network outside of the platform or a lack of transparent market information from third parties, they acted decisively to the opportunity on TransferRoom to secure a quick and high-profile deal.

"At a certain time he became available on the platform because we saved him in our shortlist," Torremans says in the video below. "I got the email, saying the player on our shortlist had become available. I checked him, I saw it was Mario González.

"I sent a message straight away, to the Head of Scouting there, and then it went very fast. In a couple of days we switched communications. In a couple of days the deal was done.

No need for intermediaries

Speaking about the benefits of shortlisting players on world football's digital marketplace and getting instant alerts of their availability, Torremans adds: "It makes it really easy. You just save a player, put him in your shortlist and you will notice him immediately, when he becomes available.

"I think it's a huge advantage, that you can move forward very fast like we did with Mario. It's the openness, the transparency, that makes it that strong.

"The most important feature for us is the direct contact with the club or agent, that you get the information one-on-one, which is a massive advantage that we have with the platform."

González had no problem settling in, scoring 11 goals in his first 12 matches in an explosive start to life at Leuven.