How Böðvarsson became part of TransferRoom history
Every milestone has a starting point.
For TransferRoom, it was the move of Icelandic striker Jón Daði Böðvarsson from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Reading FC in 2017.
A year earlier, Böðvarsson had been part of the Iceland squad that captured the imagination of football fans around the world by reaching the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2016.
His next move would become part of football history for a different reason.
Reading had shared their requirements for a striker on TransferRoom and were presented with Böðvarsson as an available option from Wolves.
The platform connected the clubs, helping Reading identify an opportunity and act quickly.
It was the first time TransferRoom’s online marketplace had been used to connect clubs in a transfer.
“TransferRoom played a huge part in connecting the dots and bridging communication between the clubs, which helped finalise the deal,” says Kevin Thelwell, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ former Director of Football. “TransferRoom has had a huge impact on the footballing landscape.”
Since that first deal, TransferRoom has powered more than 10,000 deals worldwide.
To mark the milestone, we caught up with Böðvarsson to revisit the move, reflect on his career in English football and discuss what transparency and speed mean to players navigating the transfer market.
You were the first player involved in a deal powered by TransferRoom. Nine years on, what does that mean to you?
“It’s a fun milestone. It’s always nice to hear that maybe you helped in some way - if that makes sense - to start the ball rolling.
“The concept itself is really good for players and clubs, so I’m really stoked. It’s fun to be part of something like that, history-wise.”
What do you remember about your move from Wolves to Reading?
“I remember that when I was at Wolves it was my first season in England. It was a huge step for me career-wise.
“After about a year there, I realised I probably needed to move on because the club had different plans. That’s just how football works. So the clubs and my agency started working together to find a solution.
“Looking back now, moving from Wolves to Reading – and learning how you guys worked – it’s actually a really nice thing to think about. You provided a platform that helped the clubs, my agent, and me all work toward the same goal: making the transition to another club.
“What really stands out is how quick and effective it was. That’s very important as a player because your future can feel uncertain at times.”
From a player’s perspective, how important are speed and transparency in the transfer process?
“It’s very important. The quicker things happen, the better, because players often face a lot of uncertainty about their next step.
“Transparency and honesty are key.
“That transfer stands out to me because I was still a young player. When you realise you need to move in a different direction, having everything happen quickly and clearly really helps mentally. For a player’s well-being, that clarity makes a huge difference.”
How do you think a platform like TransferRoom changes opportunities for players, agents, and clubs?
“It helps all parties.
“In football, one person might say one thing and another person says something else, and it can get confusing. When everyone works through a shared platform like yours, things become clearer.
“Football is complex – there are a lot of conversations and sometimes misunderstandings. A platform like TransferRoom helps make things more transparent, stable, and efficient.
“And for players, that’s very important.”
As we celebrate this 10,000-deal milestone, what would you say to the team at TransferRoom?
“A massive thank you.
“Without you guys, things probably wouldn’t have been as easy. Players usually rely heavily on their agents to find moves, but what you do also helps clubs manage transitions.
“It gives players more opportunities and a platform to move on.
“I think it’s a really important platform – not just in professional football but in sports in general. And it will continue to help future players make smoother transitions in what can be a very stressful environment.”
It must be stressful not knowing where your next destination is …
“Definitely.”
When you look back at your career, what are you most proud of?
“Honestly, sticking with it.
“Whether it’s football or any field where you want to succeed, consistency is the hardest thing – doing it every day, every year.
“Of course there are great moments: goals, wins, and playing in two major tournaments with Iceland. But what I’m most proud of is getting through the tough moments.
“Football can feel like 70% struggle and 30% reward, but that 30% makes everything worth it.
“And if I inspired kids in Iceland through those tournaments, that’s something I’m really proud of as well.”
In 2025, Böðvarsson returned to his first club in Iceland, UMF Selfoss, to bring his professional career full circle after stints in Norway, Germany, England and Wales.
Böðvarsson announced his retirement from football in August 2026 at the age of 34.
“There’s something romantic about finishing where it all started. I always envisioned coming back to my hometown club to finish my career.
“It’s been quite the journey".
How to join TransferRoom
There are over 800 clubs worldwide using TransferRoom. You can find out how to join them here.
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