11 Jun 2018 22:25:01
Eds, excuse my ignorance. When a bid gets made, how is it made? Is it during talks, sent before talks via email or similar? And where does the fee come from, do they ask the price first or is it very much different every time? Insight is always appreciated m, I find the inner workings very interesting!

{Ed002's Note - The process should be along the lines of: Clubs will typically informally ask an agent (a) if the player is going to be available, and (b) would the player consider a move to the club. There may be some broad discussion on the sort of deal that would be offered but no more than that. If the answer is yes, it is then necessary for the club to approach the player's club to ask if they would be willing to sell and if they would grant permission to speak to a player's agent formally about a transfer and possibly even the player about actually making a move. This will typically involve either broadly (through an offer) or actually agreeing a fee and responsibility for any significant costs (agents fees etc.). Once this has happened the club will be able to speak to the player's agent and perhaps the player himself to look at the package that will be involved. Many players are looked at and discussed at a high-level with agents and clubs; a subset of those have an offer placed; a subset of those involve discussions with the player's club; a subset of those involve discussions over terms, and; a subset of those go ahead.

Agents will often try and get more specific details of wages and other financials before they should - but most clubs are happy to follow this process. Players will often talk to other players about moves but, whilst wrong, is tolerated as it would be impossible to manage.

Alternatively, a selling club may ask an agent to find a new club for a player and he will talk directly to poetntial selling sides about the fee, personal terms and interest.

The rest of the time agents will be on fishing trips trying to find interest in their players.

In terms of what happens when the negotiations take place, broad agreement (player available and open to discussions, understanding of the price) will already have been reached. The clubs will meet to discuss the details of the transfer fee, other costs associated with the move and the structure of the payments and any additional fees (e.g another €5M for winning the Champions League etc.) but this does not take a "few days".}

1.) 12 Jun 2018
12 Jun 2018 01:19:36
Great question Firmane.
And as always, a very informative reply from ED02 and very appreciated.
Thanks.

2.) 12 Jun 2018
12 Jun 2018 07:19:39
Fanatic question and answer.

Got me thinking. Do lyon want more money if he becomes a world cup winner.

Or is the agent fees a stumbling block.

3.) 12 Jun 2018
11 Jun 2018 23:05:40
Good question Firmane, fantastic reply Ed2. Thank you!

4.) 12 Jun 2018
11 Jun 2018 23:23:47
Great info ED, cheers. A quick one: I've often wondered if agents try to get a player to move. Do agents get paid well even if a player stays at a club for years, or is it financially beneficial for them to make transfers happen? I'm sure it's much more complicated than that, so apologies if the question is stupid.

{Ed002's Note - Some agents do look for moves for players. Some agents work on a retainer basis, others don't.}

5.) 12 Jun 2018
11 Jun 2018 23:54:44
Amazing, thank you ed002!

6.) 12 Jun 2018
12 Jun 2018 07:49:39
Ed002 you should just put this as a link at top of the page as you have to repeat it every transfer window.

7.) 12 Jun 2018
12 Jun 2018 09:24:20
So interesting chaps. Ed002 I salute you.