The transfer market is full of surprises, with each club making moves get the best players for the lowest price.
Top clubs use five key tactics to get the upper hand in negotiations. Watch the video to hear what they are and why they work…
1. Prepare ahead of time
It’s crucial for clubs to know which players they’re interested in signing before the transfer window begins. To make the decision, most clubs will hold a meeting where the coach, chairman and directors decide who they want to buy – and who they want to sell.
2. Establish a good relationship with agents
It’s more important than ever for clubs to build strong relationships with footballers’ agents. Once an agent is on side, there’s a much better chance of negotiations swinging in their favour.
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3. Approach more than one player in the same position
If clubs show a serious interest in a player, it weakens their negotiating position. So, the top teams speak with multiple players even if there’s only one that they want.
Don’t be fooled: clubs will tell the media they are in conversations with several players to get a discount on the one they are after.
4. Influence the media
Which leads me on to my next point: use of the media. Football directors will deny having an interest in a player when speaking to the press because they want to speak with the player away from the spotlight.
5. Wait until the last minute
Many directors like to wait until the last weeks of the transfer window to try to get players on loan with an option to buy. The situation changes quickly in transfer deadline week with negotiations rumbling on until the last minute.
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