- Elite: Players competing in the top divisions of their respective countries.
- Professional: Players with a professional contract, regardless of the league level.
- Amateur: Players who have never signed a professional contract.
Note: This guide excludes U16 academy players who have never signed a professional contract.
Step 1: Ask Yourself – Why Do You Need an Agent?
Elite Players
Are you frustrated with your current agent? Has something happened that makes you want to switch representation? Changing agents at the elite level can be tricky, as contracts are often exclusive, meaning you're legally bound to your agent until the contract expires.
Legally, under an exclusive agreement, you can only approach a new agent within the final two months of your contract. If you can't wait or no longer want to work with your agent, consult a legal professional to discuss termination options. Be aware that early termination may involve financial penalties, so understand your obligations before making a decision.
If you're looking for an agent to help facilitate a transfer to a specific club or region, speak to your current agent first. They can subcontract another agent in your desired location to help find a club on your behalf.
If neither of these situations apply and you simply want a new agent, use your network. As an elite player, you have one of the best networks in the changing room. Speak to a trusted player about their agent or someone they would suggest based on your needs.
Professional Players
The same considerations apply to professional players. However, non-exclusive contracts are more common at this level, giving you greater flexibility in changing agents and teams.
If you're seeking an agent solely for a transfer, consider giving them a short-term mandate to assess their ability first. If they secure a strong offer, you can then commit to them long-term. Try our FREE mandate generator inside the Agents FC HUB -which features an agent to client mandate generator.
If you're having severe issues with your club and your agent is unable to help, reach out to your players' union. In England, The PFA (Professional Footballers' Association) has a dedicated team to support players in workplace disputes, legal matters, and contract negotiations. Consulting external professionals like the PFA ensures you make informed decisions without jeopardising your career.
Amateur Players
I frequently receive messages from amateur players on Instagram, often with their CVs and a request for me to "be their agent" or "get them a trial at a Premier League club." Unfortunately, many amateur players focus solely on the end goal without considering the process to get there.
If you're playing at a competitive amateur level, scouts and agents will eventually take notice. If you're not currently with a club and have no prior professional experience, finding an agent will be much harder. Agents primarily seek players with a proven track record of consistent performances.
Before seeking an agent, focus on playing regularly for a competitive amateur team. Scouts do attend amateur matches, and talented players can get trials at professional clubs through the right opportunities.
Step 2: Decide What Type of Agent You Need
Elite Players
Top-level players should look for an elite agent or a established agency with the resources and network to negotiate the best contracts.
If you're signing with a big agency, ask:
- Who will be your assigned agent? (You want someone with experience and strong contacts.)
- What is their background? (How long have they been an agent, and what was their last deal?)
- What are their ambitions for you? (To ensure their goals align with your career aspirations.)
Professional Players
Look for an experienced agent with 4 to 8+ years in the industry. Many professional players sign with friends or family members who have recently become agents, which can work, but it's essential to keep trusted experts around you for critical situations.
Football careers can change suddenly—an experienced agent will help you secure a new club quickly during a transfer window or negotiate complex contracts when needed.
Amateur Players
A new or upcoming agent may be more suitable for amateur players. During my early years, I often discovered players through social media, which remains one of the most effective ways to attract an agent’s attention.
To improve your chances:
- Have a professional CV ready.
- Create high-quality highlight videos (clear footage, well-edited, with you clearly identifiable).
- Write a well written cover letter addressing the agent by name and explaining why you're reaching out.
- Use data analytics to showcase your physical attributes. Consider investing in a GPS running vest like the STATSports GPS or the Playermaker 2.0 football cleats to track and display performance stats.
- Create a an online portfolio showcasing your achievements, qualities, character, and recommendations from previous coaches.
Be prepared for rejections, but persistence is a key trait of successful footballers—keep pushing forward.
Step 3: Where to Find an Agent
Elite Players – Your Network & TransferRoom
Your network is your most valuable resource. Speak to trusted teammates for recommendations.
Alternatively, consider TransferRoom—a leading digital platform connecting clubs and agents. It became essential during COVID when face-to-face meetings were limited, and today, it remains a trusted marketplace for clubs and verified agents.
Professional Players – LinkedIn
Every professional footballer should have a LinkedIn profile, even if they don’t use it regularly. LinkedIn allows you to research agents, verify their professional background, and seek recommendations from those they've worked with.
Amateur Players – Instagram & TikTok
Instagram has become a key platform for agents at all levels. Many new and experienced agents scout players through social media.
Upcoming agents, such as Andreas Michalis (@thatagentandreas), also use TikTok to showcase their day-to-day work via #footballagent.
⚠ Beware of scams
Always verify that an agent is licensed. There are many fraudulent agents who ask for upfront payments for trials or other “services.” You should never pay an agent upfront—the most they might ask for is for you to cover your travel expense for a trial.
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