The football transfer window is currently open in most parts of the globe. Clubs, especially elite ones, are strengthening their squads ahead of the new season.
Clubs like English Premier League Champions Manchester City and Arsenal have already made a few signings, while others are in the market, looking for players who would improve their squads.
Although many football fans want their clubs to sign new players, most of them have no idea how the transfer market works.
TeamKenya.co.ke takes a look at the various steps involved in football transfers.
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Step 1: Identification of a player
Football clubs begin the transfer process by identifying a particular player who suits their playing style and can strengthen their squad. They conduct a deep analysis of a player including his personal life, rather than just focusing on his performances on the pitch.
The recruitment department usually analyzes the strengths and shortcomings of a player at this stage. Scouts can also approach the head coach and recommend to them a player. Data is essential in football transfers since it tells clubs a lot about a certain player.
Step 2: Registering interests
The second step is the most important in football transfers. Once a club, for example Arsenal, has identified a player who fits into their system, they register interest by informing the parent club that they would like to sign the player.
Football fans learn about their club’s interest at this stage. This is where gossip, whether true or false, spreads. Journalists - both reliable and unreliable - normally break the news to fans. There can also be reports of players not turning up to training, like the current saga involving Manchester United striker, Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Step 3: Offer and negotiations
During the third step, clubs start making their bids after registering interests. This is where agents come in and help the player understand the details of a potential deal before accepting or rejecting an offer.
The first bid is often rejected, particularly when a player has a lot to offer. For instance, during Arsene Wenger’s reign at Arsenal, the Gunners tabled a cheeky bid of Ksh4.7 billion for Liverpool’s Luis Suarez which was instantly rejected. Players who do not have agents can easily be exploited at this step.
Step 4: The medicals
Fans are always over the moon when they get reports that a certain talented player is scheduled to have medicals at clubs they support. Most of them will track the plane that the reported player is traveling since they cannot wait to add him to their squads.
Medicals involve a thorough examination of a player's wellness and most of the times footballers pass the test without any problem.
Some of the tests that are done during medicals include echos and electrocardiogram. Also, players are made to perform various exercises including running and jumping to gauge their musculoskeletal weaknesses and strengths. If a player fails to pass the medical, the deal collapses.
Step 5: Paperwork
The most important part in football transfers is the paperwork. Players have to sign a contract before officially joining a particular club.
The paperwork details the agreement that has been reached between a club and a player. It shows what players will earn weekly and the bonuses that they will receive based on what has been agreed.
Any problem with the work permit can also be sorted out at this stage. Once a player signs a contract, he becomes the property of the club until the expiry of the deal.
Step 6: Unveiling and completion of a deal
The final step in football transfers is the unveiling of a player. Here is where a club’s media team comes in handy - they take photos and videos of the new signing as they prepare for the official announcement.
Once everything is completed, the club informs their supporters and football fans in general that they have acquired the services of a particular player for a given period of time.
Photos and videos of the new signing are usually posted on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook much to the delight of their fans.
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