14 Jun 2017 11:31:28
Quick question ed or anyone knowledgeable,


How are newspapers reporting teams have agreed personal terms with a player before agreeing a fee with a club? Is this not a case of tapping up?

I understand that unofficial talks can take place via an intermediate party or through agents to gauge if they're available. But surely agreeing terms before a fee with a club is against the rules.

I keep reading it with the Morata to United deal that we've agreed terms with him before agreeing a fee with Madrid.

Or is it a case of the papers being a load of bull as per?

{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.}

1.) 15 Jun 2017
14 Jun 2017 20:33:21
Much appreciated ed.