Data Analysis: The Key in Contract Negotiations of Modern Football

Myles Lewis-Skelly and the data revolution in football: The new ally for negotiating contracts

In early July, Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly renewed his contract with the club, a recognition of his outstanding 2024-25 season. The 18-year-old impressed since his Premier League debut against Everton, excelling in the Champions League and becoming the youngest goalscorer on his debut for the England national team.

Given the interest from teams like Real Madrid, it was expected that Lewis-Skelly and his representatives would use all available tools to secure the best possible deal. Following in the footsteps of stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Ben White, and Alex Greenwood, they turned to Analytics FC.

The company provides players and their agents with data and performance analysis to gain an advantage in contract negotiations.

Alofoke Deportes

Analytics FC, a company that offers advanced data analysis for footballers and their agents, has emerged as a key element in contract negotiations. Their approach, which inverts the traditional dynamic, allows players to present strong arguments to clubs, backed by in-depth research and detailed analysis.

Alex Stewart, CEO of Analytics FC, explains that the process begins with a conversation between the agent, or lawyer, and the player, identifying their needs. Then, a detailed report is prepared with research, analysis, and contextualized data, which can contain between 40 and 80 pages. These reports include custom metrics, such as the “Goal Difference Added” (GDA), which measures the impact of each player’s action on their team’s chances of scoring. Monte Carlo simulations are also used to predict scenarios, such as a player’s performance in a new team or the impact of an injury. Analytics FC’s data analysis also provides a salary benchmark, allowing players to know what their colleagues earn and thus negotiate better terms.

Success Stories: De Bruyne and White

The case of Kevin De Bruyne is emblematic. Analytics FC demonstrated his impact on the game, which helped De Bruyne get a significant salary increase and set a goal of winning the Champions League, something they achieved two years later.

In the case of Ben White, the 52-page Analytics FC report highlighted his consistency and versatility. His performance projections in different positions were analyzed, and simulations were carried out to predict his impact on teams such as Bayern Munich and Barcelona. Alex Levack, White’s agent, stated that this analysis gave him “more confidence” in the negotiations, providing additional tools to support his client’s salary demands.

Advanced Strategies: Anticipating Criticism

Analytics FC has also helped players counter potential criticism. In the case of Alex Greenwood, it was shown that the role of the Manchester City women’s defenders was similar to that of the men, which supported her value in the team. A Serie A player, whose name is kept confidential, used Analytics FC’s analysis to redefine his creativity, highlighting his ability to win penalties and fouls in dangerous positions.

The Future of Data in Football

The growing adoption of data and analytics in football is undeniable. While some clubs still don’t use these tools to the fullest, the trend is clear. Investment in these services is significant, but the agents and players who use them see them as strategic investments. This practice is expected to become normalized in the coming years, as more players see the benefits. Mladen Sormaz, sporting director, highlights that agencies are adopting data analysis, reflecting the importance of this tool for success in modern football. As more players, like Lewis-Skelly, achieve positive results, the trend will consolidate.