Key Data in Negotiations: Players Use Analytics to Increase Their Value

The Rise of Data Analysis in Football Contract Negotiations

In the world of soccer, the search for competitive advantages never ceases. Recently, a trend has emerged that is revolutionizing the way soccer players negotiate their contracts: the use of data analysis. Alofoke Deportes presents how this tool is changing the game, offering players and their agents unprecedented power. Arsenal’s left-back, Myles Lewis-Skelly, renewed his contract thanks to an exceptional 2024-25 season, where he proved his worth by moving up from the youth team to the first team and accumulating more than 2,000 minutes of play. This performance, added to his goal-scoring debut with the English national team, made him a case study of the power of data in contract negotiations. Following in the footsteps of stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Ben White, and Alex Greenwood, Lewis-Skelly turned to Analytics FC. This company provides players and their agents with performance data and analysis to gain an edge in contract negotiations.

“We equip the player and their agent with data and analysis to give them a new advantage in contract negotiations,” explains Alex Stewart, CEO of Analytics FC.

Alex Stewart, CEO of Analytics FC

The company creates detailed reports, up to 80 pages long, that include research, analysis, and contextualized data. These reports, which can take between 60 and 90 minutes to review, allow players and their agents to present a solid case to clubs, backed by concrete data.

Myles Lewis-Skelly, Arsenal left-back, used Analytics FC to secure a new contract.

The Power of Data: Statistics and Simulations

Analytics FC uses a variety of third-party data sources to build custom models. Their tools include:

• Goal Difference Added (GDA): A metric that measures the impact of each player’s action on their team’s goalscoring chances.
• Event-based statistics: Such as diagonal passes and passes in transition.
• Monte Carlo simulations: To predict a player’s impact on a new team or the effect of an injury.
• Comparative salary analysis: So that players know what their teammates earn.

Kevin De Bruyne proved his worth with data.

Success Stories: De Bruyne, White, and Greenwood

Data analysis has been key in the negotiations of several renowned soccer players. In 2021, Kevin De Bruyne, considered one of the best midfielders in the world, used data from Analytics FC to obtain a 30% salary increase and set a goal of winning the Champions League, something he achieved two years later. Ben White, Arsenal defender, also benefited from this approach. Analytics FC’s 52-page report highlighted his durability and versatility, comparing his salary to that of other elite defenders. Simulations were carried out to show his impact on teams like Bayern Munich and Barcelona. Alex Greenwood, a Manchester City player, used analysis to counter potential criticism of her defensive application, demonstrating that her playing style was similar to that of the men’s team defenders. This allowed her to obtain a three-year contract extension.

Alex Greenwood, Manchester City defender, used data to negotiate her contract.

The Future of Data Analysis in Football

The adoption of data analysis in contract negotiations is on the rise. Although the cost of these services can be high, agents and players who use them consider it an investment that can make a difference in the value of a contract. The trend is clear: more and more elite footballers will seek this type of assistance to secure more favorable contracts. As more prominent figures join this trend, data-driven preparation could become a standard in high-level negotiations. The company Analytics FC, and other similar platforms, are contributing to a significant change in the way contracts are negotiated in football.