How to Choose a Football Agent — A Guide for Players & Parents

When should a player look for an agent?

The question becomes relevant as soon as a player's level attracts professional attention: academy trials, scholarship offers, scout interest, or a first professional contract on the horizon. There is no rush to sign before that point — a good agent will tell you so themselves. But once a professional contract, an academy agreement or a transfer is in play, being represented by a licensed agent changes everything: the negotiation becomes a fair one.

Where to find a credible agent

Official registers — FIFA and national federations (The FA in England, the FFF in France) publish lists of licensed agents. Anyone not on those lists is operating illegally.
Transfermarkt — every professional player's page names their agency. It is the simplest way to verify an agent's real portfolio: which players, which clubs, which leagues.
Dressing-room word of mouth — professionals recommend (or warn against) their agents. An agency whose players stay for years is a strong signal.

The 4 essential checks

1. The licence. Ask for the agent's FIFA licence number and verify it. An unlicensed intermediary exposes both themselves and you to serious sanctions.

2. The track record. Verifiable transfers, identifiable players, real clubs. At PSM, for instance: over €100M negotiated in 3 years, players at West Ham United and Brentford in the Premier League — all publicly verifiable on Transfermarkt.

3. A written mandate. Regulations require a written, time-limited representation agreement stating the commission. Refuse any verbal arrangement.

4. Financial transparency. A serious agent earns commission on the contracts they negotiate — never upfront "registration", "trial" or "exposure" fees.

⚠️ Safeguarding minors — Under the FIFA Football Agent Regulations, agents may only approach a minor within the months preceding the age at which they can sign their first professional contract, and strict rules cap or prohibit fees on minors' contracts (in France, remunerating an agent on a minor's contract is illegal). Any "agent" asking a young player's parents for money is breaking the rules.

Red flags to walk away from

Upfront fees (registration, trials, "introductions to clubs");
Guaranteed promises ("a trial at this club is assured", "a pro contract within 6 months");
No verifiable licence or identifiable players in their portfolio;
Pressure to sign quickly, without time to consult family or a lawyer.

How PSM works with players

Premium Sports Management is a FIFA-registered football agency licensed by The FA, the FFF and CONI. We represent 17 professional players across 10+ countries — from the Premier League to Ligue 1. Every relationship starts with an honest assessment: what we can build together, and what we will not promise. Player, parent or coach: the first conversation is simple, confidential and commitment-free.

Further reading: what is a FIFA football agent?

Let's talk about your career

Honest, confidential assessment — from a FIFA · FA · FFF · CONI licensed agency.

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