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Mark Foley's avatar

Fascinating article, thank you Rob. One thing I have always wondered about. If a club has a buy back clause and the club want the player back but the player does not want to return to his former club, how does this get resolved? I should have thought under the slavery act it is impossible to force him to return to his former club and in any case it would be a far from satisfactory arrangement all round. Is the player penalised if he refuses to adhere to return to to his former club? as surely he would have had to agree to this clause in the first place and I would assume he would be deemed to be breaking a contract and could be sued by his former club.

Kenny's avatar

Great article mate

Onur's avatar

Solid article. If we can only approach the same player once per season then in that case the Maignan deal is well and truly over untill next summer?

Magnu's avatar

I was wondering that too. I wasn't aware of that 7 day rule.

Tristan's avatar

Thanks for the article Rob.

Question, what makes a deal move silently along like we saw with Pedro Neto last summer versus long drawn out sagas like we’re seeing now or in the past?

Tye's avatar

the intricacies of transfers are so interesting! feel like every fan on the planet should read this 😂

Shayne H-Ray's avatar

A great read thanks Rob

Michael M's avatar

Thanks Rob, very interesting

Craige Coren's avatar

Rob, thank you for a very interesting article. I’m sure like many others we are grateful for your insight.

Two quick questions I have as a result of your article. (1) who has access to the Transfer Matching System as I’m sure it contains some very interesting information, and (2) how do image rights affect transfers and can you explain what each side is looking for in this respect please?

Rob Pratley's avatar

1) Senior club employees. You have to sign NDAs to access it. 2) This could be a whole other article. Added to the list!

Rob Pratley's avatar

Oh I should also add on 1 senior club administrators, FA administrators and legal teams too.

Craige Coren's avatar

Thanks. I can see why the access to (1) is limited - some juicy information in there

(2) I look forward to it.

Mark Foley's avatar

I was thinking along the same lines Craige. Have a word with Tom Cruise.....lol