KDB’s deal spells end for agents

THE football agent world is about to undergo a “revolution”.

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (above) led the way by negotiating his latest mega-money contract himself, without the use of a traditional agent.

Agent Sky Andrew, who did two of the biggest deals in English football history with Sol Campbell’s move from Tottenham to Arsenal and making Jermaine Pennant the most expensive teenager in 1999, believes more top players will follow suit.

Andrew (right) even believes the role of a football agent will “not exist” within the space of five years because more players will move to an American system of using a management team.

Highly-respected Andrew believes it’s happening because of a lack of “trust” in the agentplayer relationship, players not maximising their worth or realising their potential and also being hit by unexpected tax bills.

He said: “There is a revolution going on in football now where players are asking, ‘Have I got the right people around me now?’

“They are coming to the conclusion that if they haven’t then they’ll just do it themselves.

“There’s no doubt in my mind, agents at the top end won’t exist in five years’ time as they do today.

“Top-class players will want world-class representation when they are relevant.

“When it’s over, it’s over. Too many players don’t realise that until it is too late.

“Players have become companies, they are industries in their own right, the money they earn now is more than some companies turn over.

“It’s a short career and you need to maximise your potential, get the best advice and look after your interests.

“There is an issue of trust between agents and players, and a new generation of person will come into the game. They will be more like in American sport, where a manager oversees every aspect of the player’s interests.”