Every year, thousands of young football players are signed to contracts by football agents who make promises of fame and fortune. A large number of agents are able to facilitate players gaining trials and negotiating on their behalf with clubs. However, there are plenty of stories that surface of young kids being lead astray by agents. These men and women tend to look for quick money and will get their player signed to any club, which results in the player’s career going nowhere.

There are some very important signs that all parents and players must be able to identify before signing with a football agent.

Agents can charge commission

Players that sign contracts with clubs thanks to an agent can agree to pay agents a commission on the deal. It is reported that 3% to 10% is the fee that agents are to receive. Players should be aware that anymore than 10% is too much, and players should also be aware that the club could be paying the agent’s commission as part of the deal. If he or she attempts to collect a payment from you, they could be double dipping. In addition, some unscrupulous agents will get players to sign contracts they attempt to hold you to for your entire career. If you move clubs, they will try to collect some type of commission regardless if they helped or not.

Million dollar/euro/pound guarantee

Anyone who tells you they can or will get you a million dollar deal is lying. In today’s world of information at our figure tips, it is simple to check the salaries of players in various leagues and at all levels. If someone tells you they can get you a certain amount of money, do some research to see if that is actually possible.

Signing a contract ties you to the agent

If you signed a contract, you can be tied to an agent for a certain number of years. In England, there is a two-year limit on contracts and after the two years expires, the contract is no more. Depending on where you play and sign with an agent can dictate the length of the deal.

Signing with football agents is no small feat, and parents and players should think hard before ever signing a legal document. Parents should ask themselves, does the agent have my child’s best interests in mind? This isn’t always the case, and parents and players who seek out trials on their own or by contacting PremierFootballUK.com can often find better routes into the professional level.