[Bagor]

Really good read.

How a transfer really works - agents, tapping up, WhatsApp and why clubs can't recoup fees with shirt sales
The Independent asked Jake Cohen, a sports lawyer who has worked on a number of high-profile transactions in football, to clear up some common misconceptions

Transfer season is in full swing, and while there is nearly bottomless coverage of rumours, negotiations, and deals, there are still some questions about how transfers actually work from a business perspective.

In order to shine a bit of light on the business of transfers, The Independent has asked Jake Cohen, a sports lawyer who has worked on a number of high-profile transactions in football, to clear up some misconceptions and discuss some of the finer points of the business of a transfer.

In logistical terms, many negotiations are largely conducted via WhatsApp.
Many agents and club executives prefer WhatsApp for a number of reasons – everyone always has their phone at the ready, it’s easier than e-mail, the group chat feature, there are read receipts so there’s never any question as to whether the other(s) received the latest information you sent, and you can message and call worldwide from anywhere on the planet.

Additionally, WhatsApp contact info never has to change if the user doesn’t want it to: for example, a high-profile club executive recently began a new job with a club in a different country, and he has a new e-mail, office number, and club mobile number. However, his WhatsApp number remains the same. So, it remains very easy for relevant stakeholders to get in touch with the executive without having to track down his new club-specific contact information.

It might sound surprising, but in 2017, WhatsApp is an indispensable tool for many involved in football transfers.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/f...-a7837031.html