The Rise of Agents in Football: A Perspective from Ali Barat
Foot Mercato: The agents take up more and more space under the spotlight. Do you think the image you project is important? And why?
Ali Barat: The image is important, yes, but not by vanity. Football is a global industry built on trust, credibility, and relationships. The way you introduce yourself reflects the seriousness with which you treat your players and clubs. If you are professional and respectful, people will take both you and your customers seriously.
From England to Abu Dhabi: A Unique Journey
FM: Tell us a bit about your story—how did you get there?
AB: I left England in 2009 to live in Abu Dhabi, where I established connections with Manchester City and started working as an intermediary. Over time, I realized that I was not in tune with the way many agents treated players. This motivated me to create Epic Sports in 2020. From the start, my vision was clear: building an “agency boutique” representing a limited group of very high-level talents and high-potential players, offering them a truly 360° management of their careers. For us, these are not figures; it is about quality, confidence , and building careers that make sense.
Transfers That Matter
FM: What transfer makes you most proud this summer?
AB: Each transfer is unique because behind each of them, there is a career and a family. Of course, movements like Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid, Nicolas Jackson to Bayern Munich, or Soumaila Coulibaly to Strasbourg made the headlines, but I am just as proud when we help a young player take their first big step in a high-level environment.
The Roller Coaster of Negotiations
FM: What is the craziest anecdote from this summer transfer window?
AB: Football is a show, and the transfer market is full of twists and turns. One day, a deal seems impossible; the next day, it’s concluded. Without citing names, there were nights when three clubs negotiated simultaneously for the same player, and by morning, only one was left. Negotiations are a roller coaster, but that’s the beauty of the market.
Dean Huijsen’s Big Decision
FM: Dean Huijsen caused a sensation at the start of the transfer window with a battle between the largest European clubs. Why did he choose to join Real Madrid? Was PSG really in the race?
AB: Dean attracted the interest of several major clubs. Luis Campos was among the first to recognize his potential, and PSG was a real option. However, Dean thought he would have more opportunities for regular play at Bournemouth than in PSG. When Real Madrid entered the scene, they showed the strongest conviction and presented a perfectly aligned project with his long-term development. At this level, decisions not only hinge on the biggest financial offer; they’re about the best career plan.
The Unforeseen Factors in Transfers
FM: How do you explain the twists and turns of certain transfers? We obviously think of Nicolas Jackson’s transfer to Bayern. At one point, did you really believe the deal could fail?
AB: Transfers of this size are rarely linear; there are always unforeseen factors. For Nico, the key was his will; he wanted Bayern. Our role was to protect this wish and ensure it was respected, even when obstacles appeared. Did I think it could collapse? Yes, for a brief time. But in football, it takes patience, calm, and persistence to find solutions.
The Strength of the French Market
FM: What do you think of the French market compared to its European competitors?
AB: France may have the richest talent pool in Europe. The challenge is that French clubs often struggle to keep their best players against the likes of England, Germany, Italy, or Spain. The market is dynamic, but many players leave earlier than in other countries. Economically, French football has faced difficulties, particularly with TV rights issues, which have reduced the financial stability of clubs.
However, clubs like PSG stand apart due to their superior financial means, but overall, French clubs have remained competitive in European competitions. For example, Brest’s performance in the Champions League last season is a testament to that. We have also seen the return of French world champions such as Olivier Giroud and Benjamin Pavard, which demonstrates that Ligue 1 can still attract leading talents.
Building Long-Term Relationships
FM: Your agency was involved in numerous transfers with Strasbourg. Do you understand that their relationship with Blueco and their financial power can arouse questions in France?
AB: I understand the debate. Whenever large financial groups enter football, there will be questions. But what matters is whether the club has better infrastructure, opportunities for players, and competitiveness. This is how people should judge it over time.
Epic Sports: A New Era
FM: How would you define your role? Would you say that you are an intermediary, a negotiation facilitator, a dealmaker, or a little of all this?
AB: From day one, Epic Sports was built on a clear philosophy: long-term representation based on respect, transparency, and confidence. Families now play a crucial role in modern football, and that’s why we work closely with them. For me, human relationships are at the heart of this job. Our goal isn’t just to negotiate contracts; it’s to build meaningful careers and support people.
FM: You have extensive connections to Chelsea and Liverpool, particularly Chelsea. How true is that?
AB: Over the past three years, our records reflect the trust we have built with major clubs across the top five leagues. We have collaborated closely with clubs such as Napoli and Juventus in Italy, Atlético and Real Madrid in Spain, and many others across Europe.
Looking Ahead: Summer Transfer Window 2025
FM: How would you describe the activity of Epic Sports this summer?
AB: It was a historic summer for us. We finalized 15 high-level operations across seven major leagues, including transfers such as Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid, the highest fee ever paid for a Liga defender, Nicolas Jackson to Bayern Munich, and Xavi Simons to Tottenham among others.
FM: You have been cited as a favorite for the Golden Agent Award awarded by Tuttosport. What do you feel about it?
AB: Winning it in 2023 was an honor. I am the youngest agent to ever achieve this, and I would lie if I said I didn’t want to win it again. Our achievements this summer have shown we deserve recognition, especially with Epic Sports.