How do you negotiate a football contract?
Negotiate a football contract by knowing your minimum before you talk, then agreeing everything in writing: the salary and whether it is net or gross, the payment dates, bonuses, housing, car and flights, the contract length and any options, and what happens if wages are late. Take advice before you sign.
On this page
Before you talk
- Know your minimum: the lowest net monthly figure you would accept, after tax in that country.
- Know your value: your minutes, level and what similar players at that level earn.
- Know the club: its league, its finances, and whether it has paid players on time.
What to agree
| Item | What to settle |
|---|---|
| Salary | Amount, net or gross, monthly or yearly, number of payments |
| Payment dates | When each month, and in what currency |
| Bonuses | Appearances, wins, goals, clean sheets, promotion |
| Housing and car | Provided, paid for, or an allowance |
| Flights | How many home flights a year, for whom |
| Length | Years, and who can trigger any option to extend |
| Leaving | Any release clause, and terms if the club is relegated |
Protect yourself
- Get every promise into the written contract, not a side message.
- Keep a signed copy, in a language you understand.
- Check the registration will happen in time to play.
- Know your rights if wages are late. Under FIFA's rules two unpaid monthly salaries can give you just cause to leave, after written notice.
Start with the terms on the table
On FTBL Exchange every request states the salary, net or gross, and the contract length up front, so a player knows the frame before applying.
You should not need an agent to be seen.
Paste your Transfermarkt link and a highlights video. Once a person approves it, your profile builds itself, and you can apply to open requests.
Register free as a playerAlready registered? Sign in
Questions people also ask
Should I ask for a longer contract?
It depends. A longer deal gives security; a shorter one keeps you free to move. Below the top tier most deals are short.
Can I negotiate without an agent?
Yes. Take independent legal advice on the contract itself before signing.