The world of football transfers often feels like a game of high stakes, where powerful agents pull the strings and collect hefty fees. But what if there was a different way? A recent story from England shows how one player, facing a contract negotiation, found an unexpected ally in artificial intelligence. This clever move could change how some deals are done in the future.
Demetri Mitchell, a 28-year-old winger, knows a thing or two about the professional game. He came up through the Manchester United youth system and even helped his country win the U-17 European championship in 2014. After leaving Exeter City, Mitchell found himself without a club. He then aimed for a move to Leyton Orient. Instead of hiring a traditional agent for the deal, he handed the responsibility to AI.
Mitchell shared his experience on the podcast ‘From My Left’. He explained that when Leyton Orient sent him an offer, he turned to ChatGPT for advice. “I used ChatGPT to ask how I should negotiate and what to say,” Mitchell recalled. He fed the AI details like his previous season’s earnings and the fact he’d be moving to London with his wife and son, asking about the cost of living. He felt he deserved a bit more money, but didn’t want to just state “I think I should earn this.” By not using an agent, he also managed to secure a signing bonus for himself.
This choice saved him a significant amount of money. Typically, agents take about five percent of a player’s earnings as commission. Mitchell, however, only paid for a premium subscription to ChatGPT, which costs around 15 pounds a month. He even joked, “ChatGPT was the best agent I’ve had in my career. Commissions are 5%, ChatGPT cost me 15 pounds a month.” He believes that many players don’t fully grasp their financial situations.
Mitchell also offered a thoughtful reflection on player finances, especially for those outside the top leagues. “People think all players are well paid and lucky,” he noted. But there’s a big difference between a professional player earning a few thousand a week and a doctor earning the same. A doctor’s salary is usually secure until retirement at 65. Players in the English Football League (EFL), from League One downwards, often get only one or two-year contracts.
He broke down the numbers: “Let’s say you earn 3,000 pounds a week. You lose 45% to taxes, and then 5% goes to an agent. You’re only left with about half of that amount.” While he acknowledged it’s still a good salary, he highlighted the high expenses. “When you have a mortgage and a car to pay, and your wife can’t work because she’s far from Manchester, your costs add up quickly.” Mitchell’s innovative use of AI points to a future where players might have more control over their own careers and finances.