Andy Watson takes us behind the curtain of football migration, taking us on a journey that starts in faraway places and ends in the EFL — all you need to do is claim your seat on the plane.
Oxford have a strong record in recruitment, and were a big driver in the Irish route being so heavily followed in recent years, so I would expect Yellows to find their way in this new world.
As for J and K league players, we have seen Japanese defenders be successful in the country with Maya Yoshida et.al. and obviously Bayern have a Korean CB, so quality is there, I just don’t know whether this is a case of perceived physicality, i.e. the EFL is for tall, strong defenders, and this isn't the norm in those countries as a rule.
There is also a case of value here. Where attacking players are generally more expensive, and difference makers are so rare to find domestically for a price that can be afforded, then finding a market where you feel like you can get a player to provide that for a much lower price just makes sense.
Great piece Andy! As an Oxford fan, one of the most striking differences about Championship football is that every team we have played so far seem to have a fun, fancy Band 4-6 player in their squad - in a small sort of way it's a constant reminder of how long we've been away from the level. Though with Marselino Ferdinand arriving this summer perhaps we are more included in this elite than we might think. Very pleased to read that someone has done the numbers on it.
On a side note, Des Buckingham was saying on a podcast this week that the J-League being much more accessible to watch seems to have gradually shown the wider footballing world how much technical and tactical quality is on display there.
I have a question about signings from these bands, and particularly J-League and K-League players. It seems to me that most signings from these bands tend to be attacking players - is this true, and if so why might it be the case? (I'm assuming it might have something to do with the potential re-sale value of attackers over other positions).
In terms of the perceived value of certain markets, I mention about Japan in the piece, the interesting thing about J & K are they were only included in Band 5 last summer. So EFL recruitment teams have had time to have a good look and try and find suitable bargains. It also seems like some contract releases have been particularly low.
The Dutch market has always had a reputation for producing talented players, and it is the highest ranked UEFA league outside of the Big 5, so clubs have always looked there. There is a good free agent market there too.
As to whether they perform or not...hold your horses for something in the future on that.
Very interesting. Knew nothing of ESC etc. Fascinating what Brexit has brought about in this area.
Would love to read more on the perceived value offered by the Dutch, Korean and in particular Japanese markets. I'm assuming good technical players allied to relatively low wages make these attractive?
Thanks for this Nick, glad you enjoyed the piece.
Oxford have a strong record in recruitment, and were a big driver in the Irish route being so heavily followed in recent years, so I would expect Yellows to find their way in this new world.
As for J and K league players, we have seen Japanese defenders be successful in the country with Maya Yoshida et.al. and obviously Bayern have a Korean CB, so quality is there, I just don’t know whether this is a case of perceived physicality, i.e. the EFL is for tall, strong defenders, and this isn't the norm in those countries as a rule.
There is also a case of value here. Where attacking players are generally more expensive, and difference makers are so rare to find domestically for a price that can be afforded, then finding a market where you feel like you can get a player to provide that for a much lower price just makes sense.
Great piece Andy! As an Oxford fan, one of the most striking differences about Championship football is that every team we have played so far seem to have a fun, fancy Band 4-6 player in their squad - in a small sort of way it's a constant reminder of how long we've been away from the level. Though with Marselino Ferdinand arriving this summer perhaps we are more included in this elite than we might think. Very pleased to read that someone has done the numbers on it.
On a side note, Des Buckingham was saying on a podcast this week that the J-League being much more accessible to watch seems to have gradually shown the wider footballing world how much technical and tactical quality is on display there.
I have a question about signings from these bands, and particularly J-League and K-League players. It seems to me that most signings from these bands tend to be attacking players - is this true, and if so why might it be the case? (I'm assuming it might have something to do with the potential re-sale value of attackers over other positions).
Great piece Andy. Looked at Japan myself recently for Analytics FC and the banding change is certainly a plus
Thanks Alex, really appreciate the support.
I read the Japan piece, it was excellent as always.
I wonder if we will see the same effect in Australia, I believe that you had a look at that market as well?
I did and yes I think so. Quality is lower but obviously it’s a less disruptive shift for players from an English-speaking country
Hi David, thanks for reading the piece.
In terms of the perceived value of certain markets, I mention about Japan in the piece, the interesting thing about J & K are they were only included in Band 5 last summer. So EFL recruitment teams have had time to have a good look and try and find suitable bargains. It also seems like some contract releases have been particularly low.
The Dutch market has always had a reputation for producing talented players, and it is the highest ranked UEFA league outside of the Big 5, so clubs have always looked there. There is a good free agent market there too.
As to whether they perform or not...hold your horses for something in the future on that.
Very interesting. Knew nothing of ESC etc. Fascinating what Brexit has brought about in this area.
Would love to read more on the perceived value offered by the Dutch, Korean and in particular Japanese markets. I'm assuming good technical players allied to relatively low wages make these attractive?