Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly Signs New Contract
In July, Arsenal’s promising left back Myles Lewis-Skelly signed a new contract with the club, reflecting his standout performance during the 2024-25 season. At just 18 years old, Lewis-Skelly made a remarkable transition from the academy to the first team, accumulating over 2,000 minutes on the pitch. His exceptional form was highlighted by his Premier League debut against Everton in December, a stellar man-of-the-match showing against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals, and becoming the youngest player to score on his senior England debut in March.
Innovative Contract Negotiation Strategy
Given his breakout season, it would seem that Lewis-Skelly’s representatives would leverage this momentum while negotiating his contract amidst rumored interest from Real Madrid. However, the young talent opted for a different strategy, contracting the services of Analytics FC—an innovative company transforming how players prepare for contract discussions.
Analytics FC provides players and their agents with critical data analytics to enhance their negotiating power, essentially reversing the traditional approach where clubs utilized analytics to evaluate player worth. The company equips the player with a thorough report of research, contextual data, and analytical findings, helping them present a compelling case for their value. CEO Alex Stewart explained that they begin by discussing the player’s negotiation objectives, whether they seek a renewal, explore future opportunities, or require support in a potential move.
Customized Reports for Players
Once the player’s needs are established, a detailed report is generated, often exceeding 40 pages and tailored to the player’s specific circumstances. Stewart noted that some players take an active interest in these discussions, seeking clarification and insight into the data provided. This customized report includes performance metrics, salary benchmarks, and unique insights only available to the player and their agent, allowing them to argue their case based on data rather than mere subjective assessments.
For instance, the report might outline a proprietary metric, Goal Difference Added (GDA), showcasing how specific actions by the player translate into goal-scoring opportunities for their team or provide comparative data against market rates for similar players. This approach has been effectively utilized in past negotiations, including Kevin De Bruyne’s contract extension with Manchester City, which highlighted his unparalleled value in tying his performance metrics to financial demands, ultimately assisting him in securing a significant pay increase.
Impact on the Football Industry
Arsenal’s Ben White also benefited from this analytical approach during his own contract negotiations, with a detailed report showcasing his durability and positional versatility, which underpinned the rationale for his valuation.
The growing trend of integrating analytical services into contract negotiations reflects a broader evolution in football, as players increasingly seek to level the playing field against the clubs, traditionally wielding disproportionate power through in-house analytics. Agents acknowledge that acquiring such data can enhance their credibility and bolster their negotiating stance, transforming the landscape where previously players might not have had access to comparable information.
As the industry evolves, the use of analytical services like Analytics FC points to a future where players are better equipped to assert their value in negotiations, with the potential for this practice to become standard among elite footballers. It underscores a shift towards data-driven decision-making in negotiations, thereby empowering players to challenge conventional valuation paradigms effectively.
