Israeli Football Agents Are The World's Best, Says Top Agent Adam Kidan

Adam Kidan, a prominent Israeli football agent, asserts that Israeli agents are the best globally, particularly in navigating the post-October 7th landscape. He explained that while the initial shock of the war made some foreign players hesitant to come to Israel, Israeli agents have adapted by focusing on markets like Brazil and Colombia. Kidan noted that higher transfer fees, in the hundreds of thousands of euros, make clubs more willing to take risks on foreign players, whereas lower budgets still pose a deterrent.

Kidan, who transitioned from sports journalism and scouting to agency work, shared insights into the profession. He described the role of an agent as akin to a farmer, cultivating relationships and preparing players for future opportunities between transfer windows. He also highlighted the challenges of managing player expectations and dealing with families and entourages who may not fully understand the intricacies of the football world. Kidan mentioned that while extreme situations like players training in isolation have diminished due to player unions and media scrutiny, issues with club impatience and financial mismanagement persist.

Reflecting on past dealings, Kidan recalled how Hapoel Be'er Sheva missed out on signing striker Krzysztof Piątek in 2016 when he was a young player at Zagłębie Lubin. Piątek has since had a successful career with clubs like Genoa, Milan, and Hertha BSC. Kidan also recounted an incident where a foreign player, Marco Caligiuri, backed out of signing with Alona Barkat's Hapoel Be'er Sheva at the last minute due to a "feeling," just as rockets were being fired from Gaza, underscoring the unique sensitivities involved in bringing players to Israel.

Kidan also expressed concerns about the number of foreign players in the Israeli league, suggesting it negatively impacts Israeli talent. He believes the current system, including the "young player law," is being exploited by clubs seeking bonuses rather than genuinely developing talent. He praised the professionalism of clubs like Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Ramat Gan for their fair dealings during negotiations.