Finding a new home in football is not always easy but when you feel frustrated at your progression up the ladder, often players will look aboard.
It’s very difficult to give blanket advice in a blog about the right decision. To stay or go…..
But certainly there are things to look at to help you decide and also steps you should take when making the step. I guess the first question you should ask yourself is what are you looking for?
I have met a player in Iceland who got released from West Ham at 18, moved over to Iceland, and 20 years later he’s still playing in the top division with a local wife and little kids. . . . . He gets paid well, he’s doing his coaching badges and his matches are on TV.
I went to Norway last week and saw a player who moved down two divisions, scored 22 goals, and moved back up two divisions on a better contract.
We have a coach who plays in Sweden and comes back in his off season to coach. I know players who have got to smaller leagues and come back to England and made a good career in the game.
What do you think you can achieve?
Which Country?
Before you set out contacting clubs or making the big move, consider which country is best to meet your goals. When is their transfer window? Of course based on you wanting a move, I guess you are a free agent but even as a free, most deals will happen in the window. For example Norway, the season ends in November and their window is open until April. They’ll also have a second window in August. The Windows around the world can be found at https://www.fifatms.com/itms/worldwide-transfer-windows-calendar/
When the season finishes what will your options be? If you’re season finishes in Norway this will leave you free to move to a pro club in England in December. So this could be the perfect move?
How long will the transfer take? Of course you would like to think you can play straight away but the international transfer will take some time. I think 4 weeks will be roughly the minimum but I have seen deals go past 12 weeks.
I think you should consider if this country is a footballing country. Is there a football culture around you?
What will be your value be coming back. Whether it’s true or not, if you’re playing in the Azerbaijani top divisions how will it look to potential new clubs?
Also do you need a VISA? If you’re not a top player is a realistic you will be allowed to be paid to play in a foreign country?
Which Club?
After you have decided on the country then it’s time to get on with finding a club. Will coaching be in English? If not can you learn the language.
Does the club get Media coverage. If so how many foreign players do they have? Too many foreign players means you may not grab headlines. But you can imagine if you’re the English youngster staring in a team then you can grab some headlines, grab scouts attention….
Will you be training every day? I hope so as this will help you develop. I see some conference sides training just 2/3 times a week. If you’re going overseas to train 5 days a week, get in the gym 5 days a week, and play good intensity matches….. that’s perfect.
How easy is it get home? If you click on Ryanair and you can see flights for £4.99 this means you’re not trapped. This is give you the comfort you can pop home on a break or even better your family can come and support you.
What are the facilities like? Do they suit you? Sure it’s not going to be Real Madrid but you can expect better facilities that you have at home.
What’s the teams history? Are they on the down – can you join a team for momentum? Will you get promotion because if you do well and get promotion you will look even better. Does the club have a history of helping players progress? Because if they do then scouts will be watching.
Where will you live and how will you eat? The living conditions need to be right for you. You need to be able to rest, recover and sleep. If you’re a Vegan is there a good supply of natural food.
How will you get to training? Ideally you can rely on yourself and walk to the training ground.
How will your money be paid? Personally I want a strong currency and I prefer the euro or pounds directly into your bank account.
Your check list
So you’ve got the offer. You’ve told your family. Now get it sorted, get your visa. Sort your insurance. What do you need to pack?
Your also need to get your mindset right. You need to be open to new cultures. You are going out of your comfort zone, but you have a clear purpose, so focus on every day, step by step reaching your goal.
Be open. Be positive.