Manchester United staff have expressed growing concerns about the involvement of Erik ten Hag’s agent in the club’s transfer activities, per the Daily Mail.
Kees Vos’ Sports Entertainment Group (SEG) has emerged as a key player in United’s recent player signings and sales. They also offer informal advice on the transfer market.
SEG has become United’s go-to agency for negotiating player deals, The close relationship between the two parties is underscored by the fact that Ten Hag’s son, Nigel, works as an analyst for the agency.
They played a pivotal role during a busy transfer window, overseeing deals such as Rasmus Hojlund’s £72 million move from Atalanta and the loan signing of Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina.
While SEG’s influence continues to grow, other agents have expressed discontent over what they see as missed opportunities due to the connection with Ten Hag.
SEG boasts a global reputation with 600 athletes under its management. They have also cultivated ties with Manchester City, recruiting Spanish agent Pere Guardiola and his high-profile client, Pep Guardiola.
Their involvement with United had dwindled until they played a pivotal role in Ten Hag’s appointment as manager in May 2022.
None of United’s 45 intermediary transactions recorded by the FA between February 2022 and January 2023 involved SEG.
Critics argue that Ten Hag tends to sign players he has previously worked with, as evidenced by the arrivals of Antony and Lisandro Martinez from Ajax last year.
Andre Onana and Amrabat arrived this summer and had previously played under Ten Hag.
A source from SEG clarified that Vos had no direct involvement in negotiations with West Ham United regarding Harry Maguire.
They emphasised that SEG’s extensive global reach involves over 300 transfers this summer, with United’s transactions representing only a small fraction of their business.
United sources defended the close relationship with SEG, asserting that such partnerships with key agencies are common among top clubs and offer advantages in the transfer market.
The club’s senior leadership also affirmed their comfort with the current arrangement.
As Man United’s dealings with SEG continue to draw scrutiny, the club remains steadfast in its belief that their alliance with the agency benefits their long-term ambitions.
