A North East based sports management company was left celebrating after completing the transfer of Greek International goalkeeper, Vasilis Barkas, from AEK Athens to Celtic F.C
St James’ Square Sports Management managed the transfer of the player, for a sum of £4.5 million, which was finalised at the end of July by agents Paul Monaghan and Mark Lynn.
Paul said, “Vasilis is an exceptional player with a bright future ahead of him. He will do a fantastic job at Celtic and I have no doubt he will be playing in top sides for many years to come. We wish him all the best during his time at Celtic FC.”
The company operates on an intermediary basis for professional football players and clubs from around the world and whilst it offers many services to their clients, it is carving out a reputation for assisting players from abroad entering the Premier League.
With its head office in Newcastle the company has an international reach and its agents, who are fluent in several languages, regularly travel the world to build relationships with many of the top clubs. Recent trips to Madrid, Paris, Barcelona, Athens, Rome, New York and Ecuador have helped cement those relationships and take the business to a new level.
As a result, St James’ Square Sports Management has seen demand for its services increase considerably and have recently completed several lucrative deals in the current transfer window. Since it launched in 2018, the company has been involved with many players and clubs, including Panathinaikos and Olympiacos in the Greek Super League, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leeds United and Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
“Mark Lynn said “We are thrilled at the way the business has grown in such a short amount of time and we were delighted to have completed our most recent deal with Celtic FC. Our sister company St James’ Square Law Firm provided all our legal needs and assisted us throughout the deal. Their commercial advice and knowledge has been invaluable and helped to provide a speedy and fully rounded service.”
The company has also attracted several Ambassadors to the business. Footballing legends Nikos Dabizas & Colin Todd joined St James’ Square Sports Management as brand ambassadors earlier this year.
Nikos, a former Greek international, Leicester City and Newcastle United player, has most recently held the position of Sporting Director at Panathinaikos FC. Nikos said, “The team at St James’ Square Sports Management have a passion for the game and the drive to succeed, I’m delighted to be working with them.”
Player turned manager, Colin Todd, has over 600 appearances for club and country winning the PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 1975. His managerial career took him to Middlesbrough, Bolton Wanders & Derby County. Colin said, “I’ve worked with many agents over the years and the team at St James’ Square Sports Management are a cut above. I am looking forward to many years of partnership ahead.”
St James’ Square Sports Management has now partnered with several leading brands including car manufacturers Lamborghini and McLaren, luxury holiday providers Soneva and Sani and private jet companies Air Charter Service and Gulfstream.
