Where I'd be scouting right now

Hey,

Portsmouth scouted a midfielder in Turkey all season. Then in June the rules changed, Turkey dropped a band, and the deal died two weeks before they could sign him.

That was the story Andy Watson opened with on Thursday night in the Recruitment Room, and it's the whole reason I asked him back on to do another session.

Most people hear "work permit rules" and switch off.

But it's an absolutely essential thing for scouts and recruitment analysts to learn.

And for those reading this who aren't based in the UK, you're probably wondering why it matters to you at all.

It matters because the UK is the market most leagues sell into, and the rules tell you exactly which players in your league can be sold there.

When a band changes, the value of every player you watch changes with it, and most of the people around you won't have noticed.

A member asked Andy about a 17-year-old on loan at a second-tier club in Serbia who'd played four games in the UEFA Youth League.

One continental appearance is enough. That kid can be sold to England and I doubt his own agent knows it.

That's a niche. Not "Serbian football". It's the kind of knowledge that makes you valuable inside the game.

So where would I be scouting right now?

Brazil, first. It moved up a band this summer, so a top-flight player now brings 10 points on his own. Andy said he'd be building Brazil knowledge at any Premier League or Championship club. If you're there, or you speak the language, you're already ahead of the people he means.

Then the bottom of the band 2 and band 3 leagues. Players at struggling clubs who are still getting regular minutes. Nobody owns this and I think it's a real niche.

Relegated clubs, too. A player keeps his old band until he kicks a ball in the lower division, so between relegation and the new season he's still a top-band player, and most clubs miss that window.

And the Americas. With the under-23 rule now coming into play for ESC slots, Andy thinks the MLS, Argentina and Mexico are under-scouted for full permits now.

So even if you're not based in the UK, it is essential to know these things.

You need to know the rules for the leagues you follow.

You can then find players within the rules that are in prime position for a transfer move.

This builds your knowledge and credibility. And that's the stuff that gets you opportunities.

Liam