Football has transformed into a multi-billion dollar industry with an ever-expanding global following and player base, earning it the title "The World's Game." With rising revenues come increasing costs, prompting clubs, particularly those in lower-tier leagues, to explore new revenue streams, often through the sale of players. Crowdsourcing is a common tool for player valuation, but its use in leagues like the Allsvenskan presents unique challenges that have not been thoroughly examined. This research aims to develop a robust method for estimating the market value of football players, improving transparency for all stakeholders involved.
The central research question is: "How do age, number of matches, points, and international play influence the market value of transfer players from the Allsvenskan, specifically for players aged 15-25?" This study utilizes a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, including two semi-structured interviews with industry professionals. The quantitative approach involves a multiple regression analysis to explore the causal relationships between market value and variables such as age, points, matches, and international appearances.
The results reveal that age is the most significant factor, showing a negative impact on market value. Matches and international play are particularly influential for players in less prominent positions, such as goalkeepers and defenders, due to the experience they gain. For Allsvenskan clubs, it is recommended to merge a strong brand presence with a wide network of decision-makers. By combining data analysis with experience-based valuations, clubs can enhance transparency and better assess the market value of their players.
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