How Mason Mount and Kevin De Bruyne get huge salaries

With a unique data warehouse, Analytics FC equips players and agents with performance data and analytics to give them a new advantage in negotiating contracts with clubs.

At the start of July, Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly signed a new contract with Arsenal after an incredible 2024/25 season, in which he made the step up from the academy to the first team and played over 2,000 minutes.

With Real Madrid also rumoured to be interested in the transfer, it would be understandable if Lewis-Skelly and his agent would use this to try to get the best deal possible after such a breakthrough campaign. However, the teenager has followed in the footsteps of several other big stars – namely Kevin De Bruyne, Ben White, Héctor Bellerín and Mason Mount – in using Analytics FC at the negotiating table.

From raw data to negotiating advantage

Analytics FC equips players and agents with detailed performance data and analysis to give them a new advantage in contract negotiations. In fact, for years, big clubs have used analytics to gain insights when signing players.

In other words, companies like Analytics FC are fundamentally changing the script, allowing players and agents to provide detailed metrics on their contributions, in the form of in-depth research and a presentation, securing better contracts for a fixed fee.

"It starts with a conversation. We're always approached early on by an agent or a lawyer. They'll come to us and say their player is getting close to a new negotiation," Analytics FC CEO Alex Stewart told ESPN .

Myles Lewis-Skelly has had an incredible season, going straight from the academy to Arsenal's first team. Photo: Sky Sports.

This “negotiation point” typically represents one of three turning points: A player wants a new deal at their club, is evaluating their future options, or wants to leave and needs help finding the best possible move.

This is followed by a detailed conversation with the agent and player, establishing what is required. Finally, a full report including research, analysis and data on the player is produced.

"We present a PDF document and it's 40 to 80 pages long. They're big, massive pieces. We coach the agent, and sometimes the player, so they're fully informed about what's going to be presented. We want to make sure they understand it and can ask questions," Stewart added.

After the initial meeting, the report will be given to the player and agent. According to Stewart, from then on it will be the player and agent's job.

The perfect "launch pad"

According to ESPN , Analytics FC relies on a variety of third-party data providers to build custom data models. First, the company uses a proprietary, custom-built metric called GDA to measure the impact of each action a player takes (positive or negative) on their team's scoring chances.

Analytics FC then uses Monte Carlo simulation (an algorithmic method that uses random sampling to assess the probability of outcomes) to model possible outcomes, such as if player A joins team B, or if player A is injured for six months.

Detailed data on GDA statistics from Analytics FC helps Kevin De Bruyne increase his salary by 30% when he renews his new contract at Man City. Photo: ESPN.

These simulations work in a similar way to the way the Opta supercomputer predicts outcomes for a team's chances of winning the championship and being relegated, calculating thousands of possible outcomes and statistically tallying the most likely scenario.

Ultimately, Analytics FC's system will provide accurate salary assessments, allowing players to compare what their peers are earning for comparison.

The most prominent example of this system being used to negotiate a contract extension is the case of Kevin De Bruyne. When negotiating a four-year contract extension with Man City in 2021, De Bruyne and his agent used the Analytics FC report. Instead of simply saying he was the best midfielder in the world , the Belgian’s team linked his performance to his financial value.

Based on the detailed report, De Bruyne topped the GDA index, a number that shows he has a big impact on his team's scoring chances. Analytics FC's data also argues that if Man City lost De Bruyne, it would cost a lot to replace a player of similar value. As a result, De Bruyne received a 30% pay rise.

Another case in point is Ben White, with the report highlighting the player's versatility and long-term value to Arsenal.

White's agent, Alex Levack, stressed that the data gave them more confidence in setting their wage and effectively countering the club's arguments. Although contract details are confidential, Levack confirmed both parties were happy with the deal.

Data from companies like Analytics FC is redefining how players negotiate new contracts with their clubs. Photo: Analytics FC.

Another interesting case is Mason Mount. During his contract renewal negotiations at Chelsea in 2021, Analytics FC's report demonstrated that academy graduates like Mount are often "punished" for their loyalty, consistently receiving lower contract renewal offers than players bought from elsewhere.

Mount's agent used this information strategically, demonstrating that he knew the player's true value and pushing Chelsea to offer a better deal.

Many in the industry, including player agents and sporting directors, agree that data and analytics have become an integral part of transfer and contract negotiations. They say services like Analytics FC are “leveling the playing field” by giving players and agents access to analytics tools previously only available to clubs.

Source: https://znews.vn/cach-mason-mount-kevin-de-bruyne-lay-duoc-luong-khung-post1574269.html