In the high-stakes, high-finance world of Premier League football, the names that typically dominate headlines belong to the players and managers.
However, behind the scenes, a new class of power brokers is increasingly shaping the fortunes of England’s biggest clubs. Among these influential figures, one name has accelerated with speed and effect: Ali Barat.
Barat, the owner of Epic Sport agency, has emerged as a key figure in some of the largest and most high-profile transfers in recent windows. He’s establishing himself as the Premier League’s newest “super agent,” becoming the preferred choice for clubs like Chelsea and Liverpool.
Ali Barat greatest of all time I salute you brother pic.twitter.com/VdkB3KEOrX
— Mattia (@MattiaCFC) July 23, 2025
Once known only to industry insiders, Barat gained international recognition when he was named Agent of the Year at the prestigious Golden Boy awards in 2023.
The prize recognized a landmark year in which he managed Moisés Caicedo’s British-record transfer to Chelsea. He proved he can drive complex negotiations under high pressure.
Although Epic Sports UK Ltd was incorporated in 2017, its recent activities indicate a fast interest. Barat’s rise marks a shift in a field once dominated by titans like Jorge Mendes, reflecting a new network of connections and a focus on developing the next generation of world-class talent.
The Chelsea Connection
At the heart of Ali Barat’s growing impact is a strong relationship with Chelsea. Since a consortium led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital acquired the club, the Blues have implemented an aggressive relocation strategy focused on signing talented young prospects to long-term contracts.
🚨🔵 Chelsea have brought in consultant agent Ali Barat to assist their recruitment team in the deal for Xavi Simons! He’s helped on many deals at Chelsea for the owners. They want this done!
Understand 2003 born Xavi prefers move to the Premier League, agreeing terms won’t be… pic.twitter.com/cMa4qLOf1r
— TheSecretScout (@TheSecretScout_) July 21, 2025
The most telling example is the transfer of Moisés Caicedo from Brighton in the Summer of 2023.
Liverpool seemed to have secured the Ecuadorian midfielder, but Chelsea, with Barat representing the player’s interests, successfully finalized the move. The agent described the deal as “exciting and also very tense,” noting that the Reds and Arsenal were competing until the final moments.
His successful negotiation that brought his client to Stamford Bridge resulted in Caicedo receiving a reported salary increase from £60,000 to £150,000 per week. It also strengthened Barat’s reputation as capable of securing high-profile signings for Chelsea’s new ownership.
🔵🇪🇨 Kendry Páez and Moisés Caicedo together at Cobham.
Both Ecuadorian players are represented by Ali Barat’s Epic Sports agency, winner of Golden Boy and nominated for Globe Soccer. ⤵️✨ pic.twitter.com/2ww2SUTDUH
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 21, 2023
This was not an isolated transaction. He also managed the transfer of striker Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal to the Blues, another key signing in the club’s rebuilding phase. His influence extends to future planning as well. He’s secured the promising Kendry Páez for Chelsea, with the player scheduled to join in this year.
As of Summer 2025, Barat is now the agent for Leipzig’s Xavi Simons. Reports indicate that he’s set to offer Simons to Chelsea, with the club’s recent Champions League qualification and Club World Cup victory making it a highly attractive destination.
This pattern suggests a deep level of trust and understanding between the Epic Sports owner and the club’s hierarchy, allowing them to work in tandem to identify and buy top talent.
Expanding Influence
Barat’s operations show a strategic expansion of authority throughout the Premier League and Europe. The agent also played an important role in organizing Noni Madueke’s £50 million shift from Chelsea to Arsenal.
His network extends to Merseyside. There, he is central to Liverpool’s attempts to sign Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike in a deal reported to be worth a potential £79 million.
🚨Nicolas Jackson was offered to Arsenal by Agent Ali Barat but club declined
(@HandofArsenal ) pic.twitter.com/tRnz8a1frV
— Doc (@karthikadhaigal) July 20, 2025
Ali Barat is negotiating with Manchester United regarding the possible move of his client, Nicolas Jackson, showing he can negotiate with several top clubs for the same player.
In addition, his impact in La Liga is clear thanks to the relocation of Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth to Real Madrid, which demonstrates the growth of his European network of contacts.
He is reportedly taking an active role in creating a market for his clients, as seen with the strategy of offering Xavi Simons to prominent Premier League clubs.
HE’S DONE MIRACLES ON MEEEEEE https://t.co/1mTtV8NmtA pic.twitter.com/wUoXxkfh4o
— Carnz (@Carnz_Edits) July 21, 2025
This approach and success in securing deals for talents like Mahmoud Dahoud (to Brighton) and Sardar Azmoun (to Roma) paint a picture of a well-connected and strategic operator who is actively shaping the transfer market.
A Cautious Player In a Competitive Field
One of the most striking aspects of Ali Barat’s rise is his relatively low public profile and notable lack of controversy surrounding his name. The world of super agents is often filled with public disputes, media battles, and accusations from clubs or players. In contrast, figures like the late Mino Raiola were known for their confrontational style.
While the agent will comment on finalized deals, as he did with Caicedo, he largely avoids the media spotlight. This may be a strategic choice on his part to cultivate a reputation for quiet efficiency, making him a good partner for clubs that prefer to handle their business confidentially.
Conclusion
Ali Barat is a defining story in the modern Premier League transfer market. By forming strategic alliances, particularly with Chelsea, and expanding his network across Europe, he’s established himself as an important figure.
Moises Caicedo would have picked up the most defensive contribution points among midfielders last season 👊
With the new defensive contributions points coming in 2025/26, will any of these players be in your squad? 👀#FPL pic.twitter.com/qjP2bg51qP
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) July 18, 2025
His ability to operate in the complex and competitive environment of football negotiations is confirmed by the high value and importance of his deals.
As clubs continue to invest unprecedented sums in player acquisitions, the influence of agents like Barat will only grow.
Although he doesn’t seek recognition, his work behind the scenes plays a decisive role in determining who takes center stage.
