Imagine a world where football players negotiate their own contracts without agents, using AI as their trusted advisor. Sounds like science fiction? Well, it’s happening right now. Former Manchester United youth prospect Demetri Mitchell has revealed he used ChatGPT to negotiate his move to Leyton Orient, calling it his 'best agent to date.' But here's where it gets controversial—could this mark the beginning of the end for traditional football agents? Let’s dive in.
Demetri Mitchell, a 28-year-old defender with a journeyman’s resume, has always been one to chart his own course. After stints at clubs like Hearts, Blackpool, Hibernian, and Exeter City, Mitchell made a bold move this summer: he left Exeter to join League One side Leyton Orient on a free transfer—without an agent. In an era where agents are almost as essential as cleats, this was a rare, if not revolutionary, decision.
On the From My Left podcast, Mitchell shared how he turned to ChatGPT for guidance. 'They [Leyton Orient] sent me an offer, and I started using ChatGPT, asking it how to negotiate a deal and what to say,' he explained. The AI tool helped him navigate the complexities of contract talks, from discussing relocation costs to London to ensuring a fair deal for himself and his family. 'I did think I was worth a little bit more,' he admitted, 'but you don’t want to come across as demanding.'
And this is the part most people miss—by cutting out the agent, Mitchell pocketed the agent’s fee as a signing-on bonus. Sure, an agent might have secured him a few hundred pounds more, but after factoring in their commission, the difference would’ve been negligible. 'The agent might have got me a couple hundred more, but the percent I’d have to pay them would’ve eaten up the extra anyway,' he reasoned.
Mitchell’s experience raises a broader question about the role of agents in football, especially in the lower leagues. He breaks them into three categories: the salaried agency employee, the big-agency scout chasing young prospects, and the independent, money-hungry agent. 'When you’re in the lower leagues, it’s difficult to get a good agent,' he noted. 'That’s all you’ve got to work with.'
Is Mitchell onto something here? Could AI tools like ChatGPT democratize contract negotiations, giving players more control over their careers? Or is this just a one-off experiment that won’t catch on? Let’s not forget, Mitchell isn’t just any player—he’s represented England at youth levels and was part of Jamaica’s preliminary squad for the 2025 Gold Cup. His insights carry weight.
As Mitchell continues his journey at Brisbane Road, where he’s made eight appearances this season, he’s already scored a victory off the pitch. Whether this sparks a trend or remains an anomaly, one thing’s clear: the intersection of AI and football is only just beginning. What do you think? Are agents becoming obsolete, or is there still value in human representation? Let’s debate in the comments!
