Five questions about the life of a transfer journalist: 'Sometimes I make forty to fifty calls a day'

Johan Inan, a journalist who monitors the football club Ajax, describes the intense pace of the summer transfer window. During the final days of the window, Inan reports making forty to fifty calls a day to stay updated on incoming and outgoing player movements. This demanding schedule requires him to remain constantly available, often sacrificing time with his family until the transfer period concludes. Inan notes that he considers a transfer story truly news only once an agreement between all parties is reached, noting the numerous steps and negotiations that occur between initial interest and final confirmation.

Furthermore, Inan observes that the transfer market has evolved into a form of entertainment where fans, particularly younger ones, constantly seek updates. He notes that the increased influence of agents, who leak details to gain attention, contributes to the growing pressure on clubs. This dynamic can make it difficult for teams to maintain long-term visions, such as relying on their own youth academies, as public demand for new signings continues to rise.