YMU Football/Soccer Group (YMU Management Ltd.)
YMU's Global Football/Soccer Division.
UK/US €120mm
Key Facts
Also known as: YM&U; James Grant Group; James Grant Sports
Founded: 28 Mar 1984 (rebranded to YMU in 2019)
Headquarters: 180 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5QZ, United Kingdom (offices: Manchester; New York; Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.)
Players: ≈ 85 (36 in top-tier leagues) • Total market value ≈ €120mm
FIFA/FA registration: FIFA-licensed agents on staff; FA-registered agents active in England (IDs not publicly listed)
Languages: English; Spanish
Regions covered: United Kingdom & wider Europe (Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Eredivisie); North America (MLS)
Email: enquiries@ymugroup.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ymufootball/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ymu/
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About
YMU is a global talent management group with a dedicated football division representing elite professionals and high-potential prospects across Europe and MLS. The football unit combines career strategy, transfer execution, and long-term brand building, supported by in-house commercial, digital, and broadcast specialists. Founded as James Grant in 1984 and rebranded to YMU in 2019, the group operates from London with transatlantic hubs.
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Key People
CEO: Mary Bekhait — Group Chief Executive Officer
Managing Director / Head of Football: Peter Morrison — Director of Football (global)
Licensed agents (selection): Lyle Yorks (Executive Director, FIFA agent) • Mick McGuire (Executive Director) • Charlie Akinwunmi (Agent) • Jonathan Bornstein (Agent) • Lee Cook (Agent) • Gavin McInerney (Senior Manager) • Luke Moore (Agent) • Nick Taitague (Agent)
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Client Roster
Top players (current):
Tyler Adams [AFC Bournemouth]
Evan Ferguson [AS Roma]
James McAtee [Nottingham Forest]
Brian Gutiérrez [Chicago Fire]
Djordje Mihailovic [Toronto FC]
Cristian Roldan [Seattle Sounders]
Jordan Morris [Seattle Sounders]
John Tolkin [Holstein Kiel]
Rising talents / U23 (selection):
Andrew Moran [Brighton & Hove Albion]
Esmir Bajraktarević [PSV Eindhoven]
Oliver Arblaster [Sheffield United]
Bajung Darboe [FC Bayern Munich II]
Notable former clients (historic):
Clint Dempsey; Ali Al-Habsi (representation during James Grant era)
Coaches/Staff represented (selection):
Floribert N’Galula [Assistant Coach, Bayern Munich]
Graeme Jones [Assistant Coach, Newcastle United]
Darren Ferguson [Manager, Peterborough United]
Dean Holden [Assistant Coach, Without Club]
Carlos Bocanegra [Club Executive, Chattanooga Red Wolves]
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Notable Deals
2025 — Evan Ferguson: Brighton & Hove Albion → AS Roma; loan with option to buy (reported ~€3m loan fee + €37m option); season-long term.
2025 — James McAtee: Manchester City → Nottingham Forest; permanent transfer; reported package up to ~£30m; five-year deal to 2030 with buy-back/sell-on clauses.
2025 — John Tolkin: New York Red Bulls → Holstein Kiel; permanent transfer; reported ~$3m fee; long-term contract.
2025 — Djordje Mihailovic: Colorado Rapids → Toronto FC; cash-for-player trade; reported $8m + add-ons to $9m; DP deal to 2028 (+ option 2029).
2023 — Tyler Adams: Leeds United → AFC Bournemouth; permanent transfer; multi-year contract to 2028.
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Services
Contract negotiation (transfers, loans, extensions) and career management
Market placement across Europe & MLS
Image rights, endorsements, and brand partnerships
Digital/social strategy, media & broadcast opportunities
Post-career planning (coaching, executive pathways, punditry)
Legal, tax coordination and immigration/relocation support
Events, live appearances and commercial activations
Partner Network
Clubs & markets worked with recently include: AS Roma, Brighton & Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest, AFC Bournemouth, Toronto FC, Chicago Fire, Seattle Sounders, Holstein Kiel, Bayern Munich (staff).
Transatlantic footprint via offices in London/Manchester and New York/Los Angeles/Washington.
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Track Record (last 3 seasons)
Total transfers completed: Dozens across Premier League, EFL, MLS and continental Europe
Deals ≥ €10m: Multiple (e.g., McAtee to Nottingham Forest; Adams to Bournemouth)
Clients in top-5 leagues: Regular (Premier League; Serie A; Bundesliga)
National team clients: USA, Ireland, England youth, among others
Renewal/extension deals: Ongoing across EPL/MLS portfolios
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Approach & Philosophy
Relationship-led representation with a strong UK-US bridge, focused on early identification of high-ceiling talent and measured progression into first-team environments. Negotiation is backed by in-house commercial and media capability, aligning on-field development with long-term brand value and post-career positioning.
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Fees & Transparency
Commissions follow jurisdictional rules (FA/FFAR and league regulations). Player-side commissions typically within prevailing market ranges; club-side mandates are used where appropriate. Dual representation undertaken only with informed written consent and in compliance with applicable regulations.
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Compliance & Reputation
Disciplinary actions / sanctions: No agency-level sanctions publicly recorded.
Litigation / disputes: None material at agency level publicly noted; historic 2017 criminal case involving staff member Peter Morrison (pre-current role).
Media sentiment: Neutral to positive — recognized for EPL/MLS presence and recent high-profile moves.
