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.
YMU Football and Pitz Group announced a new partnership in May 2026.
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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.
Fees shown are indicative estimates (not official).
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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
Fees shown are indicative estimates (not official).
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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.
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