Vadim Shabliy always knew he was going to work in football, but his journey to the top has been far from straightforward.
Today, Shabliy runs one of the bigger agencies in Europe. It boasts over 700 clients, including Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk and Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker Georgiy Sudakov.
Long before that, though, Shabliy had dreams of making it as a footballer himself and he played for a number of academies of clubs in the Ukrainian Premier League.
A knee injury forced him to hang up his boots at 21, and it was then that he looked for a way to stay working in the sport he loved.
“I was an assistant referee for one match,” Shabliy tells Standard Sport. “And I immediately realised that this was not my story, because negotiations and communications with football players are closer to me.
“You are at the epicentre of making important decisions. Honestly, every deal is unique in its own way. It’s always unforgettable, with incredible feelings and emotions. It’s like when you score a goal; every time the emotions are different, but they are always priceless.”
Shabliy’s first few transfers began as friendly help, but after his injury he decided to turn it into a professional service.
The contacts he had acquired from his playing days helped and, after initially working alone, he launched the ProStar Agency in 2015.
The agency has swelled in size since then and in the most recent transfer window last summer, they were ranked among the top five agencies for deals completed.
ProStar is expanding its operation, opening new offices across Europe as they look to shine a light on the talent in Ukraine, which Shabliy believes is an untapped market.
“There are also many young gifted players in the country who are waiting for their chance to show themselves,” he says.
“I believe that the Ukrainian market has not yet fully revealed its potential for clubs in Europe. But now the attitude toward Ukrainian players is changing noticeably; they have become more expensive in the football market.
“This happened thanks to talented young footballers and their performance on the European stage. I think that in the near future we can expect more Ukrainian players to attract the attention of clubs from Europe.”
Mudryk is one of those who has changed the perception around Ukrainian players, joining Chelsea from Shakhtar in January last year in a deal that could eventually be worth £89million.
The winger has since moved agents, joining ProStar back in the summer, and Shabliy is convinced the best is yet to come from the 23-year-old.
“I am glad that Mykhailo has become our client,” says Shabliy. “He is a unique player with great talent and ambition.
“It’s vital for him to enjoy the game; it’s vital to feel that he is trusted. I am absolutely convinced he will show all his best football qualities.
“Of course, players like Misha will always attract the attention of other clubs and their scouts. He is one of those football players who, thanks to his playing qualities, can influence the outcome of a match.
“He feels the game, knows how to take responsibility, and makes quick decisions. But at the moment he has a contract with Chelsea, and all his thoughts are about how to secure his place in the starting XI.”
Sudakov is viewed as the next big star to come out of Shakhtar and he has been scouted by top clubs from all over Europe.
Despite being just 22, the midfielder has already captain Shakhtar and impressed in the Champions League. So, perhaps he could join Mudryk in the Premier League?
“Georgiy is a player with a great future,” says Shabliy. “He, like most footballers, wants to try his hand at the top championships.
“It is absolutely normal when a player wants to grow professionally. Previously, Serie A giants and others were interested in him. Now, teams from the Premier League are actively showing interest in him.
“I am sure that when we are all ready to move on, Georgiy will move to a top club. You know, from experience, I can say that in life everything happens on time – we, Shakhtar and the player are open to offers.
“And that means there is a high probability that we will soon be able to see Georgiy in the top leagues.”
