A UCFB student currently working as a football agent has just played a crucial role in a transfer for Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen FC straight after finishing his studies.

Maks Gantar, who has just finished three years studying BA (Hons) International Football Business at our Etihad Campus, has just helped one of his players, Ester Sokler, sign for the SPL club.

Maks has made the most of his time at UCFB, going out and finding opportunities with football agencies to work with, including Bola Management, where he currently works.

Maks said: “I brought Ester to the agency two years ago, as I’ve known him for some time.

“Since then, he preformed really well and deserved the transfer to Aberdeen, despite interest from the clubs in Austria, Portugal, Poland and Russia.

“I’m very pleased as it’s a stepping stone in my career as well as my players career. Aberdeen is already in European competitions so it is a big move for the player.”

Sokler made his debut for Aberdeen in a pre-season friendly away at Turriff United on July 12, scoring four second-half goals within 20 minutes in a 9-0 win.

During his time at UCFB, Maks also gained experience working ‘as a kind of sporting director’ at a Second Division Slovenian club, helping with the budgeting and transfers for the club.

While he was there, Maks helped move a 2004-born player called Andraz Ruedl to FC Koper, one of the best and biggest clubs in Slovenia.

When asked about his time at UCFB, Maks said: “I’ve met some amazing people. I think the university helps a lot with networking and job opportunities in long term.

“It is very important to start working in the industry as soon as possible, not even particularly in football but sport in general. Every experience helps.

“I’d say the faster you start experiencing the business of football and all aspects of it, the easier it will be in future.

“Every year counts, try to use as many opportunities that UCFB offers and find something you like to do, then just stick to it and network all the time... "you are who you know" is the easiest thing to remember on how to be successful in footballing industry.”

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