Model comparison of regression, neural networks, and XGBoost as applied to the English Premier League transfer market

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Abstract

The English Premier League (EPL) is the highest level in the UK professional soccer system and one of the largest and most competitive professional soccer leagues in the world. This research examines factors influencing transfer fees in the most popular transfer market for EPL using data spanning ten years. By building a Nash equilibrium model, a dynamic modelling system is developed to measure the transfer fee with the ordinal least square regression, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and neural network (NN) models. The study recognises the effect of bargaining power and provides optimised strategies for clubs and players. Moreover, clubs will be able to utilise NN as the most advantageous method to determine the transfer fees. The research can serve as a comprehensive decision support system for assessing the expenditure needs corresponding to the players scouted in the transfer market.

Publication Title

International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing

First Page Number

543

Last Page Number

559

DOI

10.1504/IJSMM.2023.133786

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