by Titas Teiten
At first glance, Romualdas Jansonas’ transfer from Žalgiris Vilnius to FK Kauno Žalgiris might not seem like a groundbreaking move in Lithuanian football. However, the reality behind the transfer is far more intricate, shaped by FIFA regulations and the challenges young Lithuanian players face when pursuing careers abroad.
The FIFA training compensation system
Following the conclusion of the 2024 A Lyga season in November, Jansonas’ contract with Žalgiris Vilnius officially ended. However, this did not grant him complete freedom to join any club of his choosing without a transfer fee. Due to FIFA’s regulations designed to protect clubs that develop academy players, a training compensation fee is required when a player leaves his formative club.
This system, aimed at ensuring youth development investments are rewarded, played a key role in Jansonas’ case. The 19-year-old striker received interest from clubs in Poland and Switzerland, but his main priority was securing a move to Italy. His situation echoed that of former Lithuanian international Marius Stankevičius, who once turned down Lokomotiv Moscow to join Brescia. Unfortunately for Jansonas, his story took a different turn.
Failed attempts to move abroad
Serie A side Atalanta Bergamo expressed interest in signing Jansonas, but negotiations stalled due to Žalgiris Vilnius’ demand for approximately €250,000 in training compensation. Similarly, Swiss club FC Zurich also pursued Jansonas, proposing to pay a lower fee in installments. However, Žalgiris Vilnius rejected the offer, unwilling to accept a reduced sum.
According to former Lithuanian national team player and current president of the Lithuanian Professional Footballers’ Association, Arūnas Klimavičius, this situation is a recurring issue for young Lithuanian talents seeking opportunities abroad. FIFA’s compensation system prioritizes both the interests of the player and the financial expectations of the clubs.
Understanding the compensation structure
Jansonas’ value under FIFA’s training compensation model was determined based on his development years at Žalgiris Vilnius. Given Italy’s ranking in FIFA’s highest category, a year of training at Žalgiris is estimated to cost around €60,000 from the age of 16, and €10,000 from the age of 12. Based on Klimavičius’ calculations, the total training fee for Jansonas moving to a foreign club should amount to approximately €250,000. However, clubs abroad typically seek to negotiate and lower the price.
A drastic difference in domestic transfers
While the cost of moving abroad was steep, a transfer within Lithuania’s A Lyga presented a stark contrast. If Jansonas remained in the domestic league, the training compensation would be significantly lower – only around €3,000. This substantial gap effectively limited his options and made a move within Lithuania the most practical choice.
Could a loan move have provided an alternative route for Jansonas to reach Italy or Switzerland? Theoretically, yes. However, in practice, FIFA’s rigid regulations make such an arrangement highly complicated.
A strategic move to FK Kauno Žalgiris
Faced with these obstacles, Jansonas ultimately chose to sign with FK Kauno Žalgiris, a move that ensures he remains active in Lithuania’s top tier while keeping his long-term ambitions alive. Though not the dream transfer he initially sought, it offers him regular playing time and the potential to attract further interest from foreign clubs in the future.
Jansonas’ situation highlights the difficulties many young Lithuanian players encounter when trying to secure moves abroad. As the country continues to develop its footballing infrastructure, addressing these financial barriers could be key to unlocking more opportunities for local talent on the international stage.
Source: https://www.sportas.lt/naujiena/515078/r-jansono-persikelimo-i-kauna-istorija-arba-jaunu-zaideju-kompensacijos-lietuvoje-ir-uzsienyje