A Graph-Theoretic Approach for Examining Team Communities in Sports Transfer Markets

Abstract

The sport transfer market is a designated timeframe where teams engage in player acquisitions and sales, aiming to enhance their rosters. The transfer process has been growing significantly in the last few years. Therefore, the goal of this study is to investigate the intricate dynamics of both local and global transfer markets, treating them as complex networks, to comprehend their influence on club performances. We employ graph theoretic concepts to model the transfer process and analyze its outcomes. To illustrate our approach and assess its results, we have constructed a complex network based on European soccer leagues, focusing on the specific case study of the English Premier League as one of the most recognized professional leagues in the world.