Abstract
This research investigates the timing of overseas transfer for high performance of footballers according to their trait. Data on 20 Japanese footballers' 3 years panel data after their first overseas transfer during 2008-2015 are used. We find that after transfer, a midfielder as a generalist with key attacking and defending roles performs positive impact on subsequent games. We also find an interaction effect between age of transfer timing and position trait. In summary, a midfielder as a generalist should opt for transfer as soon as possible, and the other positions as a specialist, after developing his career. This study demonstrates the significance of considering individual traits such as whether a footballer is a generalist or a specialist in deciding overseas transfer timings.
