There wouldn't be any agents if the players didn't feel that they needed them. Footballers play football...they haven't the time to search for and investigate deals or the expertise to spot when they are being ripped off or the legal knowledge to read the contract small print. Way back in the 'good old days' clubs did take advantage of player naivety. All talent need someone to handle this side of things. We may not like it, but if it wasn't working for the player, the agents wouldn't keep their jobs.