As the summer transfer season begins, the biggest clubs in the world are searching for players to strengthen their teams, hoping to win more titles in the upcoming year. Acquiring top-tier stars requires hefty financial investments. So, who are the most expensive players in the world?
According to "Transfermarkt," a site specialized in the financial aspects of football, the French player Kylian Mbappé has the highest market value among players worldwide, standing at 160 million euros. The 22-year-old is considered one of the most prominent young talents globally, particularly following his performance with the French national team in the 2018 World Cup and with the French clubs Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco, making him a target for the top clubs in Europe, especially Real Madrid.
In second place is Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland, with a market value of 130 million euros. The young striker has shown exceptional performance over the past two years. Although Manchester United attempted to purchase him from his former club RB Salzburg, he opted to join the German club for better development opportunities. Reports suggest there is intense competition among European clubs to sign the Norwegian player, with European champions Chelsea being the frontrunner.
Many sports analysts and a substantial portion of the audience believe that the duo of Haaland and Mbappé will engage in a fierce rivalry in the years to come, reminiscent of the nearing conclusion of the Messi-Ronaldo saga.
English Premier League top scorer Harry Kane is in third place, valued at 120 million euros. The 27-year-old striker announced the end of his time at Tottenham, hoping to join another team that can help him win titles, with English Premier League champions Manchester City among the strong contenders for his services.
From fourth to eighth place, five players have equal values of 100 million euros: Jadon Sancho, Mohamed Salah, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Neymar. Media reports suggest Jadon Sancho is close to joining Manchester United.
Since joining Liverpool, Mohamed Salah's performance has flourished, securing his spot among the world's top players; it remains uncertain whether he will continue with Liverpool or embark on a new challenge.
Romelu Lukaku, one of Inter Milan's key players in their push to reclaim the Serie A title after an 11-year absence, has regained his form after a difficult spell with Manchester United.
Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is seen by many sports analysts as the best playmaker in the world recently, with great hopes that he will help Manchester City increase their trophy count and achieve their first European title.
News about Brazilian Neymar da Silva potentially returning to Barcelona recurs every transfer season; however, he renewed his contract with Paris Saint-Germain until 2025, earning an annual salary of approximately 30 million euros, which complicates his return to the Catalan club.
In ninth place is Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong, with a market value of 90 million euros after the 24-year-old showcased excellent performances with his former club Ajax and subsequently with Barcelona, making him one of the top midfielders globally.
Similar to De Jong's value, Portuguese player Bruno Fernandes is in tenth place. His transfer to Manchester United at the beginning of 2020 marked the beginning of his rise to stardom, becoming a fan favorite among United supporters.
Here is the final list:
1) Kylian Mbappé
2) Erling Haaland
3) Harry Kane
4) Jadon Sancho
5) Mohamed Salah
6) Romelu Lukaku
7) Kevin De Bruyne
8) Neymar da Silva
9) Frenkie de Jong
10) Bruno Fernandes
As for Messi and Ronaldo, there is no team in the world that does not wish to have Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo in its ranks. However, with both having reached their thirties, their market values have declined as retirement is inevitable within the next few years. Barcelona legend Messi (33 years) is in 20th place on the list of the most expensive players, valued at 80 million euros. In contrast, Portuguese Ronaldo (36 years) occupies the 113th position in the same list, with a market value of 45 million euros.
