The International Centre for Sports Studies, known mostly by the initials CIES from the French Centre International d'Etude du Sport has launched a list of most expensive players in the world. Six players from the Premier League feature in the top ten list. Two players from Bundesliga, one from Ligue 1 and one from La Liga make it to the top ten.
The summer transfer window will be like nothing like before as global football is impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. With various leagues and tournaments around Europe yet to be finished, there’s a big question mark about the transfer window. However, there have been reports that the transfer window will be extended to allow clubs time to recover from financial issues due to the coronavirus pandemic. That would mean we’ll see some major big transfers go through this summer. A host of top talents will be looking forward to making big money moves prior to the 2020-21 season. But who is on CIES Football Observatory’s list of the most expensive players? Let’s check out.
1. Kylian Mbappe - £231.1m:
The 21-year-old forward started his youth career with AS Bondy and joined Monaco’s academy in 2013. After two years, he made his debut for the B team and the senior team as well. He made 60 appearances for Les Monegasques in three seasons and joined Paris Saint-Germain for a transfer fee of around 180 million euros. He continues to impress with the club as well as the French national team.
2. Raheem Sterling – £173.6m:
The 25-year-old winger started his football career with Liverpool and spent three seasons at Anfield. He made 129 official appearances for the Reds in four seasons, scoring 23 in the process. The 2014 Golden Boy winner joined Manchester City in 2015 for a transfer fee around 49 million euros. Guardiola’s arrival at the Etihad completely revolutionized the player and his playing style. He is now among the best players in the Premier League.
3. Jadon Sancho – £159.7m:
The former Manchester City winger, Jadon Sancho rose through the youth ranks at Watford before joining City in 2015. After two years, he signed his first senior contract with Borussia Dortmund in 2017 and has become one of the best young players in the world. Various clubs are vying for the signature of the 20-year-old youngster with Manchester United leading the race.
4. Trent Alexander-Arnold – £152.6m:
Trent joined Liverpool’s academy at the age of six and rose through the youth ranks of the club before making his senior debut in 2016. He won the club’s young player of the year award two times consecutively in 2017 and 2018. He has also represented England at various youth levels. He has established himself as one of the best full-backs in the world earning comparisons with Cafu and Zanetti.
5. Marcus Rashford – £135.8m:
The 22-year-old striker rose through the ranks of the club’s youth system and made his senior team debut in 2016 by scoring a brace. He helped his team win the FA Cup, EFL Cup, FA Community Shield, and UEFA Europa League. He has made 201 appearances for the Red Devils so far scoring 64 in the process.
Check here the list of Top 20 Richest Athletes around the world & their Net Worth
6. Mohamed Salah – £129.2m:
The Egyptian winger first played in the Premier League for Chelsea. But due to lack of first-team opportunities, he was sent out on loan to Fiorentina. He was again loaned to AS Roma and the following year he signed permanently for them. After two impressive seasons with the Italians, Liverpool came knocking. Klopp made him one of the best players in the world in the first season itself as the Reds made it to the Champions League final. Salah was named PFA Player of the Year in the first season itself.
7. Sadio Mane – £124.1m:
The Senegalese winger has formed a formidable trio at Liverpool alongside Salah and Firmino. After spending two-two seasons at Salzburg and Southampton, Mane was signed by Liverpool in 2016 for a reported fee of 34 million pounds. He helped his team reach back-to-back Champions League finals in 2018 and 2019, winning the latter. He was also the Golden Boot winner in the 2018-19 season in the Premier League.
8. Antoine Griezmann – £121.6m:
The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner, Griezmann spent almost nine years with Real Sociedad before joining Simeone’s Atletico Madrid in 2014. He made 257 appearances for Los Rojiblancos scoring 133 goals in the process. Last season he made a shocking big-money move to Barcelona after rejecting them the previous season. He is finding it tough to settle alongside Messi and Suarez but is still a beast for the national team.
9. Alphonso Davies – £119m:
The young Canadian, Davies spent two seasons in the MLS, playing for Vancouver Whitecaps FC. He joined Bayern Munich’s B team prior to this season and has been promoted to the first team due to his exploits. He is now the undisputed starter for the Bavarians this season replacing David Alaba at the left-back position.
10. Harry Kane – £105.8m:
The three lions captain and 2018 World Cup Golden Boot winner is one of the best strikers in the world right now. Many clubs want him but he has chosen to stay at Tottenham. He has made 278 appearances for the Lilywhites and scored a whopping 181 goals in the process.
Check out the list of Richest footballers around the world & their Net Worth
