A long and difficult football season is coming to an end in Europe. Unfortunately, fans were not able to watch their favourite teams and players this season due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, some of the big leagues have started bringing back fans in lower capacity for the last few games of the season. The focus for clubs will now turn to the summer transfer window 2021.
Throughout the 2020/21 season, numerous players have continued to grow and improve in front of empty stands. As the clubs look to improve the squad for next season, it is the right time to look at young players that have seen a significant rise in their transfer values. As per CIES Football Observatory, here are the top five players in terms of the transfer value.
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has been a part of Manchester United’s first team since 2016. The English forward continues to get better with every season. He has played 56 games this season in all competitions and has scored 21 goals and nine assists to his name. Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Rashford has become one of the best players in the Premier League.
Rashford’s transfer value is between €150-200 million and he was valued at €152 million last season. Since the England international is improving his numbers and has a long contract at United, his transfer value remains best amongst young players in Europe. Rashford will be looking to continue his good form for England at Euros.
Erling Haaland
Borussia Dortmund’s prolific number nine needs no introduction as most of the fans are aware of his capabilities and his goal-scoring standards. The Norwegian has clinched 40 goals in 41 appearances with 26 goals in Bundesliga, three in German Cup, one in the German Supercup. The Norwegian striker is also Champions League top scorer this season with ten goals.
Haaland’s market value is currently between €150-200 million. He has witnessed a significant increase as he was valued at €107.3 million in 2020. Haaland’s future is uncertain at the Dortmund as rumours of him leaving Dortmund are getting intense. Mino Raiola has already held talks with Real Madrid and Barcelona regarding Haaland, but the qualification of Champions League for Dortmund might see him stay in Germany for one more season.
Phil Foden
Phil Foden has taken the world by storm this season. He has been a regular starter for the best team in Europe this season- Manchester City. The 20-year-old star is dubbed as the next big talent in England. In 27 games in Premier League, Foden has scored eight goals and has five assists to his name. Foden has steadily grown under the coaching of Pep Guardiola in the last four seasons.
Foden’s market value last season was €60 million, but brilliant performances this year have seen his transfer value skyrocket to €120-150 million. In such a young career, Foden has won three premier league titles, four Carabao cups, one FA Cup, two FA Community Shield, and U-17 World Cup with England. Foden will be playing his first-ever Champions League final this season and would also be a key player for Gareth Southgate’s English side at Euros. Along with performances on the pitch, Foden’s transfer value will continue to increase in the coming years.
Joao Felix
Atletico Madrid’s young starlet Joao Felix is still one of the brightest prospects in world football. The recipient of the Golden Boy award in 2019 completed a move to Atletico Madrid for a whooping £126 million, making him to fourth biggest transfer in football and Atletico’s most expensive signing ever. Felix had a challenging season as he scored only seven goals in 30 La Liga appearances, but he does have ten goals across all competitions.
Despite, an unpleasant season his market value has risen to a value between €120-150 million this season from €107.9 million in 2020. Felix is going to be a huge asset for the Portuguese attack at Euros. The youngster’s value will continue to soar in the coming years due to his long contract at the club and his gradual growth.
Kylian Mbappe
Paris Saint-Germain and France star Kylian Mbappe is one of the best players in the world. Along with improving every season, the young French forward has won several individual and team accolades. Mbappe has won 4 Ligue 1 titles, 3 Coupe de France, 2 Coupe de la Ligue, 2 Trophes de Champions and FIFA World Cup 2018 in his short career until now.
As a matter of fact, he’s still 22, making his trophy cabinet even more astonishing. Since Mbappe has only one year on his contract at PSG, his market value has fallen between €120-150 million euros from €259.2 million in 2020. In Ligue 1 2020/21 campaign, Mbappe has been the top scorer with 30 goals in 26 appearances. Meanwhile, the Champions League campaign saw him score eight goals in ten matches, including a hat-trick against Barcelona in the round of 16. The French star has scored 41 goals in 46 appearances across all competitions. PSG is hoping to renew Mbappe’s contract after confirming the contract extension of Neymar Jr.
Stats courtesy: Whoscored