England trio named the world’s most valuable players in latest CIES study

The CIES Football Observatory has released another interesting study, taking a look at the players in Europe’s top-five leagues with the highest estimated transfer values as per their algorithm. Gone are the days when the likes of Griezmann, Neymar, Mbappe, Salah, and Sancho topped the list, with the top three spots going to three Englishmen in the Premier League.

Man City starlet Phil Foden took the top spot after his stellar campaign, with CIES estimating that $231.6M is the right transfer fee for the 21-year-old. Regardless, it’s unlikely the Cityzens would sell if an offer around that region was even made, having helped the club to a Premier League title, Carabao Cup success, and their first-ever UEFA Champions League final.

You would have to cross the Manchester divide for the next two names on this list, with Man Utd duo Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford coming in at second and third respectively. The 19-year-old market value is estimated at $217M while his senior is believed to be worth $194M. All three could have been at hand for this summer’s European Championship but an unfortunate injury denied Greenwood a spot in Southgate’s squad. Foden and Rashford, on the other hand, made it on the plane to Euro 2020.

Erling Haaland is the only player outside of the Premier League to make the top five, with the Dortmund superstar being valued at $189.4M. Man Utd ace Bruno Fernandes wraps up the top five, coming in at fifth with a figure of $188M. UEFA Champions League winner Mason Mount (10th) just about made this list, becoming the fourth Englishman to make the top 10.

Of the top 20 players, only three are above the age of 25: Bruno Fernandes ($188M), Timo Werner ($132.6M) and Bernardo Silva ($127M). Of the top 20 players from Europe’s big-five leagues with the highest estimated transfer value, almost half (9) were born in the 20002 – Foden, Greenwood, Haaland, Pedri, Alphonso Davies, Jadon Sancho, Ferran Torres, Vinicius, and Bukayo Saka.

Kylian Mbappe, a player who used to top this list, finds himself way down at 12th with an estimated value of $144. It should be noted that his contract issue at PSG is a huge reason behind this figure as he is entering the final year of his contract. Check out the top 20 in full below.