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Assessing a player's transfer value is no easy task, especially when you consider how many different factors go into that figure, including age, form, perceived potential, and how integral they are to their current team. Fortunately for us, the CIES Football Observatory has done an excellent job at using mathematical formulas to create a resource that tells us just that.
In this article we'll explore the 20 most valuable players in Europe according to the CIES data, giving you a lowdown on each entry and telling you a little bit about why their value is what it is. Whether you want to use this to boost your soccer odds or so you can find the next star on Football Manager, we're sure that'll be super insightful and possibly even eye-opening.
20. Sergino Dest (€100.8m)
The young American has had a mixed time since joining Barcelona from Ajax but the talent is there, as evidenced by his recent links to Bayern Munich. For a player still in his early twenties, we think you'd be foolish to write him off so soon. There's a real player there.19. Kai Havertz (€101.2m)
Much was expected of Kai Havertz when he joined Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen and while it took him some time to settle in and find his role within the team, his form in recent months is showing why he was such a sensation over in Germany. He's a real jack-of-all-trades.18. Jamal Musiala (€101.7m)
One of the lesser-known players on this list, Jamal Musiala might be the worst-kept secret in youth soccer. Now a full German international who spent time playing for the England youth teams, it's only a matter of time until he becomes one of the best in world soccer.17. Leroy Sane (€102.4m)
A sensation even whilst at Manchester City, Leroy Sane has slotted in seamlessly at Bayern Munich and has formed a great relationship with compatriot Serge Gnabry, allowing the Bavarian side to continue to dominate German soccer.16. Bukayo Saka (€103m)
The pride of North London who famously "let his country down" during the recent EURO 2020 final, Bukayo Saka is equally dangerous whether he's deployed To the left side of the defence or attacking down the right. He's a real star and the future of Arsenal Football Club.15. Reece James (€108m)
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A real headache for Gareth Southgate at the moment, who is very much blessed with right-back options. Reece James has cemented his place in the current Chelsea team whilst also being able to perform as a right-sided centre-back or in midfield too.
14. Achraf Hakimi (€108.2m)
One of the more recent purchases by French money-rich titan PSG, Hakimi is a former Real Madrid man who has spent the majority of his footballing years at Borussia Dortmund and then more recently Inter Milan. He's a top talent with a superb soccer pedigree.13. Mason Mount (€109.9m)
One of the players who benefitted the most when Chelsea was banned from signing any players a couple of years ago, Mason Mount exploded into the scene under former manager Frank Lampard, who first took him in on loan when he was managing at Derby County.12. Trent Alexander-Arnold (€112.8m)
The pride of Liverpool and arguably the best right-back in world soccer, Trent Alexander-Arnold has already completed soccer despite him only being in his early twenties. The question remains though, can he eclipse Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard's legacy?11. Bruno Fernandes (€113.9m)
One of the few bright sparks during a terrible period for Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes started life in Manchester like a man possessed, being a freak on set pieces and having an eye for goal like nobody else. He's struggled lately but the talent is there 100%.10. Jadon Sancho (€115m)
A phenomenon at Borussia Dortmund, his move to Manchester United last year seemed like it was the start of something great but he's really struggled to get into the team. His form has shown some promise lately but he'll need to nail down his place very soon.9. Frenkie de Jong (€115.2m)
One of those players who did so well as part of that infamous Ajax side that almost reached the UCL final in 2019, Frenkie de Jong has recently been linked to Manchester United and one wonders if reunification with incoming manager Erik ten Hag could be on the cards.8. Pedri Gonzalez (€118m)
Signed for peanuts from Last Palmas a couple of years ago, Pedri came out of nowhere to cement his place as one of the most progressing ball-carrying midfielders in European soccer. He might not yet be the reincarnation of club legend Andreas Iniesta but time's on his side.7. Ruben Dias (€120.5m)
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One of the better defenders in the Premier League, Ruben Dias has shone ever since arriving in England from Portugal and has tussled with Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk for the title of the Premier League's top defender. He's behind right now, but not by all that much.