The most valuable players in world football are typically at Europe’s most prestigious clubs, the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain or Liverpool.
But football does exist beyond the ‘big five’ European leagues – La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A and the Premier League. And there is real talent emerging, particularly in Portugal and the Netherlands.
With the help of the CIES Football Observatory, we’ve taken a look at the ten most valuable players outside of the big five divisions.
10. Sebastian Haller (€39.6m)
The only player on this list over the age of 25, Haller has enjoyed a renaissance at Ajax after a disappointing couple of years with West Ham.
His 33 goals in all competitions – 11 in the Champions League – have fired the Ivorian back to prominence. Europe’s hottest striker (not named Benzema)? Quite possibly…
READ: Biggest surprise of 21-22? Sebastien Haller is Europe’s hottest striker
9. Charles De Ketelaere (€39.9m)
Leicester are on the hunt for another precocious Belgian. Arsenal want him, too. And so do Milan, and Manchester United, and Borussia Dortmund.
That’s according to the ever-reliable rumour mill. What’s certain is that De Ketelaere, Club Brugge’s talented young forward, is in demand.
The 21-year-old, who can also play as a midfielder, has scored 14 goals this season.
His clinical finishing, as well as his physical presence, makes him an attractive prospect.
8. Diogo Costa (€41.4m)
No, not Diego Costa. It’s been a long time since he was worth upwards of €40m.
Diogo Costa, though, is an entirely different prospect. Porto’s goalkeeper is on the up, having impressed with a string of excellent performances this season.
A superb shot-stopper with the high-quality distribution required of a modern No.1, the future looks bright for the Brazilian. Could the 22-year-old be the eventual successor to Alisson and Ederson for the Selecao?
Diogo Costa’s Primeira Liga Goalkeeper of the Month awards this…