The football season in Europe is nearing its end, bringing clarity on who exceeded expectations and who underperformed. This contrast is reflected in the transfer market, where player valuations have shifted dramatically. Sportingpedia’s latest analysis identifies the ten footballers whose market values have increased the most — and the ten who have dropped the most — since 1 July 2024. The standout is Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old sensation from Barcelona and Spain, whose value has doubled from €90 million to €180 million. At the other end of the spectrum are Leroy Sane and Douglas Luiz, who both had valuations of €70 million last July but have since seen them fall by €32 million each.
- Lamine Yamal recorded the single largest increase in market value – €90 million since July 2024
- Leroy Sane and Douglas Luiz have the biggest value drops of €32 million each
- Barcelona leads all clubs with 3 players among the top 10 market value increases
- Spain and England have the most representatives in the top 10 gainers, with 3 players each
- The oldest player in the positive ranking is 26-year-old Omar Marmoush
- Half of the players in the top 10 market value risers play in the Premier League, while neither the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, nor Serie A are represented in the list
- Five of the ten players with the biggest market value drops currently play in the Premier League, while the Bundesliga and Ligue 1 are absent from the negative ranking
- Manchester City is the only club with 2 players among the top 10 biggest drops
- Brazil tops the negative list with 3 players, while the Netherlands is the only other country with more than one
- The combined market value of the 10 biggest risers has increased by €470 million
- The 10 players with the largest drops have lost a total of €279 million in market value
Key Takeaways:
These 10 players, hailing from six nations — Spain, England, Egypt, Portugal, Netherlands, and France – represent the future of football. Barcelona leads the way with three players (Yamal, Pedri, Cubarsi), contributing €370 million in combined market value, while England and Spain dominate with three players each. The group’s collective market value has surged by €470 million, from €380 million to €850 million, driven by standout performances and growing reputations. With ages ranging from 17 to 26, these talents are already shaping the game, and their soaring valuations signal even brighter days ahead.
Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old Spanish prodigy at Barcelona, has taken the footballing world by storm. His market value has skyrocketed by €90 million, reaching a staggering €180 million. Still a teenager, Yamal’s dazzling performances for the Catalan giants have cemented his status as one of the game’s brightest prospects, doubling his valuation in under a year.
Omar Marmoush, Egypt’s 26-year-old forward, has enjoyed a remarkable ascent with Manchester City. Valued at just €22 million last July, his market value has surged by €53 million to €75 million. Marmoush’s move to the Premier League has paid dividends, proving his worth among the elite and marking him as a standout for his nation.
Cole Palmer, England’s 22-year-old Chelsea star, continues to shine in London. His market value has climbed by €50 million, from €80 million to €130 million. Palmer’s flair and consistency have made him a cornerstone of Chelsea’s attack, with his valuation reflecting his growing importance to both club and country.
Ethan Nwaneri, Arsenal’s 18-year-old gem, has burst onto the scene with a €47 million increase in his market value, rising from €8 million to €55 million. The young Englishman’s rapid development in North London signals a bright future, as he transitions from academy prospect to first-team contender.
Geovany Quenda, a 17-year-old Portuguese talent at Sporting Lisbon, has seen his market value soar from zero to €45 million, as he did not have an assigned estimate. Quenda’s emergence as a dynamic force in Liga Portugal underscores his potential to become a household name, with his valuation reflecting his breakout performances.
Pedri, Barcelona’s 22-year-old Spanish midfielder, remains a midfield maestro. His market value has risen by €40 million, from €80 million to €120 million. Pedri’s vision and composure continue to drive Barcelona’s engine room, solidifying his place among Europe’s elite midfielders.
Pau Cubarsi, another Barcelona youngster at just 18, has seen his market value jump by €40 million, from €30 million to €70 million. The Spanish defender’s poise and maturity have made him a key figure in Barcelona’s backline, marking him as a future defensive cornerstone.
Ryan Gravenberch, the 22-year-old Dutch midfielder at Liverpool, has enjoyed a €35 million boost, with his market value rising from €35 million to €70 million. Gravenberch’s resurgence in the Premier League highlights his growing influence, as he thrives in Liverpool’s dynamic midfield.
Hugo Ekitike, France’s 22-year-old striker at Eintracht Frankfurt, has seen his market value increase by €35 million, from €20 million to €55 million. Ekitike’s clinical finishing and versatility have propelled him into the spotlight, making him a rising star in the Bundesliga.
Morgan Rogers, the 22-year-old English forward at Aston Villa, rounds out the list with a €35 million rise, from €15 million to €50 million. Rogers’ impact in the Premier League has turned heads, with his valuation reflecting his emergence as a key player for the Villans.
While some players soar, others face setbacks. This group of 10 players, representing seven nations — Brazil (3 players), Netherlands (2), Germany, Nigeria, France, Portugal, and England (1 each) — has seen a collective market value drop of €279 million, from €735 million to €456 million. Brazil dominates the list with four players, contributing €87 million in losses, while Manchester City is the only club with two players facing huge declines. Ages range from 22 to 30, with most players in their mid-to-late 20s.
Leroy Sané, Bayern Munich’s 29-year-old German winger, has seen his market value plummet by €32 million, from €70 million to €38 million. Once a dynamic force in the Bundesliga, Sané’s dip in valuation signals a tough period for the former Premier League star, raising questions about his role at the Bavarian giants.
Douglas Luiz, the 26-year-old Brazilian midfielder now at Juventus, has also taken a €32 million hit, with his market value falling from €70 million to €38 million. After a high-profile move to Serie A, Luiz’s struggles to maintain his Premier League form have led to a steep decline in his stock.
Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s 26-year-old striker at Galatasaray, has seen his market value drop by €30 million, from €100 million to €70 million. Once one of Europe’s most coveted forwards, Osimhen’s move to Turkey and a dip in perceived value mark a challenging phase for the former Napoli star.
Eduardo Camavinga, Real Madrid’s 22-year-old French midfielder, has experienced a €30 million decrease, with his market value sliding from €100 million to €70 million. Despite his undeniable talent, Camavinga’s valuation dip suggests a need to reclaim his spot as a cornerstone of Los Blancos’ midfield.
Lucas Paquetá, West Ham’s 27-year-old Brazilian playmaker, has seen his market value fall by €30 million, from €65 million to €35 million. Paquetá’s flair has been overshadowed by inconsistencies, leading to a significant drop in his standing in the Premier League.
Bernardo Silva, Manchester City’s 30-year-old Portuguese maestro, has taken a €25 million hit, with his market value decreasing from €70 million to €45 million. Even as a key figure for the Premier League champions, Silva’s age and market dynamics have contributed to his declining valuation.
Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona’s 27-year-old Dutch midfielder, has seen his market value drop by €25 million, from €70 million to €45 million. Injuries and uncertainty at the Catalan club have dimmed de Jong’s once-bright market star, despite his undeniable quality.
Matthijs de Ligt, Manchester United’s 25-year-old Dutch defender, has experienced a €25 million decrease, from €65 million to €40 million. After high expectations following his move to Old Trafford, de Ligt’s valuation dip reflects struggles to meet his earlier promise as a defensive leader.
Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal’s 28-year-old Brazilian striker, has seen his market value fall by €25 million, from €65 million to €40 million. Once a prolific scorer, Jesus’s reduced role in Arsenal’s attack has led to a notable decline in his market standing.
Jack Grealish, Manchester City’s 29-year-old English winger, rounds out the list with a €25 million drop, from €60 million to €35 million. Grealish’s flair and charisma haven’t translated into consistent impact, resulting in a diminished valuation for the former Villa captain.