166 updates
As European leagues intensify, LaLiga becomes the first of the major leagues to release updated player market valuations, affecting 166 players in Spain’s top division. At the forefront, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal retains his €200 million valuation as the most valuable player. He is followed by a trio from Real Madrid, with both Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé maintaining a value of €180 million. However, Vinicius Junior has seen a decline in his worth, decreasing from €170 million to €150 million after previously valuing him at €200 million.
Tobias Blaseio, Transfermarkt’s Market Value Coordinator for Spain, commented, “Vinicius has lost significant public prestige following his failed Ballon d’Or bid last year, impacting his on-field performances. The coaching change has further affected his standing, as Xabi Alonso favors Mbappé. Emerging talents like Franco Mastantuono and Arda Güler have gained prominence, resulting in reduced playing time for Vinicius. This season, he has recorded four goals and five assists across 15 matches, decent performances, but insufficient to counteract his diminished status and market value.”
After a challenging season and a lack of transfer interest, Vinicius’s Brazilian teammate Rodrygo also faced a market value decrease, from €90 million to €80 million. Blaseio noted, “Rodrygo has become somewhat of a bench player under Xabi Alonso, and despite past rumors of his departure, his status has slipped. Given his talent, clubs may show interest, but whether they will meet Real Madrid’s €100 million asking price is uncertain. The Premier League and Saudi Pro League have previously demonstrated a tendency to pay premium fees, but Rodrygo’s market value has declined.”
Real Madrid market values – Mastantuono and Güler lead the new young guard
While the two Brazilian players experienced downgrades, several new talents at Real Madrid saw a rise in their market values. New defenders Dean Huijsen (+€10 million to €70 million) and Álvaro Carreras (+€15 million to €50 million) both received significant increases. New signing Mastantuono, along with Turkish midfielder Güler, also witnessed a rise. Mastantuono, in particular, has made a strong impression since joining Madrid.
Blaseio remarked, “Mastantuono is an intriguing young talent. His immediate impact in the first team was unexpected, but Alonso has been more willing to integrate youth players compared to his predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti. As Bellingham returns, it may affect Mastantuono’s playing time, but he should still receive opportunities to rotate. His speed, composure on the ball, and ability to set up teammates position him for continued value growth.”
The same goes for Güler. “He has thrived under Xabi Alonso, displaying a unique ability to navigate through defensive lines, making Madrid’s attacking play more unpredictable. His primary goal is to stay injury-free and prove himself against top-level competition, ensuring a regular spot in the starting lineup amidst stiff competition for minutes.”
LaLiga market values: Etta Eyong & Álvarez up – Downgrades for former Man United stars
Beyond Real Madrid, two emerging stars also saw significant increases in their market values. Karl Etta Eyong from Levante boosted his worth from €5 million to €20 million, marking a 300% rise. Blaseio commented, “Etta Eyong has shown early promise this season with seven goal involvements across seven matches. His speed and finishing ability make him a likely target for other clubs, especially considering Villarreal’s inexplicable decision to sell him for just €3 million.”
Another Levante talent, Carlos Álvarez, increased his value from €6 million to €15 million, a 150% rise. “Álvarez is another standout performer at Levante, having upped his game this season. He is adept at threading passes through defenses, and his intelligence and work ethic make him an essential player,” Blaseio remarked. Last summer, Levante turned down a €15-20 million offer for him, which was below his €25 million buyout clause.
On the flip side, two former Manchester United players saw declines. At Real Betis, Antony’s value dropped from €35 million to €30 million. Blaseio noted, “Antony has a large gap between his form and market value, a result of lengthy negotiations that hindered a more favorable situation.” Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford, on loan at Barcelona, saw his market value reduce by 20% from €50 million to €40 million, despite his disappointing loan registration. “His underwhelming value drop doesn’t correlate with his level of play, but his low purchase option at €35 million plays a role,” Blaseio added. “In the long run, we expect Rashford to revive his career and market value at Barça.”
Understanding Transfermarkt market values
Transfermarkt market values are determined through various pricing models and discussions within the Transfermarkt community, which analyzes player values extensively. It’s important to note that these values do not equate to transfer fees; rather, they represent expected player values in an open market context, considering individual transfer circumstances and situational factors. More details about this definition can be found in our guidelines.
