Title: Football Players Who Lost the Most Transfer Value in the Last Season
Introduction
TransferMarkt, a popular football valuation website, has recently released a list of players who have experienced a significant decrease in their transfer value over the course of the last season. This decline in value can be attributed to a combination of factors such as age, injuries, and loss of form. In this article, we will explore the top ten players who have suffered the most significant drop in transfer value and analyze the reasons behind their decline.
1. Sadio Mane: A Disappointing Spell at Bayern Munich
Sadio Mane, formerly a key player in Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool team, made a move to Bayern Munich last summer for a fee of £27.5 million. However, his time in Bavaria has been far from successful. Injuries and struggles to regain his place in the team have resulted in a decline in his performance. A notable incident was his bust-up with Leroy Sane, which left Sane with a black eye. As a result, Mane’s transfer value has plummeted by 39%, from £60.5 million to £21.5 million.
2. Wilfred Ndidi: A Season to Forget for Leicester City
Wilfred Ndidi, known for his impressive performances as a defensive midfielder, had a strong season in 2021-22, attracting interest from top clubs across Europe. However, following an unimpressive campaign that saw Leicester City struggle and get relegated, Ndidi’s value has taken a hit. His transfer value has dropped from £41.5 million to £21.5 million.
3. Paul Pogba: Injury Woes and Declining Performance
Paul Pogba, once the world’s most expensive player after his move from Juventus to Manchester United for £89 million in 2016, failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford. Last summer, he left United on a free transfer to return to Juventus. However, a knee injury limited his playing time, and he made only 10 appearances for the Bianconeri last season. Consequently, Pogba’s value has decreased by a staggering 69%, from £41 million to a mere £13 million.
4. Jadon Sancho: Struggling to Justify the Price Tag
Jadon Sancho arrived at Manchester United in the summer of 2021 as the club’s marquee signing. However, the return of Cristiano Ronaldo overshadowed his arrival, and Sancho has struggled to justify his £73 million price tag. Speculation about a potential move away from United has further impacted his value, which has dropped from £65 million to £39 million.
5. Romelu Lukaku: A Mixed Season for the Belgian Striker
Romelu Lukaku’s career seemed to be drifting after an unsuccessful return to Chelsea. However, his loan move to Inter Milan helped revive his form, despite a slow start to the season. Rumors of interest from Saudi Arabia have affected his value, which has fallen from £60 million to £34 million.
6. Youri Tielemans: Declining Value Amidst Leicester City’s Relegation
Youri Tielemans recently completed a free transfer to Aston Villa following Leicester City’s relegation. His value has declined by 35%, from £47.5 million to £21.5 million, reflecting his underwhelming performances during the previous season.
7. Mohamed Salah: Age Catching Up with the Liverpool Star
Mohamed Salah had a decent season, contributing 19 goals and 12 assists in 38 Premier League games. However, at the age of 31, his value is gradually declining. TransferMarkt now values him at £36 million, down from £64.5 million last summer.
8. Son Heung-min: A Disappointing Season for the Tottenham Forward
Son Heung-min, who won the golden boot in the 2021-22 season, experienced a decline in form during the last campaign. With only ten goals and six assists, coupled with turning 30, his value has dropped from £64.5 million to £43 million.
9. Andrew Robertson: Liverpool’s Defensive Struggles Impact Value
Andrew Robertson, known for his attacking prowess as a full-back, saw his value decrease due to Liverpool’s defensive struggles last season. His value has dropped from £49 million to £34 million.
10. Federico Chiesa: Injury Woes Hamper Progress
Federico Chiesa, who impressed for Italy at Euro 2020, has struggled with injuries since then. His value has dropped by 39%, from £55.5 million to £34 million, as he continues to battle back to full fitness.
Conclusion
The list of players who have experienced a significant drop in transfer value highlights the impact of various factors such as age, injuries, and loss of form. These players serve as a reminder that football is a dynamic sport, and a player’s value can fluctuate rapidly based on their performances and circumstances. As the new season approaches, these players will be looking to bounce back and regain their lost value on the transfer market.