5 most valuable footballers outside Europe's top 5 leagues - January 2022
The valuation of a footballer is an important indicator in the modern footballing ecosystem. Given the complex nature of the business associated with football, clubs are million and billion-dollar enterprises. While academy graduates are a great way to improve a team, modern football clubs are not shy to spend big when required.
Market valuations are the benchmark many clubs use to determine how much is to be paid for acquiring a player's services. The market valuation includes performance metrics, age and financial aspects like the duration of the player's contract. This makes the measurement ideal irrespective of where the player plies his trade.
While players in Europe's top five leagues have astronomical valuations, there are good players in other leagues too. On that note, here's a look at the five most valuable players outside the continent's top five leagues:
#5 Antony - €35 million
Brazilian winger Antony has grabbed headlines since moving to Eredivisie club Ajax.
The Dutch record champions have performed incredibly this campaign under Erik Ten Hag, and Antony has been one of their star performers. The wide man has excellent dribbling ability, and uses his pace to get the better of his opponents.
Whether it comes to ground passes or aerial crosses, Antony has shown his ability to the fullest. At just 21, Antony is yet to enter his peak, but he has some big suitors already.
New year, same Antony 🔥 https://t.co/vcKo9JeFGa
Antony has been one of Ajax's best performers in the current campaign, and has particularly stood out in the UEFA Champions League.
He has made 22 appearances across competitions, bagging nine goals and seven assists. As Antony's performance keeps improving, so does his market valuation. It's widely expected that a hefty amount might be required to prise him away from Amsterdam.
#4 Karim Adeyemi - €35 million
Red Bull Salzburg have become a hub for elite talent recently. The Austrian club was in the headlines recently, thanks to the performances of Erling Haaland, who has since been acquired by Borussia Dortmund.
Following in his footsteps is German teenager Karim Adeyemi, who, at 19, is already on the radar of clubs like Bayern Munich. Adeyemi may be young, but his ability with the ball and goal-scoring prowess exhibit his game's mature side.
Karim Adeyemi has been approached by Barcelona, Inter, Liverpool. His priority is still the same: Borussia Dortmund for summer 2022. The agreement on personal terms is at final stages since weeks. 🟡 #BVB
BVB are in talks with RB Salzburg about the final fee - it’s not done yet. https://t.co/P7pv88rFcq
Adeyemi has been in scintillating form for his club, which has got big clubs chasing his signature. In 28 appearances across competitions this season, Adeyemi has struck the back of the net 18 times and also bagged four assists.