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In the current economic climate, whilst everybody is cutting down costs, football seems to have done the exact opposite. The world economy may be down, but that doesn’t seem to bother football clubs, who are intent on making their mark financially. Real Madrid have traditionally been known to splash the cash, but now, they are now joined by Chelsea, Manchester City and PSG, who are now capable of going toe-to-toe with the Spanish giants, at least in terms of the money available to buy players.
So, let us look at the top five most valuable squads in world football at the moment. Who makes it and who doesn’t? Real Madrid are sure to be there, but who is going to join them? Are nouveau-rich PSG and Man City in the list? Do Manchester United or Arsenal make it into the top five? To find out to just read on.
All the valuations courtesy Transfermarkt
5. Chelsea
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Market value: £405m
Average age: 28.2 years
Ever since Chelsea was taken over by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich in 2003, he has certainly splashed the cash to get them to where they are right now. In his tenure, in just over a decade, the club has spent over £2 billion and it should come as no surprise to anyone to see Chelsea on this list.
The Russian is one of the main reasons, Chelsea are fighting on many fronts, thanks to the Russians millions, which has seen them acquire more than a fair share of superstars.
Most expensive buy: Fernando Torres (£50 m)
Most Valuable Player: Juan Mata (£39.5m)
4. Manchester City
Market value: £415m
Average age: 27.5 years
Manchester City are now in possession of one of the most creative squads in world football at the moment and that has only been possible, thanks to the millions they have spent over the last five years. Ever since Abu Dhabhi United Group took control, City have transformed from being a mediocre mid-table side to one that is now challenging for the title every season.
Over the last few years, given the amount of money, that was spent by the club, it should come as no surprise to anybody that they are in possession of the most valuable squad in the league, not just in terms of talent but also in terms of value as well.
Most expensive buy: Sergio Aguero (£38 m)
Most Valuable Player: David Silva (£35m)
3. Bayern Munich
Market value: £430m
Average age: 25.5 years
The German giants are not only one of the most popular and successful clubs in the world, but also one of the most valuable. Given their success in the past, especially their astonishing achievements of the last few years, they are in possession of plenty of players, who are high on demand.
They have continued to produce a fine crop of young German players, full of potential and have also supplemented them with a number of high-profile signings who have added value to the squad.Javi Martinez and Mario Götze are just players who have been signed for big money in the recent past. Of the teams in this list, they have the youngest squad of players and that certainly bodes well for the future.
Most expensive buy: Javi Martinez (£33.5 m)
Most Valuable Player: Thomas Muller (£39.5m)
2. Barcelona
Market value: £510m
Average age: 27.1 years
Any team that possesses the likes of Neymar, Iniesta, Fabregas and Busquets are sure to be a valuable bunch of players. To that mix, when you add Lionel Messi, the most valuable player in the world, then you have arguably the most valuable squad. But, unfortunately for Barcelona, even Lionel Messi can’t help them from coming second in this list.
With a market value of over half a billion pounds, they are without a doubt, one of the most valuable clubs in the world. But when you consider the fact that most of them were youth-team products, then you’ll see that they are one of the most self-sufficient squads in the world.
Most expensive buy: Neymar (£50 m)
Most Valuable Player: Lionel Messi (£105m)
1. Real Madrid
Market value: £515m
Average age: 26.1 years
Just edging Barcelona out for the title of the most valuable squad in the world is their fellow Spanish rivals, Real Madrid. With the two most expensive transfers in history, it isn’t much of a surprise, but their margin is very slender indeed.
In a matter of just a few years, Real Madrid have managed to break the world-transfer record twice and the Galacticos are without a shadow of doubt, the most expensively assembled and valuable squad in the world at the moment.
Most expensive buy: Gareth Bale (£81m (approx))
Most Valuable Player: Cristiano Ronaldo (£88m)
