'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Football is over for the season, and fans and players are now taking a break before another hectic season begins in a month.
The transfer market is yet to hit peak madness, with the waters still calm. There have been a few big-money moves so far, but the market has been dominated by clubs doing smart business and not taking any big risks.
It is unlikely that too many big names will switch clubs this summer. Even the biggest clubs in the world are wary of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their finances. Consequently, they will think twice before splurging extravagant amounts of money on a star name.
The value of such big-names will only increase as time goes on. Here, we look at the 10 most valuable footballer players in the world, as per Transfermarkt.
#10 Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) | €90 million
Despite a disappointing Euro 2020, Bruno Fernandes remains one of the best midfielders in world football.
The Portugal international has been a pivotal part of Manchester United's first XI since joining the club from Sporting CP in January 2020. Fernandes made 35 Premier League starts last season, scoring 18 goals and providing 12 assists from midfield.
Fernandes' style of play is based on high risk and high reward. The midfielder often attempts risky forward passes in order to penetrate the opposition defense. The 26-year old's style of play was highly effective last season, but he failed to replicate his club form for Portugal at Euro 2020. Fernandes drew plenty of criticism for his performances this summer and will look to reply in kind during the club season.
#9 Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona) | €90 million
Unlike Bruno Fernandes, Frenkie de Jong was one of the better midfielders in Euro 2020 before his country got eliminated.
De Jong was at the hub of much of the Netherlands' attacking play at the tournament. His ability to dribble in congested midfield areas has worked wonders for both club and country. The midfielder enjoyed a good 2020/21 season with Barcelona as well. He made 35 La Liga starts, scoring three goals and providing four assists, while also winning the Copa del Rey.
The 24-year old is an intelligent operator and has been schooled in the Ajax style of play. De Jong has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in world football.
#8 Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain) | €100 million
Arguably for the first time since joining the club, Neymar looks settled and happy at Paris Saint-Germain.
Much of it has to do with his contract extension. Neymar is now a Paris Saint-Germain player until 2025 though the new contract looked unlikely as recently as last year. Perennially linked with a return to Barcelona, Neymar's decision to stay in Paris is an indication of his and the club's ambition.
Paris Saint-Germain were disappointing last season and finished second in the league. Neymar made 15 starts in Ligue 1, scoring nine goals and providing five assists. He then led Brazil to the final of the 2021 Copa America this summer, where they were beaten by Lionel Messi's Argentina.
#7 Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) | €100 million
Kevin de Bruyne is arguably the best midfielder in world football right now and one of the best players in the world as well. He continues to show his quality and class in every match he plays.
At Euro 2020, De Bruyne was magnificent. The midfielder ran the show for Belgium whenever he played, but his tournament was hampered by injuries. The 30-year old was also the PFA Players' Player of the Year for the 2020/21 season, scoring six goals and providing 12 assists in his 23 Premier League starts.
De Bruyne's creativity and passing ability are world-class, while his drilled crosses into the box are well renowned. He is the most important player in one of the best club sides in the world.
#6 Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan) | €100 million
Romelu Lukaku is one of the best strikers in world football and has been in frightening form in recent seasons.
Lukaku has flourished at Inter Milan after a mixed spell with Manchester United. Last season, he made 32 Serie A starts, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists as Antonio Conte's men won the league title. Lukaku was undoubtedly Inter Milan's most important player.
The 28-year old was in good form at Euro 2020 as well. He scored four goals for Belgium at the tournament and was his nation's best player. Lukaku is also his national team's all-time top goalscorer.
#5 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) | €100 million
Mohamed Salah has been phenomenal for Liverpool for some time now and has been one of Jurgen Klopp's most important players at the club.
Since joining Liverpool from Roma in 2017, Salah has transformed into one of the best players in the world. The Egypt international made 34 starts in the Premier League last season, scoring 22 goals and providing five assists as Liverpool finished third.
The 29-year old has evolved into a lethal forward, having started his career as a winger. Salah has consistently been linked with a move away from Liverpool, with Real Madrid and Barcelona among the clubs interested.
#4 Jadon Sancho (Manchester United) | €100 million
Jadon Sancho will soon be officially revealed as a Manchester United player. The club have already announced his signing during the Euros.
Manchester United were heavily interested in Sancho last summer, but failed to sign him. One of the best young players in world football, the 21-year old was incredibe at Borussia Dortmund after joining the club in 2017 from Manchester City.
Last season, Sancho made 24 Bundesliga starts, scoring eight goals and providing 11 assists. A versatile forward, the England international is highly creative and technically gifted. Sancho is likely to start as a right-winger at Manchester United in the upcoming season.
Also Read: 5 best footballers taking part at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
#3 Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) | €120 million
Now that the Euros are over, the focus will once again be on Harry Kane and his Tottenham Hotspur future.
Kane endured a slow start to his Euros campaign, but was one of England's best players in the latter stages of the tournament, netting four goals. The 27-year old made 35 Premier League starts last season, scoring 23 goals and providing 14 assists. Kane ended his season as the league's top goalscorer and highest assist provider.
The Englishman has been very open about his ambitions. Kane is keen to get his hands on silverware and reliable reports have confirmed that the striker wants to leave Tottenham Hotspur. Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked, with City reportedly having an offer rejected by Spurs.
#2 Erling Braut Haaland (Borussia Dortmund) | €130 million
Erling Braut Haaland is unlikely to stay at Borussia Dortmund for long and is expected to leave the club by next summer at the most.
Despite Borussia Dortmund's strong stance that Haaland will not leave the club this summer, several clubs have repeatedly displayed an interest in him. Chelsea are reportedly leading the line to sign one of the best young strikers in the world. Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid are all tracking him as well.
Haaland joined Borussia Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020, and has been pivotal for them. The 20-year old made 27 Bundesliga starts last season, scoring 27 goals and providing six assists.
#1 Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain) | €160 million
Kylian Mbappe was not at his best at Euro 2020. His penalty miss in the Round of 16 shootout against Switzerland saw France get knocked out of the tournament.
Regardless of his tepid outings for the national team, there is no denying Mbappe's quality. The 22-year old is one of the best players in the world and has time and again shown his ability. Despite Paris Saint-Germain's failure to win the league last season, Mbappe was excellent. He made 27 Ligue 1 starts, scoring 27 goals and providing seven assists.
The Frenchman was heavily criticized for his displays at Euro 2020, but he has what it takes to bounce back. Mbappe has been linked with Real Madrid for some time now. Those rumors have now gathered more momentum after talks about a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain have stalled.
Also Read: Ranking the 5 favourites to win the football gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
