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As discussed in our previous article, we have seen exponential growth in the transfer market in the past few years. While a couple of good seasons can shoot a player's market value sky high, on the flip side, a couple of bad ones can dip the same into surprising levels.
The football world is not new to witnessing players with heavy price tags or expensive transfers in peril at their new club. Many crumble under the pressure of expectations and take no time to go from a top-liner to a bench warmer and eventually exit from the club.
The same brings us to our topic of the day. In this listicle, we rank the top five players who have had a massive drop in their market values since January 1st, 2021.
Note: Players are ranked as per the difference in their market value. The amount in bracket indicates the same.
#5 Miralem Pjanić (€-30m) - Barcelona
Pjanić left his long-term home Juventus to try his luck in La Liga with Catalan giants Barcelona.
The move was a much celebrated one at Camp Nou, but alas! Pjanić's first season with the 26-time La Liga champs hasn't been up to the mark. He ended his debut La Liga season without a goal or an assist.
A sudden dip in form has cost the Bosnian a 60% drop in market value since the start of this year. The talks suggest Miralem Pjanić tops Barcelona's list of players to be off-loaded. While he is expecting a return to Turin, Inter Milan are looking forward to ropeing in the former Juventus star into their team.
#4 Philippe Coutinho (€-30m) - Barcelona
The Brazilian's high-profile move, which made him one of the most expensive footballers of all time, is widely considered a flop.
The former Anfield native left his then team, Liverpool, on a bitter note with a dream of kissing the UEFA Champions League. Ironically, we didn't just witness Barcelona finding an exit too soon into the competition but also Liverpool lifting the trophy the same year.
Meanwhile, Coutinho struggled to find his form or a regular spot with his new side. He was eventually loaned out to Bayern Munich after falling out of Koeman's plans.
As of now, Coutinho has seen a dip of 50% in his market value. The Brazilian has returned to Camp Nou ahead of the 2021-22 season. Only time will tell if he will be able to milk his second chance.
#3 Saúl Ñíguez (€-30m) - Atletico Madrid
Despite occupying the third spot on our list of players who have had a great decrease in their market value, Saúl Ñíguez has been under Manchester United's cross-hairs since the start of the summer transfer window.
Saúl, who has played over 337 games for Atletico Madrid, is tipped to leave the club this summer. EPL heavyweights Manchester United are keen on signing this Spaniard. Failing to make it into Spain's EURO 2020 squad, the Atletico Madrid midfielder has seen his market value drop by 42.9%.
The same fact has urged Manchester United to push forward for Saúl Ñíguez. The offer is considered to be a bargain for the Red Devils. With the arrival of Copa America 2021 fame Rodrigo de Paul, it is certain that Saúl Ñíguez's spot at Atletico is in jeopardy.
#2 Trent Alexander-Arnold (€-35m) - Liverpool
From being one of the best full-backs in Europe to occupying second spot on our list, the young Liverpool FC starlet reflects on his poor run the previous season.
He was included in Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad for Euro 2020. But was forced to withdraw after sustaining an injury with just a week to spare for the competition to commence.
However, the 22-year-old remains to be one of the most important names within the ranks of Liverpool. And it is expected of him to flourish at his boyhood club. With age, skillset and a lengthy career with a formidable team lying ahead of him, Trent's dip in market value seems only temporary.
He signed a new long-term contract extension with Liverpool.
#1 Sadio Mane (€-35m) - Liverpool
Another Liverpool player on the list — Senegal internation Sadio Mane.
Liverpool's number 10 who has barely taken a day off from his club and international duties since 2017 was evidently struck with fatigue the previous season. Sadio Mane termed the previous year as the worst of his career so far.
However, after a brief break of four weeks, Mane has assured Reds fans that he will be at his best in the coming season. As mentioned earlier, from being influential in his club's EPL and Champions League triumphs to being a mediocre player places Sadio Mane top on our list.
He is currently valued at €85.00m following a drop of 29.2%.
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