5 players whose market value has increased the most in 2021

Manchester United v AS Roma - UEFA Europa League Semi Final: Leg One
Manchester United v AS Roma - UEFA Europa League Semi Final: Leg One

#3 Ansu Fati | €80 million (€44 million increase)

FC Barcelona v Ferencvaros Budapest: Group G - UEFA Champions League
FC Barcelona v Ferencvaros Budapest: Group G - UEFA Champions League

Taking the third spot on the podium is one of world football's wunderkinds, Ansu Fati, who has enjoyed a sensational start to his Barcelona career.

The Spanish international - born in Guinea, Bissau - has made an immediate impact since making his debut last season. Fati joined Barcelona's famed La Masia academy when he was just 10, and worked up the U16, U18, U19, and Barcelona B ranks to make his first-team appearance against Real Betis in a La Liga encounter. He became Barcelona's second-youngest debutant, and Fati's first goal against Osasuna made him Barcelona's youngest-ever goalscorer and La Liga's third-youngest.

The 18-year old became a regular feature for the Blaugrana before suffering a serious knee injury - which has ruled him out of action since November last year. In 43 senior appearances, the teenager has been involved in 18 goals (13 goals, 5 assists). Fati is one of Barcelona's most prized assets and the man tipped to replace Lionel Messi in the future.


#2 Marcos Llorente | €70 million (€54 million increase)

Elche CF v Atletico de Madrid - La Liga Santander
Elche CF v Atletico de Madrid - La Liga Santander

The Spaniard has witnessed an exponential rise in his market value in the past year - ever since his knockout blow against Liverpool in the Champions League last season.

Llorente's market value was a mere €16 million at the beginning of November 2020, but the inspired performance against the Reds in the Round of 16 made him an overnight sensation. After a £35.9 million transfer from rivals Real Madrid, the Spaniard failed to make a name for the Rojiblancos - finding himself on the fringes of the Atletico squad. However, Llorente inspired an incredible comeback against the Reds - scoring twice in nine minutes and providing the assist for Alvaro Morata's winner - which triggered an increase in his market value.

The 26-year old has since established himself as one of the vital components in Atletico Madrid's setup - notching up 77 appearances for the Rojiblancos in under two seasons at the club. Llorente has been involved in 88% of Atletico's total minutes this season - with 13 goals and 11 assists to show for it.


#1 Pedri | €70 million (€62.8 million increase)

Real Sociedad v FC Barcelona - Supercopa de Espana Semi Final
Real Sociedad v FC Barcelona - Supercopa de Espana Semi Final

While other players on the list have witnessed a steady rise in market value, Pedri's valuation has increased by an unprecedented ten-fold - since his €6.48 million from UD Las Palmas at the beginning of the season.

The Spaniard's role at Barcelona is reminiscent of the great Andres Iniesta, who functioned as a No. 8 - with a floating role at the center of Barca's midfield. Pedri has shown immense maturity since his Barcelona debut in September last year - with a knack for scoring important goals. He also has the ability to pick out dangerous passes and to transition play from midfield to attack. The 18-year old has already made 49 appearances for the Catalonians in less than a year at the club - establishing himself as one of the first names on the team sheet.

Pedri has been involved in 9 goals (3 goals, 6 assists) and also earned his first international cap, in his 10-month spell at the Camp Nou. With Ansu Fati and Pedri in their ranks, the Catalonians have an exciting future to look forward to.

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