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With football teams becoming financially wary because of the pandemic, there has come a need to build a more sustainable squad rather than splurge money on superstars.
Keeping that in mind, football squads have become more streamlined. Barcelona sold a lot of their key stars last summer, while clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid, despite being financial juggernauts, have not spent excessive amounts of money in recent years.
The emergence of data and smart recruitment by clubs like Liverpool have paved the way for intelligent squad-building.
Here's a look at the world's 5 most valuable football squads (as per market value).
#5 Barcelona | £740.70 million
Barcelona have endured a poor 2020/21 season, but they boast some exciting young talents and Lionel Messi.
Ronald Koeman's side were knocked out of the Champions League Round of 16 by Paris Saint-Germain, while they bowed out of the La Liga race after a disappointing 2-1 loss to Celta Vigo. The squad does require a revamp, but they have some talented young players who can form a base for the next great Barcelona side.
Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Ansu Fati and Sergino Dest have all been crucial players this season for Barcelona. However, the future of Lionel Messi will dominate discussions this summer, with the Argentine's Barcelona contract expiring soon.
#4 Paris Saint-Germain | £745.92 million
Like Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain's current season has been nothing to write home about.
They sacked Thomas Tuchel in 2020 and replaced him with former Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino, but the results have been mixed so far. They are second in the league table, one point behind Lille with a game to go, and failure to win Ligue 1 will not be well received.
In the Champions League they were knocked out by Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in the semi-finals. Neymar and Kylian Mbappe continue to be the most important players for the Parisien giants, but there is a need to construct a more balanced squad for next season.
Also Read: 4 reasons why Lionel Messi could never win the Ballon d'Or again
#3 Bayern Munich | £757.44 million
Bayern Munich's season has been marred by uncertainty regarding the future of manager Hansi Flick.
Flick has announced that he will step down as Bayern Munich boss this summer, and he will be replaced by RB Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann. While they have won the Bundesliga once again, they were unable to retain their Champions League trophy, with the Bavarians knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals.
Robert Lewandowski is arguably the best striker in world football right now, while the likes of Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry are all highly valued. However, alongside Flick, long-serving defender David Alaba will depart in the summer, while experienced players like Jerome Boateng and Javi Martinez look likely to leave as well. It remains to be seen how Bayern Munich will replace them.
#2 Liverpool | £905.40 million
Liverpool have struggled this season, but possess some of the best players in the English Premier League.
After winning the Premier League last season, much was expected from Jurgen Klopp's men this time around. It has not worked out this season, though. Injuries to centre-backs Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip derailed their season, with Liverpool predominantly playing catch up to their rivals.
They are currently 5th in the league table, three points behind 3rd-placed Leicester City and one point behind 4th-placed Chelsea with two games to go. Champions League qualification will be of paramount importance for the club.
#1 Manchester City | £924.30 million
Arguably the greatest team in European football right now, Manchester City have been in sensational form this year.
Pep Guardiola's men had a slow start to the season, but found their rhythm as the season progressed. They have already secured the EFL Cup and the Premier League, while they are in the finals of the UEFA Champions League where they will face Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea.
Portuguese centre-back Ruben Dias has been their star player this season. Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva and Rodri are seen as some of their most valuable players.
Also Read: 5 biggest mistakes made by Barcelona this season (2020/21)
