5 most valuable footballers outside Europe's top 5 leagues - January 2022

There are many valuable footballers outside Europe's top 5 leagues (Image via Sportskeeda)
There are many valuable footballers outside Europe's top 5 leagues (Image via Sportskeeda)

#3 Ryan Gravenberch - €35 million

Gravenberch is a rising star in the Dutch league.
Gravenberch is a rising star in the Dutch league.

Ajax wunderkind Ryan Gravenberch is the second teenager on this list. Erik Ten Hag's success with Ajax in the current campaign has been built on successful performances of several young talents at the Dutch club.

Gravenberch has shone in midfield, which has been apparent since his U-16 days. He is incredible on the ball, and even at a young age, he has an exceptional vision. However, he has a lot to develop at just 19, which makes the potential of any club acquiring him quite high.

Gravenberch has already played a hefty number of minutes, having made 28 appearances across competitions this season. He has five goal involvement, which is impressive. That's because his main role is to ensure swift transitions and carry the ball on the pitch rather than score goals himself.


#2 Pedro Goncalves - €38 million

Pedro Goncalves (left) has been a great signing for Sporting.
Pedro Goncalves (left) has been a great signing for Sporting.

Sporting Lisbon acquired Pedro Goncalves in the summer following Bruno Fernandes' departure.

In the one and a half seasons since his arrival at the club, Goncalves has been one of the best acquisitions by the Portuguese club. Adept in playing both attacking midfield and wide positions, Goncalves has shone primarily as a right winger.

However, his greatest assets are his creativity and finishing, and he has been one of the best performers for Sporting this campaign. The 23-year-old has always been touted as a big talent in Portugal. However, with Sporting, his performances have garnered attention from top-five league clubs too.

Goncalves has been brilliant in front of goal this season, having already scored 13 goals. He has also assisted nine more goals in the 25 appearances he has made across competitions so far.


#1 Luis Diaz - €40 million

FC Porto vs Atletico Madrid: Group B - UEFA Champions League
FC Porto vs Atletico Madrid: Group B - UEFA Champions League

The Portuguese league is a goldmine of great talent, and fans need to look no further than Porto's Luis Diaz.

The Colombian has been one of the most influential in the Portuguese league recently. He has led Porto from the front, and can play on either flank, thanks to his versatility. However, Diaz has mostly operated primarily as a left midfielder in recent times, where he has shone.

Diaz has reportedly been linked with a switch to Juventus, but he has had suitors from the Premier League too.

Diaz has made 28 appearances across all competitions this campaign. He has scored 16 goals, cutting inside menacingly from wider positions, and has helped set up six more for his teammates as well.

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