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Footballers are transferred for ridiculously high amounts these days. The exorbitant sums paid for Neymar and Mbappe by Paris Saint-Germain, Coutinho's eye-watering move from Liverpool to Barcelona and the most recent sensational transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid to Juventus are all testaments to the aforementioned statement.
Latterly, Liverpool also stamped their authority as a lucrative club by breaking the bank for Alisson Becker, who is now the most expensive goalkeeper of all-time courtesy of the £65m expended by The Reds.
Also, Read 5 goalkeepers Liverpool could have signed for less than £65m
As a result, it goes without saying that the owners do not hesitate in splurging millions to buy top quality players nowadays, which has further fostered an inflated transfer market.
While goalkeepers and defenders can still be acquired for relatively low prices, the players up front are primarily responsible for wreaking havoc in the transfer market by virtue of their astronomical valuations.
On that note, let us take a look at the 6 most valuable strikers in the world presently.
Market values for players are calculated by how well they play, age, their marketability, contract length and ability to sell shirts.
Note: Market values represent what their actual prices on the transfer market are meant to be, and not the current inflated amounts.
#6 Cristiano Ronaldo - £90 million
Dozens of Real Madrid fans were left heavy-hearted when Juventus announced the signing of the Portuguese megastar - Cristiano Ronaldo for £99.2m. While a host of footballers turn to middle-class clubs or simply hang up their boots when on the wrong side of thirty, Cristiano Ronaldo is a player who has aged like red wine and is still sitting tight at a high-profile club.
The 33-year-old has himself commented on achieving such a feat:
It [Juventus] is a big club and, usually, players of my age go to Qatar or to China, with all due respect, so coming to such an important and outstanding club at this point in my career makes me very happy.
However, in spite of his untiring personality, Ronaldo's market value has experienced a significant decrease owing to his aging figure, which is why he has also failed to make the cut for the top 10 most valuable footballers in the world.
#5 Romelu Lukaku - £90 million
Romelu Lukaku's valuation has dramatically increased following his exploits in the World Cup 2018, where he inspired his side to an impressive third-placed finish by notching up 4 goals and engineering an assist.
In consequence, the Belgian just fell short of beating Harry Kane to the much-coveted Golden Boot. Lukaku has largely been known for his intimidating physicality and dribbling ability, which have helped him bulldoze the rearguards of several teams.
The 25-year-old has gone from strength to strength since joining The Red Devils last summer, and also stands a good chance of being awarded the armband in the wake of Michael Carrick's departure from the Old Trafford.
With Lukaku only 25 years old and enjoying the peak of his career, it won't be surprising if his market value crosses the £100 million barrier in the coming months.
#4 Paulo Dybala - £99 million
Widely regarded to be the heir to Lionel Messi, Dybala has been the linchpin of Juventus' squad since his arrival in 2015.
During his time at Turin, Argentina has merchandised himself as one of the most promising talents in the football world and has remained a hot property in the transfer windows gone by consequently.
In the 2017-18 season, he played a crucial role in The Old Lady's title-winning run and is expected to do better in the coming season under the aegis of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite his undeniable potential, the opportunities have always come at a premium for him in the national camp and his underuse was one of the consequential reasons why the World Cup ended prematurely for La Albiceleste.
#3 Antoine Griezmann - £108 million
Over the course of the past few years, Antoine Griezmann has established himself as one of the best centre-forwards in the modern football. Recently, he was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, which he snubbed at the start of the World Cup 2018, throwing the club's transfer plans into utter disarray.
Also, Read 3 players Barcelona could sign in place of Antoine Griezmann
The 27-year-old was an instrumental figure in France's road to World Cup glory, registering 4 goals and 2 assists for his team. On top of that, the Frenchman was particularly splendid in the 2017-18 season where he helped Atletico Madrid to their third Europa League title and a commendable second-placed finish in La Liga.
#2 Harry Kane - £135 million
When England's final 23-man squad was announced for Russia, not many pundits expected the Three Lions to make it big in the tournament. All the same, the team went on to exceed their billing by finishing fourth in the tournament, typically on the back of one man - Harry Kane.
The 24-year-old youthful skipper led his side by example like a grizzled ol' veteran, netting a total of 6 goals and winning the Golden Boot as a result.
At the moment, he is one of the most sought-after forwards in the transfer window with the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United craving the Englishman's signature. Spurs will definitely have a hard time holding on to their star player!
#1 Lionel Messi - £162 million
Lionel Messi has shown absolutely no signs of age catching up with him as he has improved his game by leaps and bounds with each passing day.
Notwithstanding his disastrous World Cup campaign, Messi's market value has been mushrooming like no other. The nucleus of Barcelona's roster, the Argentine helped his team run riot domestically in the 2017-18 season as they clinched the La Liga and Copa Del Rey in a grand fashion.
He was a brilliant playmaker-cum-goalscorer for La Blaugrana, scoring 45 goals and assisting a further 18 across all competitions.
While a Ballon d'Or this year seems unlikely for the Argentine, an excellent start in the upcoming season might turn the tables on his rivals and cement his place as the greatest player in the football folklore.
