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#6 Michael Carrick (Manchester United) - €26.5 million
Michael Carrick had a successful playing career after debuting during the 1999-00 season. The midfielder played nearly 700 games across competitions for various clubs, with most of them coming for Manchester United.
Carrick enjoyed a successful 12-year career with the Old Trafford club, winning five Premier League and one Champions League. After retiring at the end of the 2017-18 season, the 40-year-old immediately plunged into management at the same club.
He served as Jose Mourinho's deputy for a few weeks and is now in the same capacity under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
#5 Yaya Toure (Akhmat Grozny) - €36.5 million
Yaya Toure enjoyed a successful two-decade-long career as a midfielder of repute during his playing days.
The 38-year-old played for the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City, featuring in over 600 games across competitions. Toure was an integral part of City's three Premier League-winning teams, making his name as a world-class central midfielder.
The former Cote d'Ivoire international called time on his playing career in 2019. Toure is currently the assistant manager of Russian club FC Akhmat Grozny.
Toure started his managerial career with Olimpik Donetsk, an assignment that lasted less than four months.
#4 Michael Essien (FC Nordsjaelland) - €38 million
Michael Essien was one of the best defensive midfielders in the world during his playing days.
During a successful career spanning almost 550 games for eight different clubs, the 38-year-old made his name as a world-class player while at Chelsea. Essien also played for the likes of Real Madrid, AC Milan and Olympique Lyon, winning four league titles.
The 2011-12 UEFA Champions League winner retired with FK Sabail in Azerbaijan at the end of the 2019-20 campaign. A few months later, FC Nordsjaelland appointed Essien as their assistant coach.
The former Chelsea player also made over 50 appearances for Ghana, scoring nine goals.
