CIES Football Observatory Data reveales Jude Bellingham as the world’s most expensive star
Jude Bellingham would become the most expensive player in the world if any club was to try and sign him, according to statisticians.
The CIES Football Observatory has conducted its latest research in an attempt measure the estimated transfer values of stars around the world.
This has been calculated by looking into the value of more than 6,000 transfer deals and the prices paid in the past for players with similar characteristics.
And, following their research, it was found that Bellingham topped the list worldwide with an estimated transfer value of €267.5m (£230.4m).
The 20-year-old has enjoyed a sensational start to his Real Madrid career since joining from Borussia Dortmund for £113m in the summer, scoring 17 goals and adding five assists in just 22 games.
Bellingham also won the 2023 Golden Boy award and has already proved his indispensable status to Gareth Southgate‘s England side.
His former Borussia Dortmund team-mate and current Man City star Erling Haaland is next, with an estimated transfer value of €251.2m (£216.4m), closely followed by Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior (€250.3m, £215.6m) and Rodrygo (€247.9m, £213.6m).
Making up the top five was Arsenal and England talisman Bukayo Saka, who was revealed to have a value of €223m (£192.1m).
In terms of the top five league, Bellingham topped LaLiga’s list and Haaland was at the summit of the Premier League’s most expensive players.
In Germany, Jamal Musiala at €152.4m (£131.3m) led the way, while Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s €115.3m (£99.3m) price was the top in Serie A.
In France, despite significant speculation over his future with his contract coming to an end in six months, Kylian Mbappe was first with an estimated transfer value of €106.2m (£91.5m).
The first non-big five European league player was Benfica’s 20-year-old defender Antonio Silva, with the Portuguese centre back ranking in 23rd overall on the list at a price of €114.1m (£98.3m).
The data calculated the top 100 most expensive players worldwide, with 12 English players making the list, along with Anthony Gordon – who is yet to declare for either England or Scotland at senior level.
The 12 English players to make it along with Saka and Bellingham were Phil Foden (£168.7m), Marcus Rashford (£117.3m), Cole Palmer (£90.4m), Declan Rice (£89.4m), Harry Kane (£82.4m), Rico Lewis (£78.1m), Aaron Ramsdale (£68.6m), Trent Alexander-Arnold (£65.5m), Jack Grealish (£65.5m) and Levi Colwill (£64.4m).
None of these players are expected to move in January, although Aaron Ramsdale has been linked with a transfer away from Arsenal after losing his place in the team to David Raya.
However, a price tag of £68.6m is likely to prove prohibitive if the Gunners followed the lead of CIES’ research.