Última actualización 29 junio, 2021 por Alberto Llopis
Over the past couple of decades, football clubs have become increasingly business-like in their approach. The game is awash with money and many clubs, particularly those in the Premier League, have become global moneymaking machines. According to Deloitte, the top 20 clubs accrued a combined $8.2 billion during the 2019-20 season, and there are many ways in which these iconic franchises are able to make their money.
Aside from stadium admissions, the majority of the income will be amassed through TV revenue, merchandise sales as well as corporate sponsorship deals. The latter has certainly become more commonplace in recent years, with many clubs now sponsored by gambling companies. Betting has become synonymous with the sport over the past couple of seasons and over two million bets were placed on Euro 2016. The total number of bets is expected to increase once again this summer and with odds comparison sites and comprehensive guides on how to bet on football widely available online, betting sites are expected to capitalize on this growing trend throughout Euro 2020.
With an extraordinary amount of money being made on a daily basis, clubs such as Barcelona, PSG and Manchester United are able to use their financial muscle to attract the best players to the club. Although they are often costly assets, these stars often attract plenty of global interest and tend to be regulars on the international stage. We’ve picked out seven of the most expensive players who will be showcasing their significant ability at Euro 2020.
Kylian Mbappe
The winner of the 2017 ‘Golden Boy’ award has become one of the most recognizable players in the world. He is reported to make over $20million annually and cost PSG around £145million. He moved to the French capital initially on a loan deal with the club subsequently executing their option to purchase following an impressive first season at the Parc des Princes.
Having finished the 2020-21 season as the division’s top goal-scorer (27 goals), his performances in both the Champions League and at Euro 2020 are likely to have further inflated his price tag.
Kevin de Bruyne
The Belgium playmaker is widely regarded as the world’s most talented midfielder and has an estimated market value of around £90million. Having recently extended his stay at Manchester City until 2025, he is now believed to be earning over £300,000 a week at the Etihad Stadium.
Although the 2020-21 season wasn’t his strongest, he still managed to accumulate six goals and 12 assists in the Premier League. His superb match-winning strike against Denmark at Euro 2020 is also likely to increase his market value.
Harry Kane
It’s been a frustrating group stage for England’s Harry Kane, however, the striker remains one of the deadliest finishers in Europe and is believed to be worth around £150million. At the time of writing (June 2021), negotiations between Spurs and Manchester City are still ongoing with the North London side believed to be holding out for around £200million.
Although many fans don’t believe that Chairman Daniel Levy will get his wish, Kane’s potential switch to the Etihad is likely to break a number of transfer records.
Romelu Lukaku
The Belgian striker moved from Manchester United to Inter for a fee of £73m, although his value has exponentially increased over the last twelve months. Although the forward is likely to remain at the San Siro for the foreseeable, his recent form is likely to have pushed up his potential price tag.
He netted 24 times and claimed 11 assists last season and was noticeably leaner and sharper working under Antonio Conte. His Serie A exploits coupled with his three Group Stage strikes will have elevated his value further and if he can help fire Belgium to the latter stages of the competition, he has the potential to push the £100million mark.
Jadon Sancho
Although he’s barely featured for the Three Lions, Jadon Sancho remains one of the most valuable players at Euro 2020. At the time of writing (June 2021), negotiations are ongoing between Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United with the fee believed to be in the region of around £80million. Initially believed to be worth around £108m, the 21-year old’s lack of progress last season has slightly reduced his price tag, however, he’s still one of the most expensive and sought-after players at this year’s tournament.
Joao Felix
The Portuguese star swapped Benfica for Atletico Madrid in 2019 with the fee for the winger believed to be around £122million. He scored seven times in La Liga and also notched three times in the Champions League. The La Liga champions are believed to have rejected a £135m bid from an unnamed Premier League club last summer and although his minutes were limited at Euro 2020, his value remains exceptionally high.
Frankie de Jong
The central midfielder is currently valued at £81m and is one of the Europe’s hottest properties. His market value is higher than the majority of his La Liga peers and with further development expected over the next twelve months, his value is unlikely to decrease anytime soon.
He scored three times for Barcelona last season, and with a pass accuracy of almost 92%, he established himself as one of the most competent midfielders in the Spanish top flight. He featured four times at Euro 2020 and although the Netherlands were eliminated in the round of 16, he has a bright future on the international stage.