KYLIAN MBAPPE’S MOVE to Paris Saint-Germain has been named the worst-value deal of the transfer window, while Mohamed Salah’s switch to Liverpool is the best bargain.
The CIES Football Observatory has released analysis on the deals conducted in the last window, which found PSG got the worst value of transfers in Europe’s top-five leagues in landing Mbappe from Monaco in an initial loan that they will make permanent for €180 million.
Their algorithm, which “scientifically estimates fair transfer values” rated Mbappe, 18, to be worth €92.6m, meaning PSG will overpay by €87.4m in the deal, once add-ons have been taken into account.
Liverpool, meanwhile, landed the best bargain, according to the Observatory, with Salah bought from Roma for a cool €50m despite being valued at €69.4m.
Other teams guilty of overpaying were Barcelona and Manchester City. The analysis showed Ousmane Dembele, whose total cost could reach €147m, was added for a fee that was €51.2m higher than a fair value of €95.8m.
City, meanwhile, splashed out €57.5m on Benjamin Mendy, who was listed as a €28.5m talent.
Pep Guardiola’s side were also on the wrong end of another deal. Of the sides to land the best bargains after Liverpool’s move to add Salah, Sevilla’s signing of Nolito from City for €10m — when he had been valued at €27.4m — came in second.
Chelsea’s €39m move for Antonio Rudiger, who was rated as a €54.2m player, was third-most shrewd addition.
The CIES Football Observatory said: “As usual, a negative gap was measured between amounts paid and values estimated.
“On average, the former were 30% lower than the latter. It is the biggest difference observed since the implementation of the transfer value algorithm. This finding reflects an acceleration of the inflation occurring in the transfer market.”
Subscribe to The42 podcasts here:
What a man..great write up.
What a man, great attitude, great story.
So so strong, inspirational story Christy and well written.
You’ve got a purpose in life after such tragic events, keep up the tremendous work you were put here for !! Making such a difference to all those other lives.
Some story .
Has to be one of our best sportsmen across the codes, inspirational story.
Great lad and regrets really are futile.
This guy has a more full life than most perfect health people.
How many folks work in an office drive come home watch Netflix, having 2 legs or 1 leg would make little difference to many able body people’s lives, from the routine I see a lot of people living out
Grew up with Christy, such a great lad ,UP THE FLATS
My brother played in the same Ballymun United team as Christy. I loved watching that team play, Christy was a magic player and an absolute gent.