Which English football player would draw the biggest transfer fee…
In recent years, Premier League teams have paid a premium price for young English players, with the likes of Andy Carroll, Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson – to name just few – all demanding huge fees.
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Reports in today’s Guardian suggest that Manchester City will renew their interest in Everton midfielder Ross Barkley come January, and hope to tempt the Toffees with a large bid.
That got us thinking, who is the most valuable English player. Below is our estimated top ten, taking into account – where possible – recent transfer values or speculation:
10) Danny Welbeck (Arsenal, £16m)
Arsenal’s £16m deadline day signing is still young at 23, and has show flashes of his ability for club and country in recent years. The former Manchester United forward could be key to both the Gunners and England in the future.
9) Joe Hart (Manchester City, £20m)
The 27-year-old is only just coming into his best years, and is already highly experienced at the top level of football. With good goalkeepers at a premium, Hart would likely demand a healthy fee were he to ever leave City.
8) Jordan Henderson (Liverpool, £20m)
Liverpool’s new vice-captain is continually growing and improving and has consistently impressed over the last couple of seasons. His value is admittedly fairly irrelevant, as he is unlikely to be sold anytime soon, but realistically he is now worth at least the fee the Reds paid for him back in 2011.
7) Adam Lallana (Liverpool, £25m)
There are plenty of critics who said that Liverpool overpaid on Lallana, who arrived at Anfield from Southampton this summer, but like it or not this is his current market value. After missing the start of the season through injury he will need to work hard to justify it in the coming months.
6) Jack Wilshere (Arsenal, £25m)
Arguably worth less than he would have been three of four years ago when he first came to the fore. With his injury issues seemingly behind him for now, and his performances starting to improve, the 22-year-old’s value will begin to rise once again.
5) Luke Shaw (Manchester United, £30m)
Another summer signing who many would label as ‘overpriced’. He’s yet to get his chance in a Manchester United shirt this season, but will be hoping to justify his tagline as the world’s most expensive teenager. The former Southampton star could prove to be a cornerstone for club and country for years to come.
4) Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool, £35m)
He may have already played for Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, but only at Anfield (and possibly Bolton) has Sturridge proved why he is one of the best strikers in the country. If the Reds were to ever let him go, he would likely cost at least three times what Brendan Rodgers paid for him back in 2013.
3) Wayne Rooney (Manchester United, £40m)
The England and Manchester United captain is now 28, and his value is dropping as he ages. But whatever you think of him and his recent performances, you can’t argue with his outstanding goal record for club and county. Many teams across Europe would still bite your hand off to add him to their squad.
2) Ross Barkley (Everton, £50m)
City were interested in buying Barkley in the close season but would not countenance paying Everton’s asking price of £50m. The Manchester club consider the 20-year-old to be worth more around the £30m mark, and in a way they will have been helped that an injury has restricted him from turning in more excellent performance to increase his value.
1) Raheem Sterling (Liverpool, £60m)
He may only be 19-years-old, but he is already a key man for both club and county, offering the versatility of playing out wide or behind the striker(s) with his lightning pace. With 82 games already under his belt for Liverpool, there is only more to come from one of the most exciting youngsters of recent years.
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