We waited what felt like decades for the first £100million transfer – and now we’ve had several in a short space of time after Neymar broke the transfer market with his £200m move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
Now even under-performing players like Paul Pogba or wonderkids in their first season like Joao Felix are talked up as £100m+ players, but what about the bargains that are still out there?
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Despite the super-clubs able to spend whatever they like on players, there are still signs of smart recruitment of some lesser-known talents that have seen clubs like Liverpool and Tottenham over-achieve.
The likes of Dele Alli, Andrew Robertson and Georginio Wijnaldum did not perhaps look world class before their moves, with their clubs able to spot their potential early and bring them in for bargain fees, with their market value since sky-rocketing.
So what players are out there right now who could move for not-crazy money this summer? We’ve got a list of ten talents below that could all be available for less than £50m that clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal simply have to look at this summer if they are to compete with the big boys on smaller budgets…
Hakim Ziyech – £25m
Ajax’s player of the year, Hakim Ziyech has been one of many outstanding performers for the Dutch giants as they won the Eredivisie and made it to the Champions League semi-finals.
Ziyech’s flair, creativity and eye for goal made him a key player for the club as they staged major upsets to knock out Real Madrid and Juventus, and it’s little wonder the Mirror have linked him with the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal.
Another Mirror report has also stated the Morocco international has a release clause of just £25m, meaning he’s likely to be one of the best bargains out there this summer and a player within reach even for those not backed by mega-wealthy owners.
David Brooks – £40m
One of the most exciting young talents in the Premier League right now, Bournemouth’s David Brooks has had an eye-catching campaign and looks set to become the subject of transfer gossip columns everywhere for the next few months.
The Sun claim Arsenal and Tottenham are admirers of the £40m-rated Welshman, and while that seems a lot for one so relatively inexperienced, it shouldn’t take too long for that to look like peanuts.
Brooks could undoubtedly fit in well at a bigger club with his technical and intelligent style of play, and developing under someone like Mauricio Pochettino would surely give him the chance to become one of Europe’s best.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – £40m
Another highly promising young player coming through in the Premier League right now, Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka looks a player worth investing in this summer.
The Sun have linked him as a £40m target for Manchester United, and they should probably go ahead and pay it before that asking price inevitably rises.
A real all-rounder and still only 21 years of age, Wan-Bissaka has all the ingredients to be a star for whatever club he joins for the next decade or more.
Ryan Fraser – £20m
With just over a year to run on his current contract, Ryan Fraser looks another player who could move on the cheap this summer.
The Daily Mirror have linked the Scotland international with Arsenal after a superb season in the Premier League, stating he could cost as little as £20m.
For a player with eight goals and 14 assists in all competitions who’s yet to hit his peak years, that would surely end up being a brilliant piece of business for the Gunners.
Nicolo Zaniolo – £40m
Still only 19 years of age, Nicolo Zaniolo has shown himself to be a terrific prospect for Roma and is already attracting Premier League interest.
The Mirror have linked the young Italian as a £40m target for Tottenham, and seems to perfectly fit both their style of play on the pitch and their recruitment philosophy off it.
If Spurs can snap him up for that kind of price, it really might not be too long before he’s worth double that.
Daniel James – £15m
A deal that may already be close, Daniel James has shone in the Championship with Swansea City and could be the next player to make the step up from the lower leagues to the top flight.
The Evening Standard claim Manchester United are chasing the young Welshman in a £15million deal that looks to be progressing well.
And if the 21-year-old can prove to be the next Dele Alli or James Maddison, that will end up being a rare piece of clever and sensible recruitment by Man Utd.
William Saliba – £25m
£25m seems a lot to pay for an 18-year-old, but Goal claim Saint-Etienne wonderkid William Saliba is a top target for Arsenal.
The teenage centre-back has also been linked with Manchester United by Le 10 Sport in the past, so it seems clear he’s a big talent that won’t be staying where he is for much longer.
He’s not the only teen CB star of this season as Ajax’s Matthijs de Ligt also shows he’s ready for superstardom, but it looks like he’ll cost a fraction of what teams are expected to pay for the Dutchman.
Andre Onana – £35m
Linked by the Daily Record as a potential Manchester United transfer target to replace David de Gea, it’s claimed Ajax’s impressive young goalkeeper Andre Onana could cost just £35m this summer.
The 23-year-old has played a key role in Ajax’s success this season and seems a sensible option for clubs to pursue if they’re after a new ‘keeper for next season.
By contrast, Jan Oblak would cost £105m if a recent ESPN report linking him as another target for United is to be believed.
Julian Brandt – £21.5m
With double figures for goals and assists this season, 23-year-old Julian Brandt looks another potential bargain in the upcoming transfer window.
According to Sport Bild, translated by the Mirror, Liverpool have shown an interest in the Bayer Leverkusen star with a release clause of just £21.5m.
That’s quite frankly a steal and other clubs should surely be joining the Reds in showing an interest in a player who would surely leave for over £50m if Leverkusen were able to charge it.
Donny van de Beek – £45m
Finally, another star of this Ajax side coming close to the £50m boundary, midfielder Donny van de Beek is starting to attract links with bigger clubs.
According to the Daily Mail, Bayern Munich and Tottenham are among the 22-year-old’s main admirers as he looks set to move for a fee of around £45m.
Clubs need to hurry up and get their bids in or that will rise quickly, with Van de Beek scoring 16 goals and contributing 12 assists this season, with more surely to come from the youngster.