480 updates
©TM/IMAGO
With less than a week to go ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, Transfermarkt has updated the market values of 480 players playing in Spain’s LaLiga. At the very top, there have been some significant changes. At the very top, with a market value increase of €20m to €200m is 17-year-old Barcelona wunderkind Lamine Yamal. The Barca superstar replaced Vinicius Junior, whose €200m market value last season set a new benchmark. But the Brazilian could never confirm that value and, as a result, dropped significantly.
“Last season, Vinicius was absolute world-class and deserved his market value evaluation,” Transfermarkt Market Value Coordinator Spain, Tobias Blaseio, said. “This season, he started strong as well, but then his performances dropped significantly, and his worldwide status dropped accordingly. Within the dynamic of the team and playing with his new attacking partner Kylian Mbappé, the Brazilian struggled to stand out. For a player of his class, he was just not good enough.” Vinicius is down by 15% from €200m to now €170m.
Also down in market value is Vini Jr.’s Brazilian compatriot Rodrygo. “His development was similar to that of Vinicius,” Blaseio said. “In the second half of the season, he really struggled. At times, you could see his qualities in the Champions League this spring, but in the league, he had no impact. Players with a market value of €100m have to fulfil certain expectations, and Rodrygo hasn’t met them in a long time. Despite that, there is a willingness in the market to pay a large fee for his profile, but whether that fee is in the €100m range remains to be seen.” As a result, Rodrygo drops by 10% from €100m to €90m.
LaLiga market values: Mbappé reverses trend – Yamal sets new benchmark
Other downgrades at Real Madrid also include Aurélien Tchouaméni (-€5m to €75m) and Eduardo Camavinga (-€10m to €60m). But it wasn’t all bad news for the French contingent at Real Madrid. Superstar striker Mbappé reversed his trend and, after a downgrade to €170m earlier in the spring, is now back up to €180m. “The Frenchman had a difficult start in Madrid and wasn’t able to win the titles for which he joined the club,” Blaseio said. “But his personal statistics have returned to a world-class level. Next season’s success will depend on whether he can work in Real’s cosmos. In Xabi Alonso, a coach will arrive who will demand a significant investment all over the pitch from Mbappé.”
Either way, together with Jude Bellingham (unchanged), Mbappé is now the second most valuable player in the league. Both Real stars are, however, overshadowed by Barcelona wonderkid Yamal. Last year, Yamal led Spain to the European Championship title. This year, he scored 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 games across all competitions. With German head coach Hansi Flick in charge and Yamal orchestrating the attack, Barcelona dominated LaLiga and won the Spanish Cup. In the Champions League, Barça exited the competition in spectacular fashion against Inter Milan. Although the triumph in Europe didn’t materialise, Yamal, at 17, had another incredible season and with a market value increase of 11.1%, is now the only €200m player in LaLiga.
“Only 17, Yamal continues to write football history, after winning the Euros, he played another strong season that was crowned with the league title,” Blaseio said. “He was also brilliant in the Champions League. A spectacular player, Yamal doesn’t need to be compared to some of the best players in the world. Yamal has his own style that leaves the fans in awe. You can only hope that he maintains his innocence and remains injury-free. His recent contract renewal to 2031 only underlines his status within the club.” Yamal isn’t the only Barca player with an upgrade. Notable upgrades include Pedri (+€20m to €140m), Raphinha (+€10m to €90m), and Pau Cubarsí (+€10m to €80m).
LaLiga market value updates: Baena, Rodríguez and Jauregizar on the rise
Elsewhere, three talents stood out. At Villarreal, Álex Baena saw his market value increase by 10% from €50m to €55m. “Baena is on the verge of joining Atlético Madrid for €55m,” Blaseio said. “At Villarreal, he has become one of the most creative players in the league and is now a part of the Spanish national team. His departure underlines Villarreal’s positive development. The club will play in the Champions League next season. For Baena, it is a crucial next step in his development because at Atlético, he will have to prove himself at a new level.”
Another player to watch is Jesús Rodríguez from Real Betis. The 19-year-old has scored five goals and four assists in 44 games across all competitions for the UEFA Conference League finalist. “He is one of the breakthrough stars of the season,” Blaseio said. “As a speedy winger, he is often compared to club legend Joaquín. There is a longing for new club legends, and as a result, young players are often under significant pressure. But Betis have tried to take off the pressure, and in Pellegrini, the club has an experienced coach that can help guide the talent.” Rodríguez sees his market value increase from €10m to now €30m. A massive jump of €20m.
Finally, there is Athletic Bilbao talent Mikel Jauregizar. “He is the latest name coming out of the Basque talent school,” Blaseio said. “The 21-year-old central midfielder received a new contract until 2031 without an exit clause. In addition, Jauregizar received the no.18 from club legend Oscar de Marcos, who will retire this summer. This season, Jauregizar has increasingly become a crucial player. In the future, especially in the Champions League, he will become a fundamental part of the team.” With all that in mind, Jauregizar’s market value is up by €10m from €20m to €30m.
How Transfermarkt market values work
The Transfermarkt market values are calculated, taking into account various pricing models. A major factor is the Transfermarkt community, whose members discuss and evaluate player market values in detail. In general, the Transfermarkt market values are not to be equated with transfer fees.
The goal is not to predict a price but an expected value of a player in a free market. Both individual transfer modalities and situational conditions are relevant in determining market values. Examples of this are listed below. Transfermarkt does not use an algorithm (you can find the detailed market value definition here).
