To assume that the best talent exists only in Europe’s top five leagues is setting yourself up for disappointment. The truth is, there are plenty of talented footballers present in the Eredivisie, Portuguese league, as well as South America.
And in this article, we will take a look at the most highly valued players outside the top five leagues in Europe’s top five leagues.
Top 10 most valuable players outside Europe’s top five leagues
10. Sebastian Haller (€39.6m)
Haller has been able to revive his career after a disappointing spell with West Ham United. This season with Ajax, he has scored 33 goals across all competitions, with 11 of them coming in the Champions League.
9. Charles De Ketelaere (€39.9m)
The 21-year-old seems to be the next big thing from Belgium. He has AC Milan, Leicester City, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United trying to sign him. The youngster can play in midfield as well as the frontline, and has scored 14 goals this season.
8. Diogo Costa (€41.4m)
Diogo Costa is Porto’s number 1 goalkeeper, and at 22, is shaping up to be a huge prospect. The Brazilian could be the next to stand between the sticks for his country, with remarkable distribution ability.
7. Goncalo Ramos (€42.9m)
Ramos is an exciting young attacker, currently at Benfica. He has scored seven times this season in 28 total appearances, with 12 of them coming off the bench.
6. Pedro Goncalves (€49.2m)
The former Wolves midfielder is being dubbed the next Bruno Fernandes due to his ability to score from behind the striker. The Sporting CP midfielder has been in fine form, racking up over 20 goal contributions across all competitions.
5. Matheus Nunes (€49.5m)
Yet another Sporting CP talent, Nunes has had his market value rise after public praise from Pep Guardiola. The midfielder impressed in their Round of 16 tie against Manchester City, and is now in the top five of the list. Despite interest from several clubs in Europe’s top five leagues, he wants to continue with Sporting for as long as possible.
4. Cody Gakpo (€49.7m)
Cody Gakpo is making a name for himself with PSV Eindhoven. The youngster won the KNVB Cup with his team ahead of a possible summer exit, and is among the best young wingers in the Eredivisie.
3. Goncalo Inacio (€52.2m)
Most of the talent beyond Europe’s top five leagues lie in the Netherlands and Portugal. Goncalo Inacio has been an asset for Sporting for several years, despite being linked away strongly.
2. Antony Dos Santos (€57.5m)
Watching Antony terrorise defenders in the Netherlands is a sight like no other. The winger has scored 12 goals across all competitions, and could earn a move to Manchester United, following Erik Ten Hag.
1. Darwin Nunez (€70.7m)
Darwin Nunez is the most expensive player outside Europe’s top five leagues. The Benfica centre-forward is being strongly linked with an exit at the end of the season, with Liverpool being strong contenders for him. He is a very versatile forward, and could be a huge asset for any top club in Europe.
