10 players with the biggest decline in market value - January 2022

#7 Clement Lenglet

Real Betis Balompie v FC Barcelona - La Liga

Clement Lenglet’s performances in his first season at Barcelona seemed to solve the club's centre-back dilemma. With Gerrard Pique aging and Umtiti struggling, Lenglet seemed to be a stalwart in defense. However, poor performances spanning back to the 2019-20 season have depleted his confidence greatly.

According to WhoScored, Clement Lenglet was the only player in the 2020-21 season across the top five leagues to score an own goal, get sent off, commit an error leading to a goal and concede a penalty. Lenglet’s market value, which was €50 million, has now dropped to €14 million.

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#6 Neymar Jr.

RB Leipzig v Paris Saint-Germain: Group A - UEFA Champions League

Neymar left Barcelona for PSG in 2017 for a massive fee of €222 million. Five years later, this remains the world’s most expensive transfer deal. Among other accolades, Neymar won two La Liga titles, one Champions League, and three Spanish Cups with Blaugrana.

Part of the beloved “MSN” attacking trio at Barcelona, Neymar was among the best players in the world. Much to the dismay of fans, his goal contributions over the years at PSG have dwindled. Injuries have also played a role in the 29-year-old’s decline in form.

Previously valued at €128 million, Neymar was one of the most valuable players in the world. He has seen a drastic drop in his market price and is now worth €90 million. The Brazilian has scored 3 goals and provided 3 assists in 14 appearances across all competitions for PSG this season. Based on the Brazilian’s ability, one would expect a much higher output.

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#5 Joao Felix

Atletico Madrid v FC Porto: Group B - UEFA Champions League

Joao Felix began his career at Porto’s youth academy before moving to rivals Benfica in 2015. He rapidly rose to glory and helped the club win the league title in his first season, in which he was also the top goalscorer.

Felix was then picked up by Atletico Madrid, who paid a staggering €126 million for the Portuguese. This makes Felix one of the most expensive players in the world. Felix's worth in the market was €100 million but has now fallen to €60 million.

The 22-year-old has not been able to replicate his best form in La Liga and has not been a regular starter. Injuries have given him limited chances to make an impression and there is also increased competition in the first-team. Diego Simeone hasn't ruled out a transfer for the Portuguese starlet. Felix has also recently been linked with a move to Manchester City.

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#4 Lionel Messi

Paris Saint Germain v Lille OSC - Ligue 1 Uber Eats

Lionel Messi broke millions of Barcelona hearts when he signed for Paris Saint-Germain at the start of the 2021-22 season. After a whopping 778 appearances at Barcelona, he signed for PSG on a free transfer. Based on his other-worldly abilities, however, he has not been able to make much of an impact at PSG.

Messi’s market value which was €100 million has now dropped to €60 million. While age is a prime factor in this sharp decline, Messi’s recent performances haven’t been the kind we are used to. The Argentine has scored just 1 goal and provided 5 assists in 11 appearances for PSG in the league.