How Monaco could have lined up if they hadn’t sold their best players

Centre midfield - Fabinho (Liverpool)

Sporting CP v AS Monaco - Pre-Season Friendly

It was only earlier this summer that Fabinho left Monaco to cross the channel and move to Liverpool. The Brazilian was one of the real success stories of the Monaco business plan which has seen them sign lesser known players for low fees, then sell them on for massive profits.

Fabinho cost just £5.4 million when he left Rio Ave in 2015, but really made a name for himself in Ligue 1, and was sold to Liverpool for £40 million. The 24-year-old was sensational for Monaco in their run to the Champions League semi-final in 2017, and cemented his position as one of Europe’s top midfielders. He is yet to make a competitive appearance for Liverpool, but he will be a success in England.

Centre midfield - James Rodriguez (Bayern Munich)

James only had one season at Monaco

James was the first big-money sale that Monaco made after their return to Ligue 1 in 2013. Rodriguez lit up the World Cup with Colombia in 2014, winning the Golden Boot. This was enough to persuade Real Madrid to make him their newest Galactico, and they splashed out nearly £70 million to bring him to the Bernabeu.

Although he never really cemented a spot in the starting XI at Real, his talent is undeniable. He is an exceptional passer of the ball, and is one of the top creative players in the world. He is currently halfway through a two-year loan with Bayern Munich, where he is reminding everyone what he is capable of.

Centre midfield - Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

AS Monaco FC v Tottenham Hotspur FC - UEFA Champions League

With the majority of players that Monaco have sold in recent years, you would say that Monaco have done a good job of getting a high fee. However, given the current inflated fees that clubs are paying all around the world, £43 million looks a little light for a player of Bernardo’s quality.

The Portuguese midfielder is a fabulous footballer, who is as capable on the ball as any midfielder in the world right now. He didn’t set the world alight in his debut season in England, but given his start to the new season, and Kevin de Bruyne’s injury, he could be in for a huge season at City.