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Football fans worldwide are going through an incredible period in the history of the game. We consider ourselves lucky to be able to watch Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in action towards the end of their careers, while also being able to watch the young talents of the world develop into world-class commodities.
The transfer market has built a reputation for being absolutely unpredictable in the past. With the most recent window over the summer, the stakes only increased with regards to the limitless possibilities that exist for footballers to form their career paths.
On that note, let's take a look at the five most sought-after players in the transfer market currently.
#5 Dusan Vlahovic | Fiorentina
Dusan Vlahovic is one of the hottest commodities in world football right now.
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The Serbian has built quite a name for himself ever since he signed for Fiorentina. Originally from Partizan in Belgrade, Vlahovic signed for the Italian club in 2018 and has since exceeded expectations.
The 21-year-old has incredible goalscoring ability and is blessed with a killer instinct. Vlahovic had a comparatively quiet first year in Italy, but immediately followed it up with a season for the history books.
Vlahovic scored an impressive 21 goals in 37 Serie A appearances last season, drawing the attention of the world's biggest football clubs. He also won the Serie A Young Player of the Year award, cementing his place as one of the best youngsters in world football.
Several clubs attempted to sign the striker this summer, but a transfer failed to materialize for a multitude of reasons. With Vlahovic reportedly rejecting a contract extension offer from Fiorentina, there is no doubt he will be on the move next summer.
#4 Jude Bellingham | Borussia Dortmund
Jude Bellingham is another young player who has taken the world by storm with his performances.
He made his debut with Birmingham in 2019, where he spent a year before eventually leaving. From his performances in the EFL, it was evident that Bellingham was already miles ahead of the rest of the league.
Birmingham City's decision to retire his number (22) took headlines everywhere, drawing the attention of the world's premier football clubs. He eventually signed for Borussia Dortmund in 2020.
Blessed with an excellent understanding of the game, Bellingham displays maturity beyond his years on the football field. Playing in central midfield, he has been seriously impressive in the Bundesliga as well as with the English national team.
Still just 18 years old, Bellingham certainly has a long career ahead of him. Considering his English blood, he has often been likened to Jadon Sancho and others who inevitably end up playing in the Premier League over time.
With Dortmund's reputation for being a selling club, it is highly likely that Bellingham will move to a bigger club in the coming years.
#3 Federico Chiesa | Juventus
Federico Chiesa has emerged as one of the most sought-after names in world football.
The Italian youngster started his career with Fiorentina in 2016, where he spent three years. His performances earned him the appreciation of Juventus, who signed him on a loan deal in 2019.
Chiesa has been an incredible addition to the Juventus squad. In the two years with the Old Lady, he has already shown his importance, often performing when most needed.
He impressed with the Italian national team at UEFA Euro 2020, resulting in his stock growing even further. In 50 appearances for Juventus, he has already scored 16 goals and registered 11 assists. He also scored the match-winning goal in the Coppa Italia final earlier this year, ensuring Juventus took home the trophy.
Technically still on loan from Fiorentina, Juventus have the option to snap up the explosive winger permanently, while Chelsea were also ready to pay big bucks for the Italian youngster last summer.
While the interest in him is undeniable, Chiesa's next step is anyone's best guess.
#2 Erling Haaland | Borussia Dortmund
There isn't a single club in the world that wouldn't benefit from the addition of Erling Braut Haaland.
The Norwegian striker can only be described as a stunning player. An out-and-out forward, Haaland is certainly one of the best footballers in the world right now. Possessing a deadly combination of speed, power and finesse, it's fair to say there are very few defenders that can stop Haaland on his day.
Haaland has been touted as a generational footballer. The 21-year-old made his name with Molde in Norway before signing for Red Bull Salzburg in 2019. Haaland made quite the name for himself at Salzburg, consistently putting up world-class numbers.
His talent grabbed the eye of Borussia Dortmund, who signed the youngster in 2020 on a reported €20 million deal that has since been described as a bargain. In the time since, Haaland's goalscoring output has simply been phenomenal.
In 67 appearances for Dortmund, Haaland has already scored 68 goals and provided 19 assists, averaging over a goal a game. Being one of few players in the world with such a record, it comes as no surprise that Haaland is arguably the hottest property in world football right now.
Several clubs have shown interest in Haaland in the past couple of transfer windows, but a deal has yet to be struck with any club. Reports suggest that Haaland's contract has a release clause worth £68 million that will be activated next year.
With multiple clubs eyeing Haaland, it remains to be seen where the youngster will play in the coming seasons.
#1 Kylian Mbappe | Paris Saint-Germain
Kylian Mbappe is arguably the most sought-after player in the world currently.
Mbappe's career trajectory so far has been outstanding, to say the least. Starting out with Monaco, Mbappe enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame with the French outfit.
Despite playing with a comparatively weaker team, Mbappe made a habit of scoring brilliant goals consistently. His performances earned him a big-money move to Paris Saint-Germain, with the French youngster costing the club a reported €180 million, becoming the most expensive teenager in the world.
Since signing with PSG in 2018, Mbappe has enjoyed great success. He has already won three Ligue 1 titles with PSG, as well as three domestic cups. In his three years at the Parc des Princes, Mbappe already has 136 goals and 66 assists to his name.
Mbappe was also a key player in France's FIFA World Cup triumph in 2018, even scoring a goal in the final against Croatia. With such achievements and records to his name, it is easy to forget that Mbappe is still only 22 years old.
The Frenchman has openly admitted his desire to play for Real Madrid and Los Blancos have reciprocated their desire to sign the prodigy to a long-term contract.
Seemingly a match made in heaven, fans will have to wait until the next transfer window to see if Mbappe joins Real Madrid, or if some other club can hijack a deal that seems almost done in principle.
