5 players whose value will increase after the World Cup

If there is one thing that you can be sure of ahead of this summers World Cup, it is that scouts from all the European clubs will be scouring all corners of the globe to secure the signature of the players on their wish list. For, if they dont, before the World Cup starts, they might end up paying astronomical sums of money for the same player whom they could have had for not very much earlier.Here is a list of five players, whose stock is on the rise and whose value could skyrocket after the World Cup.

#5 Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon)

One of the main reasons why Lorient are inching towards mid-table security and are nine points clear of the drop zone is their talismanic Cameroonian forward Vincent Aboubakar. The 22-year-old’s 13 goals and six assists in his 31 League games have propelled Lorient’s surge up the Ligue 1 table.

His power, pace and passing have made him the focal point of Lorient’s attack. His form is likely to carry into the World Cup where he will spearhead Cameroon’s attack as they go up against the likes of Brazil, Croatia and Mexico. Although the Cameroonian’s current value is just under £4m, should he lead Cameroon into the next round and score some goals in the process, he price is sure to go through the roof.

#4 Alessio Cerci (Italy)

Not many apart from ardent Serie A followers, might have heard of Alessio Cerci. The truth is, they should, for the forward has been in fabulous in the current campaign for Torino. While it is true that he doesn’t play for one of the giants of the Italian game, his numbers are there for all to see. In his 30 League starts, Cerci’s 12 goals and 9 assists have meant that Torino have a legitimate shot at European football next season.

A naturally left footed player, with excellent technique and remarkable quickness, Cerci is highly versatile and can play either as a second striker or a winger. His preference for the right wing and his ability to cut inside and shoot have drawn comparisons with Arjen Robben. And if he impresses with the Italian national side,where he has become a regular, clubs are sure to be queuing up for his signature.

#3 Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)

At a time when Jose Mourinho constantly keeps harping on about his lack of a “real striker”, the fact that he let Romelu Lukaku go out on loan is certainly baffling. Whilst Chelsea continue struggle without a striker, Lukaku has certainly made a name for himself in the Premier League.

With 30 goals in his 60 League games for West Brom and Everton, Lukaku has developed into a “strong, powerful and clinical striker” that plenty of clubs are looking out for.

With the World Cup just around the corner and the Belgian in fantastic form, it isn’t beyond the realms of possibility that he might have a terrific tournament. An unfortunate injury to his team-mate Christian Benteke has increased the chances of his involvement. And the farther he leads Belgium, the more his price will increase.

With a move back to Chelsea unlikely, and the forward still only 20, expect some large sums of cash to be thrown at Chelsea for the signature of this bedazzling Belgian striker.

#2 Diego Costa (Spain)

“Quick, aggressive, raw, powerful and very explosive” Five words that perfectly describe Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa. Although he didn’t have a great footballing education, Costa has shown this season that sheer grit, determination and will to win are more important than any inherent ability. And it also helps, it you can channel that into goals. And that Costa has scored plenty this season, 32 in all competitions thus far.

With a goal scoring record like that, coupled with his intelligent running and ability to drop deep and support the defense, Costa has evolved into one of the most complete center forwards in Europe. His record hasn’t gone unnoticed. Plenty of clubs, including Liverpool have taken a keen interest in the 25-year-old striker whose price will surely rise if he caps off a spectacular season with a wonderful World Cup.

#1 Marco Reus (Germany)

Going by recent history, Borussia Dortmund should be genuinely concerned lest they become a feeder club. A club that develops world-class talents, only to be taken away from them, once they hit their peak. Nuri Sahin, Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski have all demonstrated just that. And it looks as though Marco Reus might also be leaving Dortmund after the World Cup.

Blessed with electric pace and outstanding ball control, you can certainly see why plenty of major European clubs are circling around the talented 24-year-old attacking midfielder. Although Dortmund wouldn’t be interested in selling their star player, should he have a good World Cup and a preposterous offer were to come in, it would at least make them think.

And with Reus already in double digits for both goals and assists this season, there is no reason to think why he wouldn’t continue that in the World Cup and walk away from Dortmund.