The CIES Football Observatory have used their statistics and data to compile a list of the players that were bought for peanuts in comparison with their true value.
Here is the top five, and the amount that their new clubs underpaid for them (via Metro):
5. Nathaniel Clyne £7.1m (Southampton to Liverpool)
The right-back joined Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, and Dejan Lovren in swapping St Mary’s for Anfield. Unlike the trio however, he looks to stand a very good chance of justifying the fee that the Reds paid for him – although Lallana has shown glimpses of his capabilities. Incredibly, the England international should have cost £7.1m more than the £12.5m Brendan Rodgers’ side spent on him (via BBC Sport), and has already given an indication that he will be a considerable upgrade on Glen Johnson.
4. Denis Suarez £7.1m (Barcelona to Villarreal)
With one of the best front six’s in world football, it is unlikely that Barcelona will mourn the fact that they let the 21-year-old move to their La Liga rivals for £7.1m less than his true value. The former Manchester City trainee failed to make a single appearance in the top flight for the Catalan giants, but has a loan spell at Sevilla under his belt.
3. Robin van Persie £8.3m (Manchester United to Fenerbahce)
Despite being incredible in his first season at Old Trafford – and helping the Red Devils to the Premier League title – van Persie’s time at United was plagued by niggling injuries. Nevertheless, he enjoyed a solid final campaign in England, scoring 10 times before completing his reported £3.84m move to Turkey (via ESPN).
With just Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial to call upon up front, Louis van Gaal may be wishing that he’d held onto his countryman, or at least sold him at a better price.
2. Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa £8.7m (Roma to Lyon)
The former Newcastle man only completed his permanent move to Roma in January, but clearly did not do enough in Italy to stop them selling him to Lyon in the summer. The France international could cost the Ligue 1 side £8m (via Daily Mail), but that will still be less than half of his true value.
1. Raheem Sterling £23.5m (Liverpool to Manchester City)
Although to many Man City paid a staggering amount when they spent £49m on bringing Raheem Sterling to the Etihad (via BBC Sport), it seems that they have actually bagged themselves a tremendous bargain, as he should have cost over £70m. He has already made a good start for his new club with one goal and one assist.
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