New research has revealed just how much the most expensive XI players in Europe would cost if they were to move clubs this summer.

Analysts at the Football Observatory have looked into various factors to determine which player is the most expensive in each position, producing a first XI which would cost over £560 million to assemble.


Variables such as achievement, age, contract length, international experience and official historic transfer fees were all taken into account to come up with a single transfer fee.

Lionel Messi leads the way as the most expensive player on the planet – the Argentinian would cost almost £185 million to purchase this summer.

His fierce rival Cristiano Ronaldo is way behind and is worth ‘only’ £86.87 million – although that is largely down to the fact he only has two years left on his contract while Messi recently penned a new long-term deal.

Only three Premier League players make the team, with Manchester United’s David de Gea (£22.19m) between the posts, and Chelsea’s Eden Hazard (£47.18m) and Tottenham ace Gareth Bale (£36.98m) in midfield.

Barcelona is the best represented club with four players in the team – Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba. Best Player in Europe Award winner Andres Iniesta is a suprise omission.

Chelsea and Manchester City transfer target Edinson Cavani is the only player to make the team from Serie A and is valued at £49.56m – just a few million less than the fee Chelsea have reportedly agreed to pay Napoli for his services.

Europe’s Most Expensive XI

GK: David De Gea (Manchester United) £22.19m

RB: Philipp Lahm (Bayern) £17.68m

CB: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid) £35.19m

CB: Gerard Pique (Barcelona) £29.07m

LB: Jordi Alba (Barcelona) £21.59m

RM: Eden Hazard (Chelsea) £47.18m

CM: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona) £33.07m

LM: Gareth Bale (Tottenham) £36.98m

RF Edison Cavani (Napoli) £49.56m

CF: Lionel Messi (Barcelona) £184.79m

LF: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) £86.87m

Total: £564.15m

SO MUCH MONEY.