CIES Name Liverpool Star as 6th Most Valuable in the World for January 2026

The CIES Football Observatory has released its latest statistical model assessing player transfer values as of January 6, 2026, placing a Liverpool star at 6th worldwide with an estimated value of €136 million[1]. This ranking highlights the rapid evolution in the global football market, driven by performance, age, contract length, and club stature.

Leading the top 10 are standout talents: FC Barcelona's Lamine Yamal tops recent lists at an extraordinary €402.3 million following his contract extension to 2031, showcasing his prodigious rise at just 18[2]. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) holds strong at 4th with €153 million, ahead of Bayern Munich's Michael Olise (€137m) and Liverpool's new signing Florian Wirtz (€136m), the latter securing 6th globally[1]. Rounding out the elite are Paris Saint-Germain duo Désiré Doué and João Neves, Real Madrid's Arda Güler, and Barcelona's Pedri González.

In the Premier League, Liverpool boasts multiple high-value players. Florian Wirtz ranks prominently, while Hugo Ekitike is 4th in the league at €124.1 million (~£107m), surpassing recent big-money arrival Alexander Isak, now valued at €95 million (~£82m) and 16th in the Premier League, 29th worldwide[1]. Newcastle's Nick Woltemade sits 5th in the Premier League at €120.5 million (~£104m), 15th globally, underscoring shifting valuations post-transfers.

CIES's model, a benchmark for clubs and analysts, factors in over 100 variables like playing time and international exposure. Liverpool's squad strength is evident, with four players outvaluing Isak, reflecting strategic recruitment amid a competitive market where Premier League 'Big Six' clubs dominate squad valuations (Liverpool 6th globally at €1.09 billion)[3]. These figures signal potential transfer fireworks ahead.

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