Major Football Transfers See Sharp Declines in Value: Kolo Muani, Osimhen, Neymar and More Among Top Losers

As 2024 comes to a close, football clubs worldwide are preparing for the January transfer window. However, recent findings have revealed some surprising and significant declines in player values over the past year, including high-profile names like Neymar, Leroy Sané, and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli. These drops have raised questions about how transfers can go wrong, even when large sums of money are involved.

One of the most notable drops in value this year was that of Randal Kolo Muani. The French forward joined Paris Saint-Germain in a £76.4m move from Eintracht Frankfurt during the previous summer window. However, his performances in France have not lived up to expectations, and his market value has plummeted by a staggering £33 million. After an impressive World Cup campaign with France, Kolo Muani seemed poised for success, but his struggles at PSG have led to this sharp decline in worth.

In a similar vein, Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian forward who was heavily linked to Chelsea during the summer, has also seen his value drop dramatically. Initially seen as one of the hottest prospects in European football, his failure to secure a transfer to the Premier League and his subsequent loan move to Galatasaray have caused his value to drop by £29 million. Meanwhile, Leroy Sané of Bayern Munich has experienced a similar downfall. His reduced role at the club, after the arrival of Michael Olise, has meant less game time and fewer goals, contributing to a £29 million decrease in his transfer value.

The top five list of players who suffered the biggest declines includes Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian forward, who has been crucial in the Gunners’ recent successes, has faced criticism for his recent performances. Despite his contribution to the team, his form has dipped, resulting in a £24 million decrease in his transfer value. Fellow Bundesliga star Kingsley Coman, who plays for Bayern Munich, is in the same situation, with his value also dropping by £24 million due to limited playtime and inconsistent performances.

Neymar, who moved to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia in 2023, is another high-profile player whose value has seen a significant decrease. Injuries have plagued his time in Saudi Arabia, where he has only appeared in a handful of matches. After a lengthy absence due to an ACL injury, Neymar’s return to the pitch was short-lived as he picked up another injury in the Asian Champions League, further hindering his marketability. His transfer value has consequently dropped by £24 million, highlighting the risks associated with injuries.

Other notable names in the list of transfer value drops include Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich, Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar, and Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa, with each player losing significant value throughout the year. Additionally, players like Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, and Christopher Nkunku also find themselves on the list of value losers, with injuries, lack of playing time, or underwhelming performances contributing to their falls from grace.

The year 2024 has provided plenty of lessons for clubs and fans alike about the volatility of football transfers. Even the biggest names in the sport are not immune to market shifts, underscoring the need for careful consideration when making high-profile signings. As the January transfer window approaches, these players’ declining values may influence their future moves and the decisions of interested clubs.

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