Market values Argentina: Top talent Almada and River striker Borré among biggest winners
Transfermarkt.com.ar has updated the market values of Argentina’s Copa de la Liga Profesional de Fútbol. Following the promotions of CA Platense and CA Sarmiento, the South American country’s new top division includes 26 teams and 791 players competing in the competition in the first half of the year.
Following the global market value cut caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, Argentinian teams have seen their market values increase a bit again. In many cases, this is due to outstanding performances in international competitions and the Copa Diego Armando Maradona.
For example, Argentina’s most valuable player showed very good performances in the Copa Sudamericana. Thiago Almada, playmaker of Vélez Sarsfield, is now valued at €20 million after an increase of €2 million. The 19-year-old has shown personality in key moments, which combined with his talent makes him perhaps the most promising player in the national team at the moment. It is not for nothing that the talent of the Liniers has already aroused the interest of FC Barcelona and Manchester City.
Second place continues to be occupied by Nicolás De La Cruz of River Plate. His performances at Los Millonarios improved remarkably since his arrival three and a half years ago. Today, he is one of the most important players in River head coach Marcelo Gallardo’s system and the most valuable among many highly rated players at the club. De La Cruz increased his market value by €6 million to €18 million, which at the same time should make the attacking midfielder particularly interesting for European clubs. His contract with River Plate expires in the summer, only 14 players to whom this also applies have an even higher market value – including Lionel Messi.
The podium is completed by two players: Cristian Pavón and Santos Borré, both valued at €15 million. After his loan spell at LA Galaxy, Pavón returned to Boca Juniors in early 2021 and was not part of this market value update. He has already been revalued in the MLS (December 18, 2020). The winger was one of the best players in the league in the year and a half he spent in LA. In 35 games, he scored 14 goals and provided nine assists.
On the other hand, Borré has performed consistently well for River Plate in recent months. The Colombian, who was brought to Europe by Atlético once and then moved on to River Plate in 2017, offers a work ethic and intensity that is unusual for many centre-forwards, and is already the top scorer under Gallardo. He adds €5 million to his market value.
Youngsters lead Argentina’s rankings – Velasco the biggest winner
The average age of the ten most valuable players in Argentina’s top division is 21.2 years – compared to 26.4 years in the Premier League and 25.6 years in Spain’s La Liga. Among the 20 most valuable players in Argentina are eight footballers who are 20 years old or younger.
Almada, Sarmiento & Co. The most valuable U21 players in Argentina Click here for overview The aforementioned Almada is joined by promising talents such as left winger Alan Velasco of Independiente, the biggest winner of the update with an increase of €9.3 million to €12 million, defensive midfielder Fausto Vera (+€2 million to €11 million) of Argentinos Juniors, right winger Pedro de La Vega (+€1 million to €10 million) of Copa Sudamericana finalists Lanús and Matías Palacios of San Lorenzo de Almagro. The first three increased their market value, while Palacios’ is downgraded by €1 million to €8 million, as he is yet to find consistency in his position in attacking midfield.
The most valuable experienced players: Andrada & Armani on top
Meanwhile, among the 50 most valuable players in the Copa de la Liga Profesional de Fútbol, only six players are over 30 years old. The peculiarity is that they all play for Boca or River, four for the former, two for Gallardo’s side. With a market value of €8 million, the first place among the veterans goes to Esteban Andrada. The 30-year-old Boca Juniors goalkeeper and Argentina international has always performed well and is a key player for the titleholders.
Former Benfica and Atlético winger Eduardo Salvio is now in second place at €7 million after a small increase of €0.5 million, closely followed by River Plate players Franco Armani and Ignacio Fernández, both valued at €6 million. Armani, Argentina’s first-choice keeper, confirmed his market value and is among the five most valuable goalkeepers in his age class behind Manuel Neuer (€18 million) and Hugo Lloris (€12 million), among others. Fernández was downgraded by €0.5 million due to his age.
- Date of birth/Age:
- Apr 26, 2001 (23)
- Nat.:
- Current club:
- Atlanta United FC
- Contract until:
- Dec 31, 2026
- Position:
- Attacking Midfield
- Market Value:
- €27.00m
- Date of birth/Age:
- Sep 15, 1995 (28)
- Nat.:
- Current club:
- Sport Club Internacional
- Contract until:
- Dec 31, 2028
- Position:
- Centre-Forward
- Market Value:
- €8.00m
- Total Market Value:
- €75.45m
- Competition:
- Professional Football League
- Position:
- 11.
- Manager:
- Diego Martínez
- Squad size:
- 30
- Latest Transfer:
- Lautaro Blanco
- Total Market Value:
- €97.55m
- Competition:
- Professional Football League
- Position:
- 1.
- Manager:
- Martín Demichelis
- Squad size:
- 29
- Latest Transfer:
- Agustín Sant'Anna