EPL market values: Chukwueze up; Awoniyi down; Iwobi, Bassey, Haaland hold steady

Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze has emerged as the main winner among Super Eagles players after the latest Transfermarkt market value update for the Premier League, Afrik-Foot reports.

The respected football statistics platform reviewed the prices of hundreds of players in England’s top flight this March, and Chukwueze was the only Nigerian player whose value increased.

The 26-year-old winger saw his market value rise by €5 million, moving from €10 million to €15 million. The increase follows a series of impressive displays since joining Fulham on loan from AC Milan last summer.

Chukwueze has gradually become an important player for Fulham’s attack this season. In just 15 Premier League matches, he has already produced three goals and four assists, showing the kind of pace, skill and creativity that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting young wingers.

However, despite the improvement, Chukwueze is still some distance away from his career-highest valuation of €30 million, which he reached during his best years at Villarreal.

Fulham currently have the option to sign Chukwueze permanently at the end of his loan spell. Reports suggest the total cost of the deal could rise to €28 million including bonuses if the London club decide to activate the clause.

For now, the club has not made a final decision on the transfer. But if Chukwueze continues performing at the same level in the coming weeks, Fulham could seriously consider keeping the Nigerian winger beyond this season.

While Chukwueze enjoyed good news, the same cannot be said for fellow Nigerian forward Taiwo Awoniyi.

The Nottingham Forest striker saw his value drop from €12 million to €9 million in the new rankings. Awoniyi has struggled to maintain consistent form and fitness this season, which has affected his overall rating.

Other Nigerian players in the Premier League did not see any change in their market prices. Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Tolu Arokodare and Uche Christantus all kept the same values they had before the update.

Among them, Bassey remains the most valuable Nigerian player in the Premier League, with an estimated value of €28 million.

The Fulham defender has built a reputation as a strong and versatile centre-back who can also play as a left-back when needed. His consistency and physical presence have helped him maintain his high market value.

Premier League market values shift as Szoboszlai hits €100m

The update from Transfermarkt did not only affect Nigerian players. Across the entire Premier League, 225 players had their market values adjusted, showing how quickly fortunes can change in football.

Overall, the value of the league increased by €154 million, bringing the total value of all Premier League players to a massive €12.58 billion. This makes the English top flight the most valuable football league in the world.

One of the biggest winners in the new rankings is Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian star enjoyed a €15 million increase, pushing his value up to a remarkable €100 million.

Szoboszlai’s impressive performances in midfield have played a big role in Liverpool’s improved form this season. His new valuation also makes him the seventh most valuable player in the Premier League.

At Liverpool, he now shares the status of one of the club’s most valuable players alongside Alexander Isak, while also becoming one of the most valuable central midfielders in world football.

However, not everyone had reasons to celebrate.

Two of England’s brightest stars saw their values fall slightly. Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka dropped by €10 million, bringing his value to €120 million, while Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer also lost €10 million, lowering his price to €110 million.

Another big fall came for Liverpool striker Alexander Isak, whose value dropped by €20 million to €100 million after a difficult period affected by injury and poor form.

Several other well-known players also experienced declines. Among them are Martin Ødegaard, Rodri, Cristian Romero, Xavi Simons, Anthony Elanga, and Dejan Kulusevski, who each saw their values fall by around €10 million.

Despite these individual changes, the Premier League continues to grow in financial strength.

Manchester City forward Erling Haaland remains the most valuable player in the division with €200 million valuation. Arsenal’s Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and Moisés Caicedo complete the top five in the Premier League.