The Europa League’s most expensive starting XI is worth over £600 million based on market value, with a midfield worth a combined £205 million, according to Transfermarkt.
Most Expensive Europa League XI
The majority of the XI is controlled by AC Milan, Liverpool, and Bayern Leverkusen, with a total of nine players from these clubs. The remaining positions are filled by standout players from West Ham and Benfica. Here’s the starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan – AC Milan (£38.5 million)
As per Transfermarkt, Mike Maignan’s current market value stands at £38.5 million. Since his pivotal role in clinching the Ligue 1 title with Lille in 2021, he secured a transfer to AC Milan, one of Italy’s football powerhouses.
Since his move to Italy, Maignan has consistently been acknowledged as one of the world’s best goalkeepers, renowned for his exceptional shot-stopping prowess and impressive distribution abilities.
Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold – Liverpool (£60 million)
Trent Alexander-Arnold is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, although his market value is relatively cheap for one of Europe’s elite, being only £60 million. He’s renowned for his remarkable crossing skills and creative ability, contributing significantly to his team’s chances of creating and scoring goals.
This season, he has 2 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, making him a threat even from right-back.
Centre-back: Edmond Tapsoba – Bayern Leverkusen (£34 million)
Tapsoba has been an instrumental force in Bayer Leverkusen’s defence this season, playing a crucial role in their impressive performance at the summit of the Bundesliga. His consistent and solid defensive displays suggest he’s poised to maintain this form, aiming to help secure the Bundesliga title for his team by the end of the season.
Furthermore, there’s a potential for a remarkable treble, with Leverkusen eyeing success in the Europa League and DFB-Pokal in addition to their domestic league pursuits. It’s unquestionable that his market value will substantially increase if those achievements happen.
Centre-Back: António Silva – Benfica (£38.5 million)
The 21-year-old is seen as one of the most promising defenders in Europe. His pace, strength, and excellent passing ability make him the best centre-back in the Liga Portugal. He’s ranked the 17th most valuable centre-back in the world, according to Transfermarkt.
He has been linked with a summer move to a list of top European clubs, including Manchester United, PSG, and Bayern Munich.
Left-back: Theo Hernández – AC Milan (£47 million)
The French defender has been a key figure for Milan in recent seasons, contributing to their most recent Serie A title in 2022. He’s a defender known for his attacking flair, although his positioning, ability to read the game, and tackling skills contribute to his effectiveness as a left-back.
Central Midfielder: Lucas Paqueta – West Ham (£55.5 million)
Paqueta is integral to West Ham’s midfield, they have won eleven out of nineteen games this season with him starting. That is a win rate of 58 per cent, in comparison, they have failed to win in all seven of the matches he has not started in.
The Brazilian possesses strong football intelligence and vision on the field. His ability to read the game and create goal-scoring chances makes him a valuable asset for any team, so it’s unsurprising that Pep Guardiola is keen to bring him to the Etihad in the summer.
Central Midfielder: Dominik Szoboszlai – Liverpool (£64 million)
Szoboszlai has been a great signing for Liverpool since he joined them from RB Leipzig last summer. His knack for scoring goals, combined with his agility, strength, and range of passing, makes him one of the most promising midfielders in the world.
He ranks as the 7th most valuable central midfielder in the world, according to Transfermarkt.
Central Attacking Midfielder: Florian Wirtz – Bayern Leverkusen (£85.5 million)
Wirtz holds the highest market value in the XI, as per Transfermarkt. The German midfielder is arguably one of the most sought-after talents in world football, with numerous top European clubs eyeing a potential summer transfer.
His 25 goal contributions in 32 games this season so far make it challenging for any team to not express interest in securing his signature in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Right-wing: Mohamed Salah – Liverpool (£55.5 million)
It comes as no surprise that Salah is in the Europa League’s most expensive XI. The Egyptian forward is arguably one of the most prolific forwards of all time. He’s been a key figure in Liverpool’s success, helping his team win the Premier League, Champions League, and other domestic honours.
Having contributed to an impressive 29 goals in 30 games this season for Liverpool, he is undoubtedly aiming to maintain this stellar form with the hope of winning both the Premier League and the Europa League.
Left-wing: Rafael Leao – AC Milan (£77 million)
Leao is known for his exceptional pace and dribbling skills, which make him a constant threat to opposition defenders. His natural goal-scoring ability and composure in front of goal rank him as one of the best forwards in the world.
Hoping to add to AC Milan’s trophy cabinet after their last triumph in 2022, Leao will be eager for his team to win the Europa League this year.
Striker: Darwin Nunez – Liverpool (£55.5 million)
The Uruguayan striker, who joined Liverpool last season, has been a breath of fresh air in an era that is overrun by statistics and robotic precision. Despite criticism, his relentless effort to get into goal-scoring situations is nothing short of remarkable.
Nunez is averaging a goal or assist every 87 minutes this season for Liverpool. Similar to his teammate Mohamed Salah, he will be hoping to maintain this form with the goal of clinching both the Premier League and Europa League for Liverpool this season.
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