Last summer, Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice joined the exclusive £100m club in the world of football transfers. The question now arises: who will be the next player to reach this significant milestone? There are several promising candidates, and they are likely to come from the following list:
Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
Vinicius Junior, the young Brazilian forward playing for Real Madrid, has been a subject of both admiration and abuse in elite football. Unfortunately, he has been the target of horrendous racist abuse in Spain, a country ill-equipped and ill-motivated to deal with such issues. Additionally, there have been consistent reports of his lack of discipline both on and off the field.
Considering these factors, it is understandable if Vinicius Junior desires a change of scenery. The imminent arrival of Kylian Mbappe and the potential pursuit of Erling Haaland might make him a “necessary sacrifice” for Real Madrid. Even though he is currently starting and scoring for a team competing for a Champions League and La Liga double, he might start considering other options.
While a move to Manchester United in a £172m deal seems unlikely, an offer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) with massive wages and star status could turn his head, until he remembers that it didn’t work out brilliantly for Neymar.
Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United)
Bruno Guimaraes, a talented holding midfielder, has caught the attention of many, including Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. Guardiola praised Guimaraes, highlighting his aggression both with and without the ball. City’s unsuccessful pursuit of Declan Rice, who has been one of the standout players in the Premier League this season, emphasizes their need for a long-term partner or replacement for Rodri in midfield.
Newcastle United sees Guimaraes as their most valuable asset as they plan for a summer rebuild after a disastrous season. The price tag for Guimaraes is set at £100m, which limits the potential suitors. However, Barcelona and PSG have also shown interest in the Brazilian midfielder.
Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
Victor Osimhen, a striker for Napoli, has a release clause of £113m that is likely to be triggered in the summer of 2024. Despite injuries and challenges related to playing in Africa, Osimhen has managed to score an impressive 11 Serie A goals in just 17 games, even as Napoli has struggled as a team.
Arsenal, Chelsea, and other clubs in need of a new striker might be tempted by the more affordable release clauses of Viktor Gyokeres and Evanilson. However, Osimhen’s potential and goal-scoring ability make him an attractive option for clubs willing to invest in a top-class striker.
Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
Florian Wirtz, a 20-year-old midfielder playing for Bayer Leverkusen, has expressed his desire to be the best and has always dreamed of playing for Barcelona. However, recent reports suggest that Wirtz would resist any urge to follow Xabi Alonso to Liverpool and instead wait for an opportunity at Barcelona.
Wirtz’s exceptional performances this season, including 20 assists in all competitions, have propelled him into the £100m bracket. Unfortunately, Barcelona no longer has the financial leverage they once had, making it difficult for them to secure such a high-priced transfer. Bayern Munich could afford Wirtz, but his father and agent seem content to keep him at Leverkusen, although that might change if Alonso goes to either Munich or Liverpool.
Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
Jamal Musiala, a young German international playing for Bayern Munich, is at the center of two debates in Germany. The first debate revolves around whether he can play in the same national team as Florian Wirtz. The second debate considers whether Bayern should keep him or sell him to the Premier League for a considerable profit.
Having been brought up in England, Musiala has expressed a desire to return and play in the Premier League. While his former club Chelsea is reportedly interested, it is unlikely that he will join them. Manchester City and Liverpool are also said to be interested, with Guardiola eyeing him as a long-term replacement for Kevin De Bruyne.
In conclusion, the next £100m footballer could come from this list of talented players. Vinicius Junior, Bruno Guimaraes, Victor Osimhen, Florian Wirtz, and Jamal Musiala all possess the skills and potential to command such a significant transfer fee. It remains to be seen which club will secure their services and propel them into the elite group of £100m footballers.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
