Even the biggest names in football see their values drop whenever they are in their final year of their contracts. According to data presented by Safe Betting Sites US, Lionel Messi’s market value has dropped by 52% to just 65M as he approaches the end of his contract in June 2021. The article also discusses 7 players with the next highest market value whose contract is due to expire in June 2021.
The Bosman Ruling
In 1995 the European Court of Justice issued a ruling known as the Bosman Ruling, that prohibited clubs from blocking a player’s move to another club at the end of their contract. It also prohibited clubs from requiring a fee, which meant players were free to go to any club that they desired when their contracts expire.
As a result, the market value of players with expiring contracts decreases significantly regardless of their stature. A perfect example is Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, considered by many as the greatest footballer to ever play the game but whose contract is expiring in the summer of 2021.
Lionel Messi’s Valuation Loses €70M YoY
According to estimates, Messi’s transfer value dropped by 52% YoY as of May 2021 but still the highest out of players with expiring contracts at €65M. The next on the list is Lyon’s Memphis Depay who’s current transfer value is at €20M after experiencing a 47% decrease.
Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero saw his value drop by 75% which is the highest drop out of the top 8 players.
Rex Pascual, Sports editor at Safe Betting Sites US, commented on the 2021 summer transfer window;
“Expiring contracts already devalue a player’s value significantly and the effects of pandemic ravaged 2020 is what is causing these drop-offs to be more dramatic this summer. Clubs are tightening their financial belts and are reluctant to extend larger expiring contracts despite them usually belonging to some of their best players. While I fully expect transfer activity to increase in the summer of 2021 compared to 2020, it will not yet be at pre-pandemic levels.”
