Top five leagues
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It’s been a thrilling Copa América so far with the competition entering the semi-final stage. Uruguay shocked Brazil by knocking them out on penalties in the quarter-finals to set-up a massive clash with Argentina, while Colombia eased past Panama and they’ll face Canada in the last four.
Lionel Messi will be aiming to add the trophy to his impressive silverware collection after inspiring Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. Some of the most valuable players in the world have been competing at the Copa América in the United States, including Vinicus Junior – the joint most valuable player in the world at €180 million. But which clubs across the top five leagues have the most valuable collection of South American players in their squad? Let’s find out.
Which clubs have the most valuable collection of South American players?
Unsurprisingly, Real Madrid top the list with five South American players – Federico Valverde, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Reiner and Éder Militão – possessing a combined market value of €474m. Three of those players – Rodrygo, Valverde and Vinicius Jr – are valued in excess of €100m and Madrid’s collection of South American players are more than €200m ahead of second ranked Liverpool. The Merseyside club have five South American players in their squad with a combined valuation of €248m with Luis Díaz and Alexis Mac Allister their joint most valuable at €75m.
As the graphic above illustrates, Arsenal ranks third (€205m) despite only having three South American players but Gabriel Jesus (€65m), Gabriel (€70m) and Gabriel Martinelli (€70m) are valued in excess of €60m. Chelsea follow their London rivals in fourth despite wonderkids Kendry Páez and Estêvão not being included as they haven’t officially joined the Stamford Bridge side despite their moves being agreed. The summer addition of €70m valued Douglas Luiz saw Juventus soar into the top five with the Brazilian becoming the Italian giants’ sixth South American player. Three English Premier League clubs – Tottenham, Manchester City and Brighton – feature in the top ten alongside Inter Milan and Barcelona.