Former Man Utd duo retain value 

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This Wednesday December 18, Transfermarkt has updated the market values of 379 players in the Greek Super League. Panathinaikos striker Fotis Ioannidis remains the league’s most valuable player at €18 million, while 47-time league winners Olympiacos have overtaken Panathinaikos as the most valuable club, after they rose by +€3.15m to a new squad market value of €108.8m, while their Athens rival’s fell by -€5.33m to a new squad value of €102.35m. Nikos Sofis is Transfermarkt’s Area Manager in Greece, and explains why the league’s most valuable player stayed the same value: “It’s been a difficult season for him after the previous two in which his form was on the rise. Only three goals so far in 21 games, with his first league goal scored just this past weekend. However, he has three goals for the national team this year, and interest in him remains strong – thus he stays at €18m.”

The player with the biggest rise in market value from the update was 17-year-old Olympiacos midfielder Christos Mouzakitis, who rose by +€2.55m to a new value of €3m. He has already made 16 first-team appearances this season and moves into the top 25 most valuable 17 year olds in the world. Sofis explains the youngster’s upgrade: “He’s an incredible talent! I am glad to see a big team like Olympiacos giving youth a chance and taking this risk, which is very uncommon in Greece. One of our biggest talents and definitely one who will be the face of the next Greek generation!”

At the other end of the scale, a player familiar to Premier League fans received a significant downgrade. Brazilian winger Willian, who joined from Fulham last summer, halved in value from €2m to €1m. The 36 year old has still failed to score for his new side in 14 games in all competitions. “I don’t know if it really was necessary to sign Willian this season.” said Sofis. ” He joined the team in September, and has only been a starter three times in all competitions, he’s also struggling with minor injuries.” 

Two former Man United players transferred to Greece in the summer: Anthony Martial on a free transfer, and Uruguayan Facundo Pellistri for €6m. Both players remained unchanged in this market value update: Martial stays at €9m, and Pellistri at €10m. Sofis reveals how the pair have done since moving to the Super League: “Martial really turned out the way the AEK Athens were hoping, 10 games, five goals and one assist in league and cup justifies him staying at €9m. No wonder there are rumors that Marseille want to get him back to the Ligue 1. Pellistri Instantly managed to become a starter at Panathinaikos. He could be doing more in terms of assists, but no doubt a player with a lot of potential.”

How Transfermarkt market values work

The Transfermarkt market values are calculated, taking into account various pricing models. A major factor is the Transfermarkt community, whose members discuss and evaluate player market values in detail. In general, the Transfermarkt market values are not to be equated with transfer fees. 

The goal is not to predict a price but an expected value of a player in a free market. Both individual transfer modalities and situational conditions are relevant in determining market values. Examples of this are listed below. Transfermarkt does not use an algorithm (you can find the detailed market value definition here).