A club is always going to pay over the odds on transfer deadline day.
And when that club is a commercial powerhouse like Manchester United, in desperate need of a striker, a position where there’s a obvious shortage of top class alternatives, and with the Premier League to benefit from an astonishing TV deal next year, selling clubs can effectively name their price.
Few would dispute Anthony Martial’s reported €50m (£36m) fee appears exorbitant, but if he turns out to be a world class player then United fans ultimately won’t be bothered how much he cost.
Still, this study by CIES Football Observatory reveals the club paid €27.9 million too much for the 19 year old French striker. Manchester City’s record signing Kevin De Bruyne is in second place when it comes to overpaying for talent, with Liverpool’s Christian Benteke in third.
Look away now Liverpool fans, because the study reveals that Raheem Sterling, who moved from Anfield to Manchester City for £49 million, was the most undervalued transfer during the summer window.
At least they got a decent deal on England defender Nathaniel Clyne.
When journalist Duncan Castles tweeted the news about Martial’s transfer to United, Red Devils’ fans weren’t best pleased.
CIES Football Observatory analysis deems Anthony Martial the window's most overpriced buy. And that's calculated on €50m base fee… #MUFC
— Duncan Castles (@DuncanCastles) September 7, 2015
@DuncanCastles When he wins the Ballon d'Or in 2016, €80m will look cheap.
— Will (@WillWaight) September 7, 2015
https://twitter.com/Poddrick/status/640879824211419136
https://twitter.com/pizey18/status/640879775180025856
