The Primeira Liga (Liga Portugal Betclic), often overshadowed by the major European leagues, has consistently produced top-tier talent and exciting football. With a blend of experienced veterans and promising youngsters, the league is home to some of the most valuable players in the world.
Although the lack of TV money has seen most of its star players leave the shores for better opportunities, there’s no denying the Portuguese topflight is a breeding ground for some of the most talented players in world football.
In this article, we take a look at the 10 most valuable players playing in the Primeira Liga.
Note: In line with the figures from Transfermarkt.co.uk, we use the Euro (€) as the currency, and transfers that took place till September 2024 have been fact-checked with other sources.
#10 Geovany Quenda | Sporting CP
Market Value: €30 million
The aptly named Academia Cristiano Ronaldo in Alcochete knows a thing or two about wide attackers. Cristiano Ronaldo may overshadow the rest, but this factory once housed the likes of Luís Figo, Ricardo Quaresma, Simão Sabrosa, Rafael Leão, Luís Nani, and Paulo Futre. Geovany Quenda is just the latest on the extensive production line of venerated, creative wide players.
A burgeoning talent from the Sporting youth academy, the 17-year-old has captured the attention of football enthusiasts with his exceptional dribbling skills and attacking prowess. The young winger possesses a rare blend of technical ability, athleticism, and tactical intelligence that sets him apart from his peers. Besides, the young forward possesses lightning-fast pace and close control, which allow him to effortlessly glide past defenders, creating goalscoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Although he is still quite young, as Quenda continues to mature and gain experience, he has the potential to become one of the most exciting young talents in European football.
#9 Pedro Gonçalves | Sporting CP
Market Value: €32 million
Pedro Gonçalves, a versatile and dynamic attacking midfielder, has steadily established himself as one of the top players in Portuguese football. His exceptional ability to score goals, create chances, and contribute defensively has made him a key player for Sporting and a key part of the Portugual national team.
The 26-year-old possesses a keen eye for goal and is adept at finding the back of the net from various positions on the field. His excellent passing range and vision allow him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, making him a valuable asset in both build-up play and counterattacking situations.
The Portugal international is also a diligent worker off the ball, with his work rate and tactical intelligence allowing him to seamlessly transition between attacking and defensive duties, making him a well-rounded player.
#8 Alan Varela | FC Porto
Market Value: €35 million
Few countries on the planet have had a greater impact on the footballing landscape than the South American juggernaut, Argentina. As one of the leading exporters of talent to Europe’s top leagues, one of the latest talents to emerge from the CONMEBOL giant is 23-year-old Porto midfielder Alan Varela.
A promising young defensive midfielder who has garnered attention for his composed performances and tactical intelligence, Varela’s ability to dictate the tempo of the game both offensively and defensively, as well as his ability to break up opposition attacks with timely interceptions and tackles, showcases his excellent reading of the game.
While not prolific in terms of goalscoring or assisting, Varela’s contributions to Porto’s performances are significant. His calm, composed demeanour under pressure allows him to make accurate decisions in crucial moments. As he continues to gain experience, Varela has the potential to develop into a world-class defensive midfielder capable of anchoring a team’s midfield and providing stability and creativity.
#7 António Silva | SL Benfica
Market Value: €38 million
The next potential big-money departure from the red half of Lisbon will most likely be António Silva, an elegant homegrown centre-back with the world at his feet. Heralded for his performances since making his first-team debut at the tender age of 18, the now 21-year-old has been touted to follow in the footsteps of Manchester City star Rúben Dias, another graduate of Benfica’s youth setup.
Despite his young age, Silva possesses a commanding presence on the field, combining physicality with exceptional technical ability. His reading of the game is exceptional, allowing him to intercept passes with remarkable precision and anticipate danger before it materialises.
While he may occasionally make the odd error, Silva’s ability to learn and adapt is evident, suggesting a high ceiling for his development. His leadership qualities, even at such young an age, are notable. With his strong defensive attributes, ball-playing skills, and leadership potential, António Silva is poised to become a top-class centre-back for years to come.
#6 Ousmane Diomande | Sporting CP
Market Value: €40 million
Ousmane Diomande, a young Ivorian defender, has quickly emerged as one of the most promising defenders in European football.
The 6’2” defender possesses a commanding presence on the field, with his physical attributes, including strength and aerial ability, making him a formidable force in defensive duels. Besides, the 21-year-old’s exceptional passing range and vision allow him to initiate attacks from the back, making him a valuable asset in building play from deep.
Diomande also possesses a sharp brain, as is evident from his ability to read the game and anticipate opposition movement, which enables him to intercept passes and disrupt attacks effectively.
Diomande’s potential is immense, and he can develop into a world-class defender.
#5 Diogo Costa | FC Porto
Market Value: €40 million
Diogo Costa, a Porto academy graduate, has rapidly emerged as one of the most talented goalkeepers in European football.
The 25-year old’s exceptional shot-stopping abilities, agility, and commanding presence have caught the eye of many. His ability to make crucial saves, often with acrobatic displays, has earned him a reputation as a reliable and decisive goalkeeper.
Moreover, Costa’s strong distribution skills and accurate long passes have also contributed to his team’s attacking play, making him a modern-day goalkeeper who is equally adept at defending and initiating attacks.
Despite being 25, which is still relatively young for a goalkeeper, Costa’s ability to consistently perform under pressure and lead his team to success hasn’t gone unnoticed by some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
#4 Morten Hjulmand | Sporting CP
Market Value: €45 million
Morten Hjulmand, the 25-year-old Denmark international, has solidified his reputation as a tenacious and versatile defensive midfielder. His exceptional ball-winning abilities, coupled with a strong defensive presence, make him a vital asset to any team.
A dominant player operating at the heart of the midfield, Hjulmand excels in breaking up opposition attacks, intercepting passes, and winning crucial tackles. Besides his defensive contributions, Hjulmand also possesses a wide range of passing, with his excellent vision and ability to distribute the ball accurately further making him a valuable asset in both defensive and offensive phases of play.
Moreover, Hjulmand possesses the work rate and stamina to cover vast areas of the pitch and maintain a high intensity throughout the game. Thus, with his combination of defensive prowess, technical ability, and physicality, he has the potential to develop into a world-class defensive midfielder in years to come.
#3 Gonçalo Inácio | Sporting CP
Market Value: €45 million
Gonçalo Inácio, a rising star in the world of football, has solidified his position as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe.
Currently plying his trade for Sporting, Inácio’s exceptional blend of physical attributes, technical prowess, and tactical intelligence makes him a formidable force on the field.
Standing at 6”1’, the 23-year-old possesses impressive aerial ability, winning headers and consistently clearing danger from his box. Moreover, his strength and agility allow him to dominate physical duels, while his precise passing and ball-playing abilities enable him to initiate attacks from the backline.
Furthermore, Inácio’s reading of the game is exceptional, allowing him to anticipate opposition movement and intercept passes with ease, while his calm and composed demeanour under pressure belies his young age, making him a reliable defender in crucial moments.
With his consistent performances, Inácio has already attracted the attention of top European clubs, and it is only a matter of time before he bags a big-money move like many of his compatriots.
#2 Samu Aghehowa | FC Porto
Market Value: €50 million
The 20-year-old Spanish forward, currently playing for Porto, has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in European football. Standing at 6’3”, Samu is a formidable physical presence, combining strength, aerial ability, and impressive acceleration to devastating effect.
The Spain international’s style of play is that of a modern-day #9, for he is capable of holding up play, linking with teammates, and finishing clinically both inside and outside the box. Having failed to cement his place in the Atlético Madrid setup, at Porto he’s currently showing what he can bring to the table.
Despite his young age, Samu is exhibiting maturity beyond his years. And, like any young player, he still has areas to improve, such as his decision-making and consistency. However, with his impressive skill set and immense potential, Samu Aghehowa is undoubtedly a player to watch in the coming years.
#1 Viktor Gyökeres | Sporting CP
Market Value: €75 million
There isn’t a striker in world football right now who is more sought-after than Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres. Since making the move from EFL Championship side Coventry in the summer of 2023 for a mere €24m fee, the 26-year-old forward has taken the Portuguese league and European football by storm with his scintillating performances.
A well-rounded forward whose exceptional goalscoring ability is evident in his clinical finishing and intelligent movement within the box, in his debut season the Sweden international notched up 43 goals and 15 assists across all competitions, drawing the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
A formidable force who uses his physicality and aerial ability to hold up play effectively and create opportunities for his teammates, Gyökeres has been a menace for defenders across Europe. At the peak of his power, he has carried on his exploits from last season and scored 27 goals in 26 games this season.
With his combination of technical skill, physicality, and tactical awareness, Gyökeres is set to attract interest again from clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea, who are on the lookout for a game-changing striker.
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