The most valuable players outside the Big 5 leagues - and why one of them is going cheap

Endrick, Brazil's latest wonderkid, is about to be sold at a bargain price - here's why

The 17-year-old Brazilian forward Endrick, who scored the only goal as his country beat England 1-0 in a friendly in London last Saturday, is the most valuable footballer currently playing in Brazil, according to a model that has been accurately assessing market value amongst footballers for over a decade. 

The teenager, who became the youngest male player ever to score an international goal at Wembley, is contracted to Palmeiras, who are based in São Paulo and play in Brazil’s Serie A. But later this year he will move to La Liga for significantly less than his predicted value.

• How will that happen?

• Who is the most valuable player outside of Europe’s Big 5 leagues?

• Which leagues are hoovering up the best young players from poorer footballing nations and developing them for future sales?

• Which player from each league would command the highest fee if sold today?

Allow me to explain…