Revealed: The scale of Sander Berge's importance to Sheffield United

CIES’ researchers revealed their calculations, which are based on what has been described as a “powerful” algorithm, during their latest Weekly Report.

The paper, entitled ‘Top Assets from a Transfer Value Standpoint’, predicts United could expect to receive between £30m and £40m if they decide to sell the Norwegian during this summer’s window. According to the authors, that figure would represent 19.1 percent of the total worth of the club’s entire playing staff.

Although United insist they have no plans to part company with Berge, the 23-year-old is expected to leave at the end of the season. Privately, officials at Bramall Lane are understood to have decided they will sanction Berge’s exit if they receive a significant return on the £22m it cost to acquire his services from Genk 14 months ago, with their valuation seemingly being based on the CIES’ study.

Representatives from Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and at least one other London club are known to be monitoring Berge’s situation, while Liverpool have also been linked with a move for a player who has not featured since December due to a serious hamstring injury.

Paul Heckingbottom, placed in caretaker charge of United when Chris Wilder’s reign came to an end a fortnight ago, recently confirmed Berge is currently being treated away from South Yorkshire after suffering a minor setback in his battle for fitness.

The CIES considered a number of factors, including age, contract length, inflation and career progression, before releasing the findings of their latest study.

Marcus Rashford of Manchester United is identified as being the most valuable footballer in England’s top-flight, ahead of Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal.

Dwight McNeil is said to be the single-most important player on the 20 strong list, accounting for more than a third of Burnley’s entire squad value, followed by Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze (28.4 percent) and West Ham’s Declan Rice (22.4 percent).

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