Sheffield United: New study places defender Anel Ahmedhodzic on top 100 list
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Academics at the CIES Football Observatory used a statistical database, which covers 5,000 paying transfer deals over the last decade, to estimate that Ahmedhodzic is now worth around £14m following a series of impressive displays since joining Paul Heckingbottom’s side last summer.
That is nearly five times the amount United spent to acquire his services during the close season when Malmo discovered that Bordeaux, where he had finished the Ligue 1 season on loan, were no longer in a position to purchase the 23-year-old on a permanent basis.
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Although Bramall Lane’s hierarchy will be delighted with Ahmedhodzic’s soaring value, which will only rise if Heckingbottom’s team are promoted back to the Premier League, Iliman Ndiaye’s omission serves as a reminder of how contract lengths affect prices on the open market. The Senegal international, aged 22, is tied to United for another two years whereas Ahmedhodzic’s agreement does not expire until 2026. After watching Ndiaye score nine goals in 20 outings ahead of Saturday’s visit to Cardiff City, Heckingbottom has stressed the importance of improving the forward’s terms and conditions to reflect his growing status. However, as United prepare to enter the World Cup break, little progress has seemingly been made with Heckingbottom recently acknowledging “everyone must be on the same page” for a positive outcome to be negotiated.
The CIES’ latest project, which focuses on those working outside of Europe’s so-called ‘Big Five’ competitions, is headed by Enzo Fernandez of Benfica. He would command a fee of more than £60m if allowed to leave the Stadium of Light, its academics claim; £3m more than PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo, who is ranked second.
Watford’s Joao Pedro, whose team mates Ismaila Sarr and Imran Louza also feature, is the most valuable player based in England according to the CIES. Norwich City trio Josh Sargent, Marcelino Nunez and Gabriel Sara are also included, alongside Taylor Harwood-Bellis of Burnley.