Mohamed Salah’s move from Roma to Liverpool in 2017 has been crowned the best value Premier League transfer of all time, according to a poll of 2,000 football fans. Despite costing the club £34 million, Salah’s impact has been nothing short of phenomenal, with over 200 goals to his name and a crucial role in Liverpool’s recent triumphs, including the long-awaited Premier League title and the UEFA Champions League trophy.
This victory over other legendary transfers, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s move from Lisbon to Manchester United and Eric Cantona’s arrival at the Red Devils from Leeds, highlights Salah’s exceptional value for money.
The research, commissioned by iD Mobile, also revealed a stark contrast in perceptions regarding transfer value. Paul Pogba’s £89 million transfer to Manchester United from Juventus in 2016 was deemed the worst ever, especially given his later departure from the club for a minimal fee. Andy Carroll’s £35 million move to Liverpool in 2011 and Romelu Lukaku’s transfer from United to Chelsea were also recognized as poor value for money.
While Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal were identified as clubs adept at securing good value transfers, the survey revealed a widespread belief among fans (87%) that Premier League clubs overpay for players. Furthermore, a significant majority (56%) believe that true value in football transfers is nonexistent in the modern game.
The study also highlighted a strong desire among fans for clubs to prioritize developing young talent rather than simply purchasing established players. This desire for homegrown talent is likely fueled by the increasing financial strain on clubs due to the exorbitant transfer fees prevalent in modern football.
The research also delved into the habits of avid football fans, revealing their reliance on mobile technology for staying up-to-date with the latest news and highlights. Over a third of fans use their phones to watch highlights, while 23% rely on social media for insights into recent games. More than half (55%) admit to using their phones more than ever to follow football news, a testament to the ever-increasing accessibility and immediacy of football information.
Despite the overwhelming reliance on mobile technology, 35% of fans would prefer their rivals to win the league rather than lose their phone, demonstrating the unwavering passion and devotion that fans possess for their teams.
