Bellingham, Yamal and Højlund: Top ten biggest market value increases in 2023

A new year is upon us as we wave goodbye to an eventful 2023 in the world of football. Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr sparked an exodus of top European players to Saudi Arabia, Napoli claimed their first Serie A title since 1990 and Arsenal threatened to win the title before collapsing as Erling Haaland inspired Manchester City to the treble. 

Several generational talents emerged in 2023 while Jude Bellingham cemented his place as one of the best players in the world. The 20-year-old has registered incredible attacking numbers since moving to Real Madrid for  from Borussia Dortmund. Bellingham’s market value increased more than any other player on the planet in 2023 with a €70m jump across the calendar year to become the most valuable player in the world, alongside Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. With all Transfermarkt’s winter market value updates now processed, we’ve analysed the players who’ve joined Bellingham with the biggest valuation increases across 2023.

Top 10 players with biggest market value increases in 2023

While Bellingham’s astronomical rise continued in 2023, Evan Ferguson emerged as a potential world-class striker. Brighton enjoyed a fantastic year under Roberto De Zerbi and Ferguson is the jewel in their crown. The 19-year-old’s valuation increased by an incredible €64m, which represented the second biggest increase in 2023. Two other players who featured for Brighton in 2023 also feature in the top ten list in Moises Caicedo and Levi Colwill. Caicedo joined Chelsea in the summer for a British record transfer fee of €116m and he ranks 6th on the list while Colwill - who spent the 2023/23 season on-loan at Brighton - sits in 9th after his valuation increased by €45m. Behind Bellingham and Ferguson sit two prodigious talents that have burst onto the scene in 2023 - Lamine Yamal and Warren Zaire-Emery. Yamal didn’t even have a market valuation at the start of 2023 but the 16-year-old’s emergence at Barcelona means he’s now worth €60m. The talented winger has made 24 appearances this season and he’s already amassed four caps for Spain. 

Zaire-Emery is the latest player to progress through PSG’s renowned youth academy and his valuation has soared by €54m in 2023. The skilled midfielder has earned a regular starting berth under Luis Enrique and he also scored on his France debut in the 14-0 win against Gibraltar. Another PSG academy graduate Xavi Simons also features after enjoying his breakthrough year. Simons has been regarded as a top prospect for years but he delivered on his potential in 2023. The Dutch international shone at PSV, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists in 22/23 season, as PSG activated a buy-back clause before loaning him to RB Leipzig this summer.

Rasmus Hojlund and Jeremy Doku both earned massive market value upgrades as they earned moves to the English Premier League. Hojlund scored five goals despite Manchester United crashing out in the group stages of the Champions League and he recently scored his first league goal against Aston Villa, while Doku has impressed at Manchester City. Santiago Giminez completes the list with a rise of €54m as he attracts interest from both Arsenal and Tottenham following his stunning goalscoring form for PSV.