Salah more expensive than Messi and Ronaldo

Messi was in fantastic form once again for Barcelona this season, scoring a staggering 51 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions for the Catalan club.

The Argentine forward also registered an outrageous 18 assists in an age-defying campaign, with the 31-year-old continuing to provide jaw-dropping attacking returns.

However, new research from CIES Football Observatory only ranks Messi as the fourth most expensive footballer currently playing in the ‘big five’ European Leagues.

Using a unique algorithm that takes into account a wide range of variables including age, contract status, position, minutes, goals, international status and team results, the Barca talisman is valued at €167.4million (£148.9m).

This puts Messi fourth on the overall list of transfer values, trailing a couple of Premier League stars after one of the most exciting title races in recent seasons.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s newest signing Eden Hazard is ranked 19th with a value of €120.7m (£107.3m) after his official unveiling at the Bernabeu.

Reports claim Los Blancos paid £88m for the Belgian, with the fee potentially rising to £150m with add-ons, which would eclipse his estimated value.