Messi`s transfer fee expected to be the highest

Lionel Messi (29, FC Barcelona) will have the highest transfer fee in the world according to estimation by the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES).

CIES estimated on Wednesday that Messi`s transfer fee would be 250.7 million euros, which is the highest among all soccer players today. CIES took into consideration factors such as the player`s performance, age, and position for the estimation. The institution concluded, however, that the transfer fee would not increase more. "Messi`s transfer fee has decreased by around 21.8 billion won from the estimation made last June. Messi`s ability has reached his maximum. Now he is heading toward the end of his career as a soccer player," said CIES.

The second highest transfer fee, which is 152.7 million euros, went to Neymar (24) who is Messi`s teammate. Neymar`s transfer fee increased by 75.8 billion won from the estimation made last June. He scored 14 goals in the 2015-2016 Primera Liga, which made him the second highest scorer. Cristiano Ronaldo (31, Real Madrid C.F.), Messi`s rival, was ranked fourth in the top transfer fee list with 114 million euros.

CIES explained, "Ronaldo`s rank has dropped from the third (last June). His age, being over 30, was the negative factor." This indicates that his incredible speed and stamina are slowly fading. Among Korean players, Son Heung-min (24, Tottenham FC) shared 62nd place with 35.4 million euros.

trigger@donga.com