The Premier League is home to some of the most talented and highly-valued midfielders in world football. These players are not only crucial to the success of their various teams, but also command enormous market values due to their abilities, potential and influence on the pitch.
As the 2024/2025 Premier League season unfolds, their contributions will be closely watched, with each player expected to live up to their valuations and help their respective teams compete at the highest level.
In this article, Soccernet.football takes a look at the ten most valuable midfielders currently playing in England’s first division.
10. Kai Havertz (Arsenal) – €70m
Havertz swapped west for north London in one of the most surprising deals of last summer. The German brings versatility, technical prowess, and an eye for goal to Mikel Arteta’s squad. His ability to play across the midfield and in advanced roles offers Arsenal flexibility in their attacking options. While his form at Chelsea was inconsistent, Havertz’s potential remains undeniable. At the Emirates, he has flourished under Arteta’s tactical system, contributing both goals and assists while playing out of position.
9. Moises Caicedo (Chelsea) – €75m
Caicedo, a dynamic and combative midfielder, moved to Chelsea for a record fee that reflects his immense potential. The Ecuador international is expected to be the anchor of Chelsea’s midfield. Known for his relentless pressing, ball-winning abilities, and tactical intelligence, Caicedo offers Chelsea stability in the center of the park. His ability to break up opposition play and distribute passes will be vital as the Blues seek a resurgence under Enzo Maresca’s management.
8. Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) – €75m
Fernandez is a deep-lying playmaker with exceptional passing range and vision. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game from midfield makes him crucial to Chelsea’s ambitions. The Argentine’s calmness on the ball, combined with his ability to pick out teammates with precise long-range passes, adds another dimension to Chelsea’s build-up play. He is expected to be the orchestrator of the Blues’ attacks, providing the creative spark needed to unlock stubborn defenses.
7. Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) – €75m
The Hungarian midfielder joined Liverpool last summer as part of their midfield rebuild. Valued at €75 million, Szoboszlai is a dynamic and creative force in midfield. Known for his dribbling, shooting, and set-piece expertise, the 24-year-old offers Liverpool attacking threat from the middle of the park. His ability to operate in various roles, whether as an advanced playmaker or a central midfielder, provides Arne Sloth with some flexibility. Szoboszlai will be important for the Reds as they settle under a new regime.
6. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) – €75m
Mac Allister, another World Cup-winning midfielder, is a versatile and intelligent player who joined Liverpool from Brighton in 2023. The Argentina international offers creativity and a knack for scoring crucial goals. His ability to play both as a central midfielder and in more advanced roles gives Slot additional options in the midfield. Mac Allister’s work rate, combined with his ability to link play between midfield and attack, makes him an integral part of Liverpool’s plans to challenge for titles post Klopp.
5. Cole Palmer (Chelsea) – €80m
The Manchester City academy product moved to Chelsea last summer in search of playing time. Palmer is a highly talented and versatile midfielder with the ability to play across multiple positions in the attacking third. Known for his dribbling skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability, Palmer is seen as a future star in the Premier League. At Chelsea, he has developed into one of the best attacking players in the Premier League after enjoying a sensational debut season. The 22-year-old will be a central figure for the Blues again this season as they find their feet under Maresca.
4. Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United) – €85m
Guimaraes has been a revelation since joining Newcastle United, establishing himself as the heartbeat of Eddie Howe’s midfield. His ability to control games, combined with his defensive contributions and ability to drive forward, makes him indispensable to the Magpies. Guimaraes’ leadership qualities and his knack for scoring important goals have been pivotal in Newcastle’s rise in the Premier League. As Newcastle aim to keep up with the traditional top sides, the Brazilian will be crucial in dictating the tempo and providing the creative spark in midfield.
3. Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal) – €110m
The Arsenal captain has seen his value soar to €110 million after a couple of stellar seasons for the Gunners. The Norwegian playmaker is the creative engine of Arteta’s side, with his exceptional passing, vision and ability to unlock defenses with his intelligence on the ball. Ødegaard’s leadership and his ability to score from midfield make him one of the most influential players in the Premier League. As the Gunners continue to challenge Pep’s Man City at the summit, the 25-year-old will remain as important as ever.
2. Declan Rice (Arsenal) – €120m
The England international made a record-breaking move to Arsenal in the summer of 2023 after winning the Europa League with West Ham. Rice is a complete midfielder, known for his defensive solidity, leadership, and ability to drive forward with the ball. At Arsenal, he functions as the anchor in midfield, providing both defensive cover and contributing to the build-up play. His presence in midfield allows the Gunners’ more creative players the freedom to express themselves, knowing they have adequate cover. Rice’s leadership qualities and experience make him an important part of Arteta’s project at Arsenal.
1. Rodri (Manchester City) – €130m
Rodri, unsurprisingly, is the most valuable midfielder in the Premier League. The Euro 2024 winner has established himself as the best in the world in his position. Rodri’s ability to read the game, break up opposition play, and distribute the ball with precision makes him indispensable to Guardiola’s system. His performances have been crucial in City’s domestic and European successes. Rodri’s consistency and ability to perform in big matches make him the most valuable and arguably the best midfielder in the Premier League.