Following riches accumulated over time, English Premier League clubs can afford just about any player they set their sights on, so they possess some, if not most, of the best players in existence.
These players’ values vary, as does their value-to-money (worth). Currently, the English top-flight houses top-notch forwards, most of whom bring immeasurable gains (financially or talent-wise) to their teams despite low acquisition fees.
Thanks to BingoSites data reported by The Mirror, here’s the below list of the top five forwards who are most beneficial to their teams in the EPL.
- Jamie Vardy, Leicester City
Then a Championship side, Leicester signed Vardy from Fleetwood Town in 2012 for just over a million pounds, after which he helped them win both their championship and EPL titles in 2014 and 2016 respectively. Given how much the Foxes spent and the amount he has earned for them, Vardy deserves first place on this list.
- Patrick Bamford, Leeds United
After joining the Peacocks from Middlesbrough for 7 million pounds in 2018, the 28-year old formed the resilient Leeds side that gained a hard-fought EPL promotion in 2020. Despite critics thinking he wasn’t good enough for the top flight, the Englishman has scored 19 goals in 44 games, proving his worth.
- Mohamed Salah, Liverpool FC
Returning to England from Serie A, many dismissed the Egyptian since his earlier term (at Chelsea) was only so-so, but the 29-year old redeemed himself at Liverpool and is now regarded as one of the best strikers in the world. 40 million pounds is quite a big sum, but getting a 6th UCL trophy, an enviable club form, and a first EPL trophy in 30 years (all of which he has aided) more than breaks even.
- Teemu Pukki, Norwich City
It cost the Canaries nothing to get the 31-year old Finland international from Brondby, but his contributions aided Norwich City’s EPL return twice (2019 and 2021), so despite their current predicament and his inability to shine in the League, the Canaries’ bet on Pukki has paid off hugely.
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Everton
Everton’s bid for less than 2 million pounds six years ago has paid off over the years as the 24-year-old is currently one of the best strikers in England. In the last couple seasons, his goals have proved vital for the Toffees, raising their current value by at least 30 times and attracting attention from bigger teams.
When comparing what it cost to acquire these forwards and the benefits they brought to their teams in terms of talent and money, they have without a doubt added more value to their sides than anyone else in the EPL.
