Liverpool and Manchester United target named the most valuable player at the World Cup

England star Jude Bellingham has been named as the most valuable player in terms of transfer value at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The 19-year-old midfielder got his tournament off to the perfect start against Iran, scoring England's opener with an excellent header on 35 minutes.

It is the England number 22's first goal in a major tournament, in what is his first appearance at a World Cup.

Bellingham, therefore, repaid Gareth Southgate's faith, as he was selected to start the game in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Mason Mount.

On the domestic scene, both Liverpool and Man Utd, amongst others, have been linked with signing the 19-year-old from Dortmund.

That would represent a return to his home country, where he came through Birmingham's youth academy and made his senior debut at the age of 16 years and 38 days.

And prior to Qatar, he was able add another accolade to his growing portfolio.

Jude Bellingham named World Cup MVP

As per the CIES Football Observatory, Bellingham has been rated as the most expensive player at the World Cup when estimated transfer value is taken into account.

CIES have estimated that the players at the World Cup have a combined value of €15 billion. Bellingham makes up €202m of that amount, making him the most expensive footballer playing in Qatar.

It may come as no surprise to read who is in second and third place behind the Liverpool and Man Utd target, with Brazil's Vinicius Junior (€201m) narrowly trailing the 19-year-old, and France's Kylian Mbappe (€188m) behind the Real Madrid star.

For Bellingham, he will hope to add more goals and top performances to his tally at the World Cup, which would no doubt add a few extra millions on to his transfer value.

Dortmund reportedly want €150m to sell the player to another club, as per German outlet Bild. Judging by his estimated value, that fee may well prove to be, in relative terms, somewhat of a bargain.

Topics: Jude Bellingham, England, Football World Cup, Manchester United, Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, Premier League, Qatar

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.