While the Champions League majorly hogs all the limelight when it comes to European competitions, the UEFA Europa League has produced several fierce matchups over the years. The second continental tier has seen the likes of Juventus, Liverpool, Chelsea, and many more compete for glory in the past. This year’s edition has also seen the inclusion of many top teams, arguably a lot more than the past renditions. With that thought on our minds, let’s take a look at the 5 most valuable Europa League teams this season.
5. Sevilla – €416 million
Out of all the Champions League teams to have made the drop to the Europa League, Sevilla would probably be the most content one, given their rich history in the competition. The Andalusian side have, by far, accumulated the most number of Europa League titles, with a record six titles to their name. Under Julen Lopetegui, Sevilla have transitioned into one of the most consistent sides in Europe, constantly dominating teams in La Liga. While they are yet to prove their worth in the Champions League, the likes of Jules Kounde, Diego Carlos and Youssef En-Nesyri would love to add a seventh Europa League title to their trophy cabinet.
4. RB Leipzig – €498 million
Having been drawn into one of the ‘groups of death’ in the Champions League, RB Leipzig were unlucky to find Manchester City and PSG as two of their three designated opponents. As the entire football fraternity expected, City and PSG secured the top two spots with relative ease, banishing Leipzig to the Europa League. However, they managed to take four points in the four games against the two continental giants, defeating the Sky blues in their final match, showing that Leipzig will be one of the stronger teams in the Europa League. The inclusion of upcoming world-beaters like Dani Olmo and Christopher Nkunku further strengthens this point.
3. Napoli – €519 million
Unlike other teams on the list, Napoli started their 2021-22 campaign in the confines of the Europa League. While the Italian giants have been regular participants of the Champions League in the past few years, they unluckily missed out on a berth last season, finishing a point behind fourth-placed Juventus in Serie A. Despite harbouring world-class players like Lorenzo Insigne, Victor Osimhen and Kalidou Koulibaly, Gli Azzurri could only secure the second spot in their group, finishing at level points with Spartak Moscow and just two points above Leicester City.
2. Borussia Dortmund – €604 million
In Borussia Dortmund, the Europa League has gained one of the most exciting sides across the continent. After being bullied by Ajax in both fixtures, BVB found themselves on the brink of elimination. However, without their star man Erling Haaland to rescue them, the German giants withered like an old leaf against Sporting CP. A 3-1 loss in a must-win game ensured a third-place finish for the Yellow and Blacks, relegating them to the Europa League. Despite their poor performances, BVB certainly have what it takes to take the competition by the scruff of its neck.
1. Barcelona – €659 million
Undoubtedly the biggest club participating in the Europa League this season, Barcelona find themselves in the second tier of European football for the first time since 2004. The Blaugrana haplessly crashed out of the Champions League embarrassingly, conceding nine goals at the hands of Bayern Munich and Benfica. As a result, they were dumped out of the most prestigious competition in club football, despite possessing some of the most exciting youngsters on the planet. With the likes of Ansu Fati, Pedri, Gavi and Frenkie De Jong on their books, Barcelona have one of the most talented squads in the Europa League, which should theoretically be enough to take them all the way.
