Explained in plain English

Why are they so expensive?

Footballers' prices, like Joao Gomes's £38m valuation, are set by many factors. Talent and potential are key, but so are contract length, age, and how much other clubs want them. A player's market value can soar if they're in high demand or if their club doesn't want to sell.

Stories that explain this

Liverpool contacts Wolves for £38m midfielder Joao Gomes.

Questions this opens up

Who sets the price? What's a transfer fee? Do players get paid more?

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