The Premiership has continued to gain a bigger profile across recent years with the introduction of full-time football and increased investment.
Transfermarkt assign a market value to every top-flight player in Northern Ireland, which they say is “calculated by taking into account various pricing models and isn’t considered the same as a transfer fee. The goal is not to predict a price but an expected value of a player in a free market”.
We can use their findings to see who they view as the Irish League’s most valuable players. Here’s their top 25!
NOTE: Market values and data provided by Transfermarkt.
5. Joel Cooper (Coleraine)
The newest arrival at Coleraine, Cooper is the reigning Premiership Player of the Year after scoring 19 goals and providing nine assists in Linfield's title triumph last season. Photo: PACEMAKER
6. Adam Glenny (Dungannon Swifts)
Adam Glenny was named in the NIFWA Team of the Year last season for his role in Dungannon's joint-best Premiership finish and maiden Irish Cup triumph. Photo: David Maginnis
7. Sean Graham (Larne)
One of Larne's most consistent performers last season, versatile Sean Graham made 34 Premiership appearances. Photo: Andrew McCarroll
8. Andy Ryan (Larne)
Andy Ryan topped the Premiership's goalscoring charts in 2023/24 and played a pivotal role in Conference League qualification, scoring a hat-trick in Larne's play-off win over Lincoln Red Imps. Photo: Inpho/Stephen Hamilton