Premier League footballers are significantly reducing the asking prices of their luxury homes in Cheshire's exclusive 'Golden Triangle' and surrounding areas, as they struggle to attract buyers.
Several current and former high-profile players are experiencing substantial price drops, with some losing hundreds of thousands of pounds on their initial investment. Phil Foden, a Manchester City and England player, recently reduced the asking price for his Prestbury home by £825,000, from £3.25 million to £2.4 million. This sale resulted in a £450,000 loss on his purchase price.
Other notable figures facing similar challenges include former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, who lowered the asking price for his Hale Barns residence by £300,000. Former Everton player Tim Cahill had to slash his asking price by £1.5 million for his mansion in Hale, ultimately selling it for £5 million after initially seeking £6.5 million. Paul Pogba has reduced the price of his Hale Barns mansion by £450,000, with a new valuation of £3.45 million.
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, now playing for Turkish club Fenerbahce, has reduced his Wilmslow home's price by £200,000 to £3.8 million. Ex-Wales captain Ashley Williams has cut £100,000 from the price of his Altrincham home, now listed at £3,650,000. Everton centre-back Michael Keane has also reduced his Knutsford home's price by £200,000.
In nearby Formby, former Liverpool player Naby Keita has slashed £200,000 off the price of his five-bedroom home, bringing its valuation to £2.8 million.
This trend also affects players who have moved on from their Premier League careers. Former City captain Vincent Kompany, now manager at Bayern Munich, reduced his asking price by £300,000. Ex-Everton skipper Tim Cahill reportedly accepted £5 million for his mansion, significantly less than his original asking price of £6.5 million. Former Manchester City player Joleon Lescott, now a DJ, was forced to cut £250,000 from his home's asking price in Alderley Edge.
Cheshire's 'Golden Triangle,' encompassing Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, and Prestbury, has long been a sought-after location for top footballers, partly due to its privacy and proximity to training grounds. The area gained notoriety in the 1990s, attracting high-profile residents like David and Victoria Beckham. However, recent security concerns may be contributing to the market slowdown.
In December 2023, the Cheshire home of Jack Grealish was targeted by criminals who stole jewelry and watches worth £1 million while he was playing a match. In January, intruders broke into the house of Manchester City's Rúben Dias, making off with thousands of pounds worth of designer clothes, jewelry, and electronics. Other players, including Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez, have also reported similar incidents of burglary.