Top 10 youngsters that could switch clubs in summer 2023

These footballers could be on the move in the upcoming trnsfer window

The transfer window is a time of great anticipation for football fans around the world, as clubs look to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season. And for many teams, that means targeting young players with the potential to become future stars of the game. In the summer of 2023.

There are likely to be a number of high-profile transfers involving promising young talents who have already made a name for themselves in their domestic leagues or on the international stage.

With so many talented young players making waves in the football world, the summer of 2023 is sure to be an exciting time for fans and clubs alike. And with big money moves on the horizon, these rising stars could soon be making headlines for their exploits on and off the pitch.

Here are the top 10 youngsters that could switch clubs in summer 2023:

Folarin Balogun: Arsenal to RB Leipzig

Folarin Balogun has had a highly successful loan spell with Reims, netting an impressive 19 goals for the French club, which has reportedly caught the attention of RB Leipzig. However, while Leipzig are open to negotiations with Arsenal over a potential transfer for the 20-year-old forward, they may abandon the deal if the Gunners demand an inflated transfer fee.

Apart from Leipzig, other clubs are also interested in signing Balogun. Marseille view him as a potential replacement for Alexis Sanchez, while AC Milan have also been linked with the player. It is believed that Balogun has no intention of signing a new contract with Arsenal, meaning the Gunners may look to offload him in the upcoming transfer window.

Rasmus Hojlund: Atlanta to Manchester United

Manchester United are reportedly monitoring the highly-rated Danish striker Højlund, as they seek to add a new frontman to their ranks ahead of next season. While Tottenham's Harry Kane remains their top target, the Red Devils are exploring other options and keeping their options open.

At just 20 years old, Højlund has already made a name for himself, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in 29 appearances for Atalanta since joining from SK Sturm Graz last summer. He also made his debut for Denmark in March, scoring a hat-trick in a win against Finland before adding two more goals against Kazakhstan a few days later.

Dubbed the "new Erling Haaland," Højlund has attracted the attention of several clubs, with Atalanta manager Gasperini acknowledging that it will be difficult to keep hold of him if big-money offers come in. Manchester United are one of the teams reportedly interested in his services, but they will face stiff competition if they decide to pursue a move for the young Danish striker.

Aaron Hickey: Brentford to Manchester City

Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing left-back Aaron Hickey from Brentford, despite the fact that he only joined the club last July. With the future of Joao Cancelo uncertain, and Kyle Walker, Rico Lewis, and Sergio Gomez as their other options at full-back, Hickey could be a valuable addition to Pep Guardiola's squad.

Although Hickey is a versatile player who has experience playing in midfield, he is primarily a defender, known for his attacking style as a full-back. In terms of defensive capabilities, he is similar to Walker, but whether he has the experience required to slot straight into Guardiola's team remains a question without a definitive answer at this stage.

Liel Abada: Celtic to Benfica

Despite only starting 17 matches in the 2022-23 campaign, Liel Abada has contributed 12 goals and seven assists to Celtic's tally. He was crowned PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year in 2022 after an impressive performance, scoring 15 goals and providing 11 assists.

The Israel international joined Celtic in July 2021 on a contract that will expire in the summer of 2026. The winger was purchased for a reported fee of £3.6 million, and it appears that Celtic would be willing to let him go for a sum ranging from £7-10 million during the summer transfer window.

Portuguese club Benfica, are rumored to be interested in signing the young talent, despite being pursued by several Premier League clubs.

El Chadaille Bitshiabu: Paris Saint Germain to Eintracht Frankfurt

Eintracht Frankfurt are reportedly keen on signing El Chadaille Bitshiabu, the 17-year-old centre-back for Paris Saint-Germain. Bitshiabu has had a breakout season with 10 appearances in Ligue 1 and starting in the club's Champions League match against Bayern Munich.

PSG are in contract renewal discussions with the France U19 international, but with only one year left on his contract, clubs are starting to show interest. Eintracht Frankfurt views Bitshiabu as a potential replacement for Evan Ndicka, who is expected to leave the German club this summer. PSG is open to selling the academy product and may be willing to accept a fee of around €15m.

Ilias Akhomach: FC Barcelona to Leeds United

Leeds United are reportedly close to signing Barcelona's 19-year-old prospect Illias Akhomach at the end of the 2022/23 season. Akhomach, who made his LaLiga debut for the Catalan side in Xavi's first game in charge, has declined Barcelona's contract extension offer, which expires this June, as he desires to play regular first-team football next season.

According to recent reports across Spanish media, the Spain U19 international's representatives have been in negotiations with Leeds since the beginning of 2023, and a transfer deal is almost finalized.

Ali Jasim: Al Kahrabaa to KAA Gent

There have been a lot of rumours surrounding Iraq striker Ali Jasim as the player for a move away from Al Kahrabaa. Belgian side KAA Gent are reportedly interested in signing the 19-year-old striker into their ranks as they look to bolster their squad for the upcoming edition of the tournament.

A move to Gent could be a great opportunity for Jasim to establish himself as one of the top strikers in the league and make a career ahead.

Joao Pedro: Watford to AC Milan

As AC Milan considers the future of their striking force with the ageing of Olivier Giroud and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, they may be in search of a new striker. Reports suggest that they are eyeing 21-year-old Watford striker Joao Pedro as a potential replacement. Unlike a typical target man, Joao Pedro is known for his agility, explosiveness and unpredictability, standing at 182 cm tall.

Thiago Almada: Atlanta United to Napoli

Thiago Almada's impressive performances for Atlanta United have caught the attention of several European clubs, particularly after his triumphant World Cup campaign in Qatar. The young Argentine, who was named player of the month in March and has continued to shine throughout April, is reportedly being pursued by Napoli.

A potential move to Serie A would be a significant step forward in Almada's career, and it would also be a considerable achievement and financial gain for Atlanta United. It's highly likely that Almada would command a record-breaking fee if he were to make the move to Napoli, highlighting the immense potential and value he possesses as a rising star in world football.

Ryan Gravenberch: Bayern Munich to Liverpool

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is reportedly interested in signing 20-year-old midfielder Gravenberch as part of his plan to overhaul the team's midfield options for the upcoming 2023/24 season. With the Reds having withdrawn from the race to sign Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham, it is expected that the club will bring in multiple midfielders in the upcoming transfer window.

Despite his potential, Gravenberch has struggled to secure regular starts at Bayern Munich and is said to be frustrated with his limited role at the Allianz Arena. Moving to Liverpool would give him the opportunity to establish himself as a key player in the club's new-look squad. With a lower price tag than Bellingham, Gravenberch is seen as a cost-effective option for Liverpool as they look to improve their midfield and mount a challenge for the Premier League title in the upcoming season.