Top five players who can get big money transfers after impressing at U21 Euros 2023

The finalist of the Euro, Spanish and English players are the hot targets during this transfer window.

The U21 Euros concluded last week and plenty of big names and future stars who performed and flourished this tournament are linked with big transfers this summer. Clubs across Europe are keeping a keen eye on the Euros U21, where Spain, England and Ukraine players are the favorites to secure a big money move. It is not only a big money move for them as an individual but a hefty investment for the teams into players who could be their main man to achieve big profits. Here are five to watch ahead of potential big-money moves.

5. Abel Ruiz (Forward) - FC Braga, Spain

Playing with Spain, Abel Ruiz was the team’s starting frontman in Georgia and Romania after a campaign in which he scored eight goals and provided six assists for Braga. Ruiz did his reputation no harm against Croatia, scoring with just 20 seconds on the clock – the fastest goal in the tournament’s history.

All together at the conclusion of Euros, he didn’t manage to get his hands on the trophy but he was involved in 05 goals (.3 goals and 02 assists) in 06 matches. His biggest regret would be not to score that last-minute penalty but his performance has made him a future prospect. If he stays sharp, Braga will surely be fending off bids for his services.

4. Gabri Veiga (Midfielder)- Celta Vigo, Spain

The Spanish U21 failed to replicate his club form in the Euro but is still brilliant at carrying the ball and finding the net. Veiga had an outstanding season with Celta Vigo, scoring 11 times to keep them in La Liga. Looking into his passing aspect of the game, Veiga passes the ball roughly 27.18 times during a game with a pass completion rate of 76.79%.

He also plays 1.09 key passes each game which leads to significant scoring chances. A 21-year-old contributing to 15 goals in Spanish League is making waves across Europe and clubs are already scouting him. It is only a matter of time before we see him appearing at the European level competition.

3. Danylo Sikan (Striker) - Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine

Sikan scored four goals for Ukraine when they won the U20 World Cup four years ago – only Erling Haaland scored more at the tournament (he scored nine in one match). Ukraine looked to go all the way again and they made a solid start, beating Croatia and co-hosts Romania in their first two games.

They bowed out to Spain in the semi–finals but Sikan was their one of the main players to watch. In 2019, three of his four goals came in the knockout stages, so the Shakhtar Donetsk forward is one to watch in the coming weeks with the Summer transfer window now open.

2. Ryan Gravenberch (Defensive Midfielder) – Bayern Munich, Netherlands      

Gravenberch completed a big move to Bayern Munich last summer but he made just three Bundesliga starts in his first year in Germany. Having become an Ajax regular, he would have been expecting much more. He cost Bayern just under €20m and it’s unlikely they cut their losses already but he could yet try to force a move.

Before his Bayern move, the 21-year-old was a defensive wall for Ajax and was the graduate of their youth academy. His lack of time with the Bavarians, will have rest of European leagues on alert to persuade him away.

1. James Trafford (Goalkeeper) - Manchester City Academy, England

Trafford, who is speculated to join Burnley from Manchester City in a deal that could be worth up to £19m, kept out Abel Ruiz's low spot-kick in the 99th minute after a lengthy VAR check. The 20-year-old then produced another brilliant stop on the follow-up before being mobbed by his teammates.

Trafford, who is on the brink of becoming the third-most-expensive English goalkeeper ever, will rightly take the headlines for his heroic double save in the last minute of added time of the final. Trafford has shown he is the very definition of a modern-day goalkeeper - comfortable with the ball at his feet, dominant when coming for crosses and making eye-catching saves when called upon. Just to put it into perspective, he dint concede a single goal throughout the whole campaign.