Top 10 most valuable U21 footballers in 2024

These rankings are as per CIES Football Observatory.

Football has continued to see a crop of young players who get a chance to impress at the academy level. If they make an impact they are called up by the senior team. There they further receive more opportunities to become the best young players and stamp their authority for their clubs.

With their performance, their value also rises. They become the most sought-after players in football. In this below article, we take a look at the top 10 expensive U21 players according to CIES Football Observatory.

10. Kenan Yildiz (20) – £60.27m

Kenan Yildiz’s remarkable development at Juventus has made him a great player. He is currently among the most costly U21 athletes in Europe.

He made the momentous choice to join Juventus two years ago, leaving Bayern Munich, the team he had played for since he was seven years old. He had a fantastic season in 2023–2024 after playing for Juventus’ youth development squads, netting four goals in 32 senior games.

9. Kobbie Mainoo (20) – £62.36m

Following a string of outstanding performances in Manchester United’s academy and first team, Kobbie Mainoo rose to prominence as a player for the club. He was identified as a future first-team star in the academy due to his extraordinary talent and potential.

Mainoo received the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award in 2023 and is a product of Manchester United’s youth system. In January 2023, he played his first game for the first team in an EFL Cup encounter. Prior to making his senior squad debut in March 2024, Mainoo represented England at the under-17 junior level and the senior team as well. He is now one of the most expensive players in Europe.

8. Arda Guler (20) – £63.94m

Even though he is still one of the best players in Europe and has one of the highest prices, the player is still hopeful that he will establish himself as a regular starter at Real Madrid.

He has also broken some major records. Güler’s thunderbolt strike enabled Turkey to win their first opening game in the tournament’s six appearances, making him the first teenager to score at a European Championship since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2004.

7. Rico Lewis (20) – £72.7m

The 19-year-old has experienced an incredible ascent since making his debut in City’s 4-0 victory against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium. It was in the first home game of the 2022–2023 season. He helped the Academy team win the Under-18 Premier League title just three months prior to becoming the fifth-youngest debutant in the Club’s history at the age of 18.

He has been a vital member of Pep Guardiola’s squad ever since. The player may soon replace Walker as the starting right-back. He is also among Europe’s most costly U21 players.

6. Endrick (18) – 81. £45m

With his ability to score goals, he cemented his reputation at the Brazilian club Palmeiras and rose to prominence as a teenager. He then moved to Real Madrid where he did make a somewhat impression. If he keeps up his strong play he could become a starter at the club.

Endrick scored his first goal in a 3-0 LaLiga victory over Real Valladolid to kick off his Real Madrid career. Despite not being the team’s starter, he has demonstrated his qualities and has the potential to be a key member.

5. Joao Neves (20) – £83.2m

Neves joined Benfica’s academy team after being recognized as a gifted player at a young age. In 2021–2022, he helped Benfica win their first European trophy in 60 years by winning the UEFA Youth League.

João Neves has rapidly established himself as a key member of Luis Enrique’s squad since joining Paris Saint-Germain. The youthful midfielder made a spectacular debut for the capital club, becoming the only player in the previous 20 Ligue 1 seasons to record four assists after just two games. His stock has increased as a result of his performance, making him one of the most costly U21 players.

4. Savio (21) – £84.2m

During his teenage years, Savio played for many clubs before joining Manchester City. His first team were Atletico Mineiro where he was nurtured and became a prominent star before being sold to Troyes. Then there he transformed into an established player and later enjoyed loan spells at Jong PSV, PSV and Girona.

At Girona, he played a crucial role in helping them secure a place in the Champions League. Following that he was sold to Manchester City where his value has risen and he has become one of the most expensive U21 players in Europe.

3. Warren Zaire-Emery (19) – £90.87m

After being swiftly spotted by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Zaïre-Emery, who was already a prominent player in Aubervilliers, joined the team from the capital in 2014. Zaïre-Emery impressed his coaches at every stage within their development system by consistently playing in categories above his age.

Zaïre-Emery’s technical prowess, physical preparedness, and ability to advance the play made him a standout player for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Under Luis Enrique, he has since established himself as a consistent starter for PSG.

2. Alejandro Garnacho (20) – £95.71m

Garnacho received his first official contract in 2021 after enrolling at Manchester United’s academy in 2020. In April 2021, he made his first-team debut and was named the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year.

After rising through the academy system, the 20-year-old has already made a name for himself as a fan favourite at Old Trafford, scoring 16 goals in 87 games. Garnacho was a key player in United’s 2022 FA Youth Cup victory. Two years later, he scored the first goal in the team’s victory over rival Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

1. Lamine Yamal (17) – £150.81m

Lamine Yamal’s quick ascent to stardom has made him a standout player. At the age of 15 years and 9 months, Yamal made his Barcelona first-team debut in April 2023, becoming the club’s youngest player in a century. Some even consider Yamal to be one of the best players of all time in the future, and he has been likened to Lionel Messi.

After the last season, Yamal’s market worth soared to £150.81 million, making him the most valuable teenager in the world.

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