As the 2025/26 transfer window kicks into gear, the focus isn't solely on marquee names or last-minute deadline deals. Increasingly, football's elite are turning their attention to emerging under-21 talents, banking on raw ability, long-term potential, and often, smart business. This summer, Transfermarkt has spotlighted 20 of the most promising U21 players likely to change clubs — many of whom already boast market values north of €30 million.
From wonderkids in Portugal to breakthrough stars in England, here’s your deep dive into the names that are turning heads and triggering bidding wars across Europe.
Top U21 Players Tipped for Transfers in Summer 2025
1. Jamie Gittens – Borussia Dortmund (20)
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Position: Left Winger
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Market Value: €50.00m
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Linked Clubs: Chelsea, Arsenal
Dubbed the “next Sancho” by some, Jamie Gittens has evolved into a direct, technical winger with plenty of Premier League suitors. Chelsea appear front-runners, but don't rule out interest from North London rivals.
2. Samu Aghehowa – FC Porto (21)
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Position: Centre-Forward
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Market Value: €50.00m
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Linked Clubs: Aston Villa, Chelsea, Newcastle
After a 19-goal season in Liga Portugal, the Nigerian-Spanish forward is primed for a move. His blend of athleticism and composure in front of goal has sparked a tug-of-war among Premier League clubs.
3. Kenan Yildiz – Juventus (20)
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Position: Left Winger
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Market Value: €45.00m
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Linked Clubs: Arsenal, Chelsea
With 12 goal contributions in Serie A, Yildiz is proving too good to stay in rotation at Juventus. Arsenal are reportedly pushing to bring him to the Emirates.
4. Arda Güler – Real Madrid (20)
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Position: Right Winger
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Market Value: €45.00m
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Linked Clubs: Liverpool, AC Milan
Minutes have been hard to come by for Güler at Real Madrid, but talent scouts remain convinced of his genius. Xabi Alonso wants him to stay, but offers are lining up.
5. Alejandro Garnacho – Manchester United (20)
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Position: Attacking Midfield
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Market Value: €45.00m
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Linked Clubs: Atletico Madrid, PSG
Unhappy after being dropped for United’s Europa League final, Garnacho could be one of the most high-profile exits in the Red Devils’ summer rebuild.
6. Adam Wharton – Crystal Palace (21)
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Position: Defensive Midfield
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Market Value: €45.00m
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Linked Clubs: Liverpool
Fresh off an FA Cup win, Wharton is being closely monitored by Liverpool. He’s considered one of the smartest English midfielders of his age group.
7. Milos Kerkez – Bournemouth (21)
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Position: Left-Back
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Market Value: €45.00m
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Linked Clubs: Liverpool
The Hungarian left-back has been electric in the Premier League, and Arne Slot wants him at Anfield to compete with Robertson.
8. Ousmane Diomande – Sporting CP (21)
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Position: Centre-Back
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Market Value: €45.00m
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Linked Clubs: Chelsea, Arsenal, Aston Villa
A powerful, modern centre-back, Diomande looks likely to leave Liga Portugal this summer — with interest from multiple English heavyweights.
9. Rayan Cherki – Lyon (21)
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Position: Right Winger
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Market Value: €45.00m
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Linked Clubs: Manchester City, Liverpool
Manchester City may view Cherki as a De Bruyne successor. While Liverpool made inquiries, it’s City who seem closest to sealing the deal.
10. Rodrigo Mora – FC Porto (18)
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Position: Attacking Midfield
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Market Value: €40.00m
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Linked Clubs: Man United, PSG, Real Madrid
Only 18, Mora has shown maturity well beyond his years. A 10-goal season has Europe's elite on alert — he’s tipped to become a superstar.
11. Hugo Larsson – Eintracht Frankfurt (20)
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Position: Central Midfield
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Market Value: €40.00m
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Linked Clubs: Tottenham
Spurs have long admired Larsson, and this summer they might finally act. His work rate and ability to dictate tempo make him a midfield metronome.
12. Carlos Baleba – Brighton (21)
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Position: Defensive Midfield
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Market Value: €40.00m
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Linked Clubs: Liverpool, Man City, Man United
A typical Brighton success story, Baleba is likely to become another lucrative departure. He’s being pursued by several Premier League giants.
13. Jorrel Hato – Ajax (19)
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Position: Left-Back / Centre-Back
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Market Value: €35.00m
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Linked Clubs: Chelsea, Liverpool
Ajax's defensive prodigy, Hato has become a versatile gem. His poise under pressure has caught the attention of the top English clubs.
14. Mathys Tel – Bayern / Tottenham (20)
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Position: Centre-Forward
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Market Value: €35.00m
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Linked Clubs: Tottenham, Bayern
Spurs have an option to buy Tel for €50m but are hoping to renegotiate. Either way, Bayern appear ready to part with the Frenchman.
15. Santiago Castro – Bologna (20)
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Position: Centre-Forward
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Market Value: €35.00m
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Linked Clubs: Inter Milan, Juventus
With 8 Serie A goals, Castro is primed for a step up. Inter are keen, but competition could drive his price higher.
16. Nico Paz – Como (20)
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Position: Attacking Midfield
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Market Value: €35.00m
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Linked Clubs: Real Madrid (buy-back), PSG
After shining at Como under Fabregas, Paz could return to Real Madrid via a modest €8m buy-back clause — or be flipped for profit.
17. Franco Mastantuono – River Plate (17)
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Position: Attacking Midfield
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Market Value: €30.00m
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Linked Clubs: PSG, Real Madrid, Man United
A generational Argentine talent, Mastantuono has already made headlines for his spectacular goals. PSG currently lead the chase.
18. Cristhian Mosquera – Valencia (20)
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Position: Centre-Back
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Market Value: €30.00m
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Linked Clubs: Liverpool, RB Leipzig
With his composure and timing, Mosquera is one of LaLiga’s most exciting young defenders. Valencia’s financial state could make a sale likely.
19. Eliesse Ben Seghir – Monaco (20)
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Position: Left Winger
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Market Value: €28.00m
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Linked Clubs: Man City, Liverpool, Bayern
Despite issues with Monaco's management, Ben Seghir remains highly rated. Liverpool and Bayern are tracking him closely.
20. Bilal El Khannouss – Leicester City (21)
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Position: Attacking Midfield
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Market Value: €28.00m
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Linked Clubs: Arsenal, Wolves, Bayern
Relegated with Leicester, but highly valued. El Khannouss is a magician in tight spaces — a technical playmaker ripe for a top-tier move.
Biggest Done Deals So Far – Summer 2025
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Matheus Cunha (Wolves → Man United) – €74m
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Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth → Real Madrid) – €59.5m
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Jeremie Frimpong (Leverkusen → Liverpool) – €40m
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Estêvão (Palmeiras → Chelsea) – €34m
These headline transfers reflect the skyrocketing demand for youth, with most of the top names still pending moves that could reshape the future of European football.
The Transfermarket Trend
Transfermarket’s data-driven evaluations allow us to visualize how clubs target emerging players not just based on performance but on projected potential. Every one of these 20 U21 stars holds both current value and future scalability — making them investments as much as signings.
Final Thoughts
In an age where smart recruitment can make or break a season, these 20 players represent the next wave of footballing elite. Whether it’s Garnacho’s spark, Mastantuono’s magic, or Diomande’s strength — expect a frantic summer as Europe’s superclubs race to snap up tomorrow’s superstars.
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