Young players represent the future and top clubs are always looking to sign the stars of tomorrow. Scouts will travel across the world with the aim of identifying generational talents that can develop into first-team superstars. 

While players market values decrease as they get older, the valuation of younger players will rise if they can deliver on their potential. Lamine Yamal has shone at Euro 2024 for Spain at just 16 years old and Barcelona view him as the most talented player to progress through their famed La Masia academy since Lionel Messi. Moreover, Barcelona have the most valuable collection of U21 players in their senior squad across the top five leagues based on Transfermarkt data. But which other clubs feature in the top 20? Let’s find out! 

Which clubs have the most valuable collection of U21 players?

Barcelona lead the way with the 14 U21 players in their first-team squad on Transfermarkt possessing a combined market value of €444 million. Yamal and Gavi are their most valuable U21 players at €90m, followed by Pedri at €80m. Alejandro Balde is valued at €40m with three players - Pau Cubarsí, Vitor Roque and Fermín López - at €30m.  As the graphic below illustrates, Real Madrid rank second with four player valued at €320m - €124m less than their fierce rivals. 

 

Jude Bellingham leads the way at €180m with Eduardo Camavinga at €100m but they’ll close the gap to Barcelona when €60m rated Endrick joins when the Brazilian transfer window opens on July 10th. PSG have abandoned their transfer policy of signing established stars to focus on youth and they rank third on €262m with Xavi Simons their most valuable U21 player at €60m. Seven English clubs feature in the top 20 with Chelsea leading the way in 4th. The Stamford Bridge side have targeted signing the best youngsters in the world - especially from South America - and they hope that strategy will bear dividends in the future. Despite having Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United rank one place below Brighton with Manchester City down in 16th. Juventus are the sole Italian side represented in the top twenty, while French club Strasbourg are a surprise addition.