Højlund 6th, Simons 5th - Which U21 player had the biggest market value upgrade in 2023?

Several potentially world-class talents emerged as first-team players in 2023 to generate huge excitement. Breaking into the starting eleven at some of Europe’s top clubs can be an insurmountable task but some youngsters are just too prodigiously talented to ignore. Lionel Messi famously made his Barcelona debut at 17, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney were regulars at Manchester United at just 18. Messi and Ronaldo continue to prolong their careers but the next generation of superstars have emerged with Jude Bellingham topping the bill.

The English midfielder has excelled since moving to Real Madrid and he became the most valuable player in the world in the latest Transfermarkt update. Bellingham’s valuation increased by €70m - more than any player on the planet - across the recent updates and we’ve compiled a list of the top ten U21 players with the biggest market value upgrades.

Top 10 U21 players with biggest market values upgrades in 2023

 

While Bellingham’s astronomical rise continued in 2023, Evan Ferguson emerged as a potential world-class striker. Brighton enjoyed a fantastic year under Roberto De Zerbi and Ferguson is the jewel in their crown. The 19-year-old’s valuation increased by an incredible €64m, which represented the second biggest increase in 2023. One other starlet who played for Brighton in 2023 also feature in Levi Colwill. Colwill returned to Chelsea this summer after spending last season on-loan at Brighton and his valuation increased by €45m after impressive displays for both clubs. 

Behind Bellingham and Ferguson sit two prodigious talents that have burst onto the scene in 2023 - Lamine Yamal and Warren Zaire-Emery. Yamal didn’t even have a market valuation at the start of 2023 but the 16-year-old’s emergence at Barcelona means he’s now worth €60m. The talented winger has made 24 appearances this season and he’s already amassed four caps for Spain. Zaire-Emery is the latest player to progress through PSG’s renowned youth academy and his valuation has soared by €54m in 2023. The skilled midfielder has earned a regular starting berth under Luis Enrique and he also scored on his France debut in the 14-0 win against Gibraltar.

Another PSG academy graduate Xavi Simons features after enjoying his breakthrough year. Simons has been regarded as a top prospect for years but he delivered on his potential. The Dutch international shone at PSV, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists in 22/23 season as PSG activated a buy-back clause before loaning him to RB Leipzig this summer.

Rasmus Hojlund and Jeremy Doku both earned massive market value upgrades with born earning moves to the English Premier League. Hojlund scored five goals despite Manchester United crashing out in the group stages of the Champions League but he’s yet to find the net in the league. Meanwhile, Doku was acquired by Pep Guardiola from Rennes for €60m and his new valuation of €64m eclipses that transfer fee after rising by €47m across the calendar year. The Belgian international has upsurged Jack Grealish on the left-wing after providing 10 goal contributions in 19 games for Manchester City.

Coming in at ninth on the list is Portuguese starlet Joao Neves. The 19-year-old was valued at a lowly €500k at the start of 2023 but he’s emerged as one of the most sought-after young midfielders in Europe after starring displays for Benfica. Neves wowed in the Champions League as he earned his international debut for Portugal and he has attracted transfer interest from both Manchester giants. 

Eduardo Camavinga completes the top ten biggest increases after a €40m increase in his valuation. The 20-year-old is the sixth most valuable player in La Liga and 2nd most valuable French player behind Kylian Mbappe. The Real Madrid star has been used out of position during 2023 by Carlo Ancelotti but he remains a key player for the Spanish giants.