Premier League market value news: Doku and Højlund lead the way of the most valuable U21 players

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Mainoo up to €50m 

The Premier League is widely considered as the strongest league in world football at this moment in time – it has the highest cumulative value of any league by some distance. Given the pressure for managers to get instant results in the English top-flight, at times opportunities for younger players are limited, but there are still a group of elite youngsters taking to the Premier League like a duck to water.

In the latest Premier League market value update on May 27, the league increased its total value by a further €10.30 million to take the division to a staggering €11.15 billion market value, with lots of rises for the leagues youthful talents. But who are the top 10 most valuable U21 players in the Premier League? 

1. Jérémy Doku – Manchester City – 21 years old – €65m: Jérémy Doku took no time adapting to Pep Guardiola’s style of play, slotting straight into the left-wing of Man City’s attack, often ahead of Jack Grealish. He even equalled a Premier League record, registering four assists in one game in a 6-1 win against Bournemouth. Performance levels have slightly dropped since the turn of the year, but at 21 years of age, the future is bright for the Belgian.

2. Rasmus Højlund – Manchester United – 21 years old – €65m: It’s been a tale of two years so far for Rasmus Højlund at Manchester United so far. Whilst the young Dane failed to score in first 11 Premier League games in 2023, his form was electric in 2024, kick started by his first league goal against Aston Villa in late December, before an injury hampered his progress. Højlund scored seven goals in six games in that prolific run, and ended the season strongly.

3. Kobbie Mainoo – Manchester United – 19 years old – €50m: In a fairly miserable season for Man United, without a doubt one of the huge positives, was the breakthrough season of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. At just 19 years of age, he has often looked the most composed player on the pitch for the Red Devils. The youngster scored sensational goals against both Wolves and Liverpool and was named in England’s provisional squad for the Euros. A +€15m increase sees the 19 year old’s market value hit €50m already.

4. Evan Ferguson – Brighton – 19 years old – €50m: Evan Ferguson broke onto the scene last season, and scored six Premier League goals in his debut campaign in the English top-flight for Brighton. At the start of this season, he continued his progression, and scored six in just 11 starts, including a hat-trick against Newcastle, but has struggled for game-time since. The young Irish forward has been linked with many of Europe’s top clubs. Nevertheless, the lack of game-time has led to a -€10m decrease in market value for Ferguson.

5. Levi Colwill – Chelsea – 21 years old – €50m: Despite another pretty poor season for Chelsea, where the Blues finished 6th in the Premier League and shipped 63 goals, Levi Colwill has made some positive progress. After a steady season on loan at Brighton, he has forced his way into the Chelsea defence and made 23 league appearances for the Blues this season, as well as making his debut for England back in October against Australia.

6. Alejandro Garnacho – Manchester United – 19 years old – €45m: When Alejandro Garnacho scored his mesmerising overhead kick against Everton in November, the watching world was left speechless at what the teenager had pulled off. The goal already won the league’s goal of the month award, and is touted as a strong contender for goal of the season. Since then, Garnacho has been a regular starter for Man United, and been a strong performer in an underperforming Man United team.

7. Destiny Udogie – Tottenham – 21 years old – €45m: Following his loan at Fiorentina last season, not many expected Destiny Udogie to have such an instant impact on the first team at Tottenham this campaign. However, the Italian has been an integral part of Ange Postecoglou’s defence, also contributing two goals and three assists from the back. The 21 year old rose by €5m in value back in March, but an injury ended his season early.

8. Pape Matar Sarr – Tottenham – 21 years old – €40m: Another top performer in Tottenham’s team this season, Pape Matar Sarr’s energy in midfield has been key to Postecoglou’s set-up. The Senegalese international has three goals and three assists in the Premier League this term, and saw his market value rise by €5m in the latest Premier league market value update this May.

9. Jarrad Branthwaite – Everton – 21 years old – €42m: Outside of the top three, Everton finished the season with the fourth best defence in the entire Premier League. A huge part of that has been Jarrad Branthwaite, who has been a rock at the back for the Toffees. He has been included in England’s provisional squad for the Euros and has been linked with a host fo top European clubs. A +€12m market value increase this time around for the 21 year old.

10. Rico Lewis – Manchester City – 19 years old – €38m: Rico Lewis made his England debut aged 18 in November, and it was indicative of his start to life with the Man City first-team. The full-back, who is capable of inverting or even playing in midfield is one of the most highly regarded young players in Europe. Lewis received an +€18m increase in value back in December’s market value update, and retains his value this time around.