The most valuable Premier League U21 wonderkids with Nwaneri top

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€55m top valuation 

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The English Premier League has received an intermediary market value update this week with 207 players’ valuations changing. The English top-flight is the biggest league in the world and the total value of players increased by €79 million overall, to a new record high of €11.82 billion. Fresh from inspiring Newcastle United to their first major domestic trophy in 70 years, Alexander Isak was rewarded with a €25m upgrade to become the Magpies’ first ever €100m player.

No club gained more value than Bournemouth with Androni Iraola leading the Cherries on a quest to secure European football for the first time in the club’s history. Conversely, West Ham’s ageing squad and underperformance has resulted in them losing the most value. A number of young stars have emerged this season, while other starlets have cemented their reputations as generational talents. But who are the most valuable U21 players currently at Premier League clubs? Let’s find out – Transfermarkt ranks players with the same valuation, based on age.

The most valuable U21 Premier League stars

1. Ethan Nwaneri – €55m

Nwaneri enjoyed the joint-biggest market value increase of €25m in the upgrade. The prodigiously gifted attacking midfielder has excelled since breaking into the Arsenal team this season. Alongside three goals in just 600 minutes in the Premier League, Nwaneri has also impressed against Bolton and Preston in the League Cup. Coupled with some stand-out performances in the Champions League, the 17-year-old seems destined for greatness

2. Kobbie Mainoo – €55m

After a spectacular breakthrough season in 2023/24, Mainoo’s campaign has been disrupted by injuries. The 19-year-old has only made 25 appearances for Manchester United and he failed to recapture the form that seen him star for England in Euro 2024. Mainoo is on the verge of returning and there’s no questioning his ability with the Man United academy graduate the most valuable player born in 2005. 

3. Leny Yoro – €55m

Yoro endured a frustrating start to life at Old Trafford after sustaining an injury in pre-season that sidelined him for the first four months of the season. The French centre-back arrived amid considerable fanfare after United beat Real Madrid to his signature. Yoro has endured some problems adjusting to the demands of the Premier League but he remains an immense talent.

4. Savinho – €55m

Savinho’s outstanding form at Girona earned him a big-move to Manchester City but it’s not really worked out for the Brazilian. The winger has failed to nail down a regular starting place and provided just 11 goal contributions in 38 games. In Savinho’s defence, City have endured a dismal campaign with Pep Guardiola embarking on a rebuild and it would be foolish to dismiss the 20-year-old.

5. Alejandro Garnacho – €45m 

Garnacho endured a 20-game goal drought but he finally found the back of the net in Man United’s last game against Leicester. Despite providing 17 goal contributions this season – six more than Savinho – Garnacho’s market value has dropped by €5m. The 20-year-old attracted interest from Napoli and Chelsea in January and his valuation should increase again in the future.

6. Dean Huijsen – €42m

Huijsen has been a revelation since joining Bournemouth last summer and he’s arguably been the signing of the season. The Cherries got an absolute bargain at €18m and several European clubs will be willing to pay his €60m release clause this summer. Huijsen possesses all the desirable attributes for a modern centre-back and Juventus will be regretting their decision to sell.  

7. Mathys Tel – €40m 

Tel’s loan move from Bayern Munich to Tottenham was one of the biggest, and most protracted, deals of the January window. Despite failing to impress at Spurs, Tel’s market value has increased by €10m to reflect the buy-option in his contract – Tottenham can make it a permanent deal for around €55m. 

8. Rico Lewis – €40m 

Like the majority of Manchester City players, Lewis has failed to impress this season but his versatility and age have ensured that his market value hasn’t dropped. Guardiola is a huge admirer of the 20-year-old and uses him in a variety of positions but he will need to improve to be a central figure in City’s future plans. 

9. Archie Gray – €35m 

Gray has been a shining light in a poor season for Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou. The 19-year-old has stepped up effortlessly to the demands of the Premier League after shining in the Championship for Leeds. Gray has been rewarded with a €10m upgrade and he has an incredibly bright future ahead of him. 

10. Milos Kerkez – €35m 

Kerkez has been one of the best left-backs in the Premier League this season and Bournemouth will face a battle to keep him this summer. The 21-year-old has registered 8 goal contributions and he’s a major target for Liverpool as they look to the future with Andy Roberton’s performances under the spotlight.