Zaïre-Emery, Mendes & Co. – The most valuable U21 players in Ligue 1

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Yoro hits €50m 

Ligue 1 has developed a strong reputation for producing excellent young talents across the last decade or so leading to many of their young stars earning big-money moves abroad. Aurélien Tchouaméni, Victor Osimhen, Thomas Lemar,Tanguy Ndombélé, Anthony Martial and Nicolas Pépé have all departed the French top-flight for fees in excess of €50 million across the last ten years. There could be plenty of youngsters on the move again this summer.

The departing Kylian Mbappé has undoubtedly been the jewel in Ligue 1’s crown for the last few years, but the joint-most valuable player in the world at €180 million will leave PSG in the summer, with the Frenchmen expected to join Spanish giants Real Madrid. Nevertheless, there is a new fleet of various youngsters emerging in the division with enormous potential. In Transfermarkt’s latest Ligue 1 market value update – which was released this Monday – all players received market value updates and several young talents earned significant upgrades. We take a look at the current top 10 most valuable U21 stars in the French top-flight.

1. Warren Zaïre-Emery – PSG – 18 years old – €60m:

Warren Zaïre-Emery’s market value remained the same after the Ligue 1 update, but he remains the most valuable U21 starlet in the league. The 18-year-old has cemented his place as a first-team regular at PSG this season, making 43 appearances in all competitions under Luis Enrique.  The midfielder is already the second most valuable player in Ligue 1, and will become the leagues MVP when Mbappé departs. He is also the second most valuable player in the world aged 18 or under, only behind Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal (€75m).

2. Nuno Mendes – PSG – 21 years old – €55m:

Nuno Mendes’ season was severely hampered by a serious hamstring injury. Nevertheless he has shown his worth to PSG with his marauding displays at left-back. No player registered a faster speed in the Champions League this season. However, the Portuguese defender’s market value has decreased by -€5m to take his value to €55m, but despite this, he is now the most valuable orthodox left-back in the world and will be targeting playing a key role for his nation at the Euros this summer.

3. Leny Yoro – Lille – 18 years old – €50m:

Leny Yoro was a big winner in this update with his market value soaring by €10m to make him worth €50m at 18 years of age. Yoro is widely regarded as one of the best centre-back prospects in the world and there will be a major transfer battle for his services this summer, with Real Madrid rumoured to be favourites for his signature. The 18-year-old’s contract expires in 2025. Yoro has played an integral role as Lille gained Champions League football next season – albeit they will have to qualify through the play-offs as they finished fourth.

4. Bradley Barcola – PSG – 21 years old – €50m:

Bradley Barcola over the course of the season has become a key player for PSG, and was vital in the club’s run-in where they wrapped up a ninth Ligue 1 title in the last 11 seasons. He has been rewarded for his form in the latest market value update with a +€10m upgrade to take his value to €50m. The talented has shown glimpses of his immense potential and he’s registered eleven goal contributions in 28 league games. There will be a lot more pressure and responsibility on Barcola’s shoulders next season in the absence of Mbappé.

5. Elye Wahi – Lens – 21 years old – €35m:

Lens striker Elye Wahi retains his market value of €35m. The French striker netted 11 goals in all competitions this season, including a superb strike in the Champions League against Arsenal. The France U21 international remains a fascinating prospect and he will have admirers across Europe this summer. However, he will be disappointed to have missed out on Didier Deschamps’ France squad for Euro 2024.

6. Désiré Doué – Rennes – 18 years old – €30m:

Désiré Doué endured a frustrating start to the season, making just five starts in 2023 but he has thrived under new boss Julien Stéphan. The 18-year-old has registered eight league goal contributions since December and become a pivotal player to Rennes. Doué’s form has earned him a +€10m upgrade and he’s now among the top five most valuable players aged 18 or under in world football. He has been linked with a big move this summer, with Arsenal reportedly interested in obtaining his services.

7. Lucas Beraldo – PSG – 20 years old – €30m:

PSG’s transfer policy has shifted recently as they’ve moved away from signing established superstars and focused more on bringing in younger talents. Lucas Beraldo represents this approach and his market value has increased by a further +€10m. PSG paid Sao Paulo €20m for him in January, and following a serious injury to Lucas Hernández, the Brazilian gained more game-time during the season’s run-in.

8. Rayan Cherki – Lyon – 20 years old – €25m:

Rayan Cherki has been tipped for greatness since his progression through Lyon’s academy. The enigmatic attacking midfielder made his Champions League debut aged just 16 and he’s often carried the weight of expectation at Lyon. However, his progress has slightly halted. The 20-year-old has delivered eight goal contributions in 29 games for a struggling Lyon and he remains a tremendous talent, but is maybe not quite on the astronomic path predicted in his teenage years.

9. Guillaume Restes – Toulouse – 19 years old – €18m:

One of the most exciting young goalkeepers in Europe this season, Guillaume Restes received a +€6m market value increase to make him by far the most valuable teenage keeper in the world. He has been an ever present for Toulouse this season and could perhaps feel disappointed to not be included in France’s squad for the Euros this summer. There is expected to be plenty of interest in the young shot-stopper in the next transfer window.

10. Habib Diarra – Strasbourg – 20 years old – €18m:

Habib Diarra’s market value increased by +€15m across 2023, and remained at €18m in the latest Ligue 1 market value update. The Senegalese attacking midfielder scored four goals and registered two assists in 35 games this season and remains Strasbourg’s most valuable player.