Football

The 20 Most Valuable U21 Transfers of Summer 2025 – Ranked

The summer 2025 transfer window has been defined by a new generation of talent making bold moves across Europe. Clubs are investing heavily in players under the age of 21, hoping to secure the next big star before their value skyrockets. From Premier League giants to European powerhouses, the race for future icons is well underway.

Below is the definitive list of the 20 most valuable U21 players who completed transfers this summer.

20. Mamadou Sarr – £17M

Mamadou Sarr
Photo: Wikicommons.com

French center-back Mamadou Sarr left Lyon to join Chelsea. Known for his physical presence and composure, he strengthens Chelsea’s long-term defensive plans.

19. Dário Essugo – £17M

Dario Essugo
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Sporting CP’s talented midfielder Dário Essugo also made the switch to Chelsea. At just 19, he brings intensity, tackling strength, and fearless energy to the Blues’ midfield.

Read also: The 100 Best Football Teams in the World (2025) – Ranked

18. Ange-Yoan Bonny – £17M

Ange-Yoan Bonny
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After impressing at Parma, Bonny completed a move to Inter Milan. His strong frame and movement in the box make him a potential Serie A breakout.

17. Wesley – £17M

Wesley
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The Brazilian full-back left Corinthians for AS Roma. With speed and attacking instincts, Wesley adds depth and width to the Italian side’s defense.

16. Habib Diarra – £17M

Habib Diarra
Photo: Wikicommons.com

French midfielder Habib Diarra joined newly-promoted Sunderland. His all-action style and ability to carry the ball make him one to watch in the Premier League.

15. Arthur Vermeeren – £19M

arthur vermeeren
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Belgium’s top midfield prospect Arthur Vermeeren left Atlético Madrid to join RB Leipzig. A perfect fit for their dynamic, pressing system.

Read also: The 10 Most Gifted Manchester United Players of All Time

14. Jobe Bellingham – £19M

Jobe_Bellingham
By Struway2 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=117837192

After shining at Sunderland, Jobe Bellingham signed for Borussia Dortmund. He joins the same club where his brother Jude made his name, ready to create his own legacy.

13. Alberto Moleiro – £21M

Alberto Moleiro
Photo: uslaspalmas.es

Spanish playmaker Alberto Moleiro made the move from Las Palmas to Villarreal. With flair and vision, he’s expected to thrive in their possession-based system.

12. Evan Ferguson – £21M

Photo: Marco Lacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com

The powerful Irish striker left Brighton to join AS Roma. Ferguson’s clinical finishing and Premier League experience bring immediate threat to Roma’s attack.

11. Cristhian Mosquera – £26M

Cristhian Mosquera
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Colombian defender Mosquera completed a move from Valencia to Arsenal. Calm on the ball and strong in duels, he bolsters Mikel Arteta’s backline.

Read also: The 20 Most Expensive Premier League Transfers of All Time (Adjusted for Inflation) - Ranked

10. Tom Bischof – £26M

Tom Bischof
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Germany’s midfield gem Tom Bischof moved from Hoffenheim to Bayern Munich. Technically gifted and composed, he’s seen as part of the club’s long-term future.

9. Jesús Rodríguez – £26M

Jesus Rodriguez
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Jesús Rodríguez made a surprising switch from Real Betis to newly promoted Como. The talented Spaniard will be key to their survival hopes in Serie A.

8. Franco Mastantuono – £26M

Franco Mastantuono
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The 16-year-old sensation joined Real Madrid from River Plate. With creativity, flair, and maturity beyond his years, he’s the latest South American jewel at the Bernabéu.

7. Jhon Durán – £30M

Jhon Duran
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After a brief stint at Al Nassr, Colombian striker Jhon Durán joined Fenerbahçe. His physical dominance and eye for goal suit the Turkish league perfectly.

Read also: The 20 Most Expensive Shirts in the Premier League – Ranked from Lowest to Highest

6. Mathys Tel – £30M

Mathys Tel
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French attacker Mathys Tel left Bayern Munich to join Tottenham Hotspur. With raw pace and agility, he adds explosiveness to Spurs’ front line.

5. Rayan Cherki – £38M

Rayan Cherki
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Cherki left Lyon to sign with Manchester City. Known for his dazzling dribbles and creativity, he could thrive under Pep Guardiola’s demanding system.

4. Milos Kerkez – £38M

Milos Kerkez
Vasiljevic Dimitrije / Shutterstock.com

Hungarian left-back Milos Kerkez moved from Bournemouth to Liverpool. Aggressive and relentless on the flank, he’s expected to provide instant competition at Anfield.

3. Jamie Gittens – £43M

Jamie Gittens
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Gittens swapped Borussia Dortmund for Chelsea. The electric winger brings flair, speed, and Premier League readiness back to English football.

Read also: Premier League 2025–26: The Top 20 Goal Contributors Predicted - Ranked

2. Estêvão – £51M

Estevao
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The Brazilian prodigy joined Chelsea from Palmeiras. Estêvão is one of the most hyped young attackers in the world, combining samba flair with clinical instincts.

1. Dean Huijsen – £51M

Dean Huijsen
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Dutch center-back Dean Huijsen was signed by Real Madrid from Bournemouth. Tall, elegant, and confident in possession, he could be the next great Madrid defender.