Football

10 Champions League youngsters who could make a big-money transfer

European stars like Robert Lewandowski, Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema and Mohamed Salah have all been in fine form in this season’s Champions League. But who are the young players who could one day take their place as the competition’s leading men?

A handful of them have inevitably been linked with big-money moves thanks to their stunning displays in Europe.

Here are ten Champions League youngsters who could be on the move in the very near future:

Pedro Gonçalves

The attacking midfielder has been one of the standouts of the competition. His four goals and two assists in four matches were crucial in securing a spot in the knockout stages for Sporting. The 23-year-old shone in a very tough group involving Ajax, Borussia Dortmund and Beşiktaş. Wolves may regret letting Gonçalves go in 2019.

Antony

Ajax stormed through Group C with six wins from six. And their pacey winger Antony has been one of their star men. The 21-year-old Brazilian chipped in with four assists and two goals in just five games. His wicked left foot and dazzling dribbling displays are a real threat.

Jonathan David

Lille striker David has three goals for the campaign so far. The Canadian already has a Ligue 1 trophy to his name, and will certainly have his eyes set on further silverware in the near future. Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on the promising 21-year-old.

Mohamed Camara

Mali international Camara has been a quiet but assertive presence at the heart of the RB Salzburg midfield. His tough tackling and comfort in possession are traits that all of the major European clubs require in the modern game. At just 21, there is a really bright future ahead.

Gonçalo Inácio

It’s just his second season in professional football, but the 20-year-old is already a regular at Sporting. He also has a Primeira Liga title to his name. A strong, tactically-minded centre-back is a rarity in the modern game, so many top clubs will be well aware that he is an option in the transfer window.

Lisandro Martínez

The 23-year-old centre-back has been a rock for Ajax. With all the glory going to the club’s attackers, the Argentinian ensured things were kept tight at the back. He also boasts a 94.8% passing accuracy so far.

Edmund Addo

FC Sheriff were undoubtedly the surprise package this season. Sadly the dream is now over, but Addo was the anchor at the heart of the club’s midfield as they took on European giants Real Madrid and Inter Milan. The 21-year-old currently tops the tackles chart with 26.

Karim Adeyemi

Adeyemi’s three goals and two assists have perhaps gone under the radar in this season’s tournament. His RB Salzburg side have surprised a few people, and there is undoubtedly more to come in the coming months from the 19-year-old. Arsenal have been linked with the youngster, as reported by the Evening Standard.

Darwin Núñez

Undoubtedly one of the most exciting prospects in this season’s Champions League. The 22-year-old Uruguayan has a huge future ahead at both club and international level. His three goals so far have come against Barcelona (2) and Bayern Munich.

Ryan Gravenberch

The Dutch midfielder is already one of the first names on the Ajax team sheet. His dominance and composure helped keep things ticking over throughout the group stages. The 19-year-old could well be the next big money-move to come out of the club’s famed youth academy.


Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!