New market values
While the Eredivisie may not be able to tussle for European trophies like it once could in previous decades, football in the Netherlands remains one of the most potent places for developing the stars of tomorrow. Whether it be Ajax’s famed youth academy, PSV’s excellent track record with youngsters or a number of other clubs across the country, the Eredivisie is often the best place to spot the best young players in European football. And following the most recent market value update of the Dutch top-flight, the number of potential candidates under the age of 21 has never looked more impressive.
The most valuable U21 players in the Eredivisie
Johan Bakayoko: Sitting top of our list and second only to Feyenoord forward Santiago Gimenez in the league market value rankings is PSV winger Johan Bakayoko. The young winger broke into the club’s first team last season and finished the 2022/23 campaign with five goals and five assists in 23 league games. So far this season he’s reached even higher heights, with three goals and eight assists in 15 games, as well as a goal and an assist apiece in the Champions League group stages. As such, Bakayoko has seen his market value rise by €15 million to €40m.
Jorrel Hato: Second on our list is none other than a very special defensive talent in the form of Ajax central defender Jorrel Hato. After making his first team debut for the club last season, the 17-year-old talent has since nailed down a starting role in John van ‘t Schip’s side and looks to be one of the country’s most promising talents. As such, his market value has more than doubled this season and now stands at €22m.
Brian Brobbey: After a tricky start to his career, which saw the striker depart Ajax for RB Leipzig only to find himself back in the Eredivisie after his stint in Germany didn’t quite work out, Brian Brobbey now has things back on track. Last season the striker bagged his best return in the top-flight with 13 goals and three assists in 32 league games and has wasted no time this time around with 10 goals and assists in 14 league games. As such, his market value has risen by €3m to €15m.
Malik Tillman: Although Malik Tillman was never able to break into Bayern Munich’s first team after coming through the club’s youth academy, an impressive loan spell at Rangers alerted PSV to the midfielder’s talents and has now seen the player move on loan to the Netherlands. With five goals and two assists in 11 league games to date, plus two assists in the Champions League, Tillman continues to develop at an impressive speed and has seen his market value rise to €12m.
Ricardo Pepi: Another player that previously struggled in Germany but has since found success in the Eredivisie is United States international Ricardo Pepi. After a lack of game time at Augsburg, Pepi moved on loan to Dutch club Groningen where he impressed with 12 goals and three assists in 29 league games. That then led PSV to buy the player for €11m in the summer and while he hasn’t exactly nailed down a starting role quite yet, he continues to be an exciting young talent.
Kenneth Taylor: There’s no doubt that Ajax are famous for the midfielders they develop and when it comes to Kenneth Taylor they may have another impressive talent on their hands. Played primarily as a defensive midfielder, Taylor has been an ever-present member of the first team this season and quickly established himself as a key player despite his young age.
Carlos Forbs: After coming through the youth ranks at Manchester City, Carlos Forbs made the decision to seek out first team football in the summer and was subsequently sold to Ajax for a sizable sum of €14m. Although the 19-year-old talent hasn’t yet managed to nail down a consistent, starting role in the Ajax first team, five goals and assists in 20 appearances clearly suggests that he’s got plenty of talent and more than enough potential to become a star for the club.
Yankuba Minteh: On loan from Newcastle until the end of the season, Yankuba Minteh has proven to be a useful squad player for Feyenoord this season. Few would have expected a 19-year-old talent to elbow their way into the first team plans at the club so quickly, but Minteh has already bagged four goals and two assists from 17 appearances this season and is developing well in the Eredivisie.
Devyne Rensch: Another exciting Ajax talent can be found in the form of Devyne Rensch, who continues to develop into one of the Eredivisie’s most promising right backs. Now in his four full season with the club, the 20-year-old talent has become an indisputable starter for the Amsterdam giants as well as making the step up to the Netherland’s senior international team.
Sivert Mannsverk: Signed from Molde for €6m, Sivert Mannsverk has unfortunately been unable to get started at his new club due to a foot injury ruling him out of all action this season. Whether the midfielder can return from injury and start playing for Ajax before the end of the campaign remains to be seen, but there’s little doubt that he’s a talent prospect with plenty of potential.
Gimenez at the top: The most valuable players of the Eredivisie
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