More Stars, More Value Expected to Skyrocket Over the Next Six Months

Welcome back,

We continue our series on Europe’s rising stars, exploring the next wave of young talent making an impact across top leagues. If you didn’t have a chance to read Part 1 yesterday, we suggest starting there to catch up and get the full picture. In this second part, we focus on players from Serie A, and Ligue 1 whose market value is on the rise and attracting attention from major European clubs.

Davide Bartesaghi (Milan)

Davide Bartesaghi is a 19-year-old Italian left-back who came through AC Milan’s academy and has rapidly become a regular starter during the 2025–26 season. While he is most commonly deployed at left-back, his profile allows him to play as a left-sided centre-back or even in a left midfield role when required. Physically imposing and strong in duels, Bartesaghi’s 1.93m height makes him a real threat on set pieces. He combines this size with a good recovery pace and shows maturity in one-on-one defensive situations, where his timing and body positioning stand out for his age.

Last weekend, he was brilliant against Sassuolo, scoring his first two senior goals and earning the Man of the Match award. Those goals made him AC Milan’s youngest Italian defender to score in Serie A since Paolo Maldini’s first goal on January 4, 1987. His market value is expected to increase from €18.1 million to €32.3 million which would mean a 79% growth in just six months. While drawing direct comparisons with Maldini would be unfair and impose unnecessary pressure on such a young player, the historical connection itself is noteworthy and naturally captures attention.

As a local player who raised at the Lombardy region, Bartesaghi represents Milan’s renewed emphasis on its roots, making him a special figure for the Rossoneri fanbase. From a technical standpoint, he shows promise in his crossing ability, but still needs to polish his progressive passing and improve his build-up play, particularly when the game demands to contribute in possession-heavy phases. Given his age, physical profile, and tactical versatility, Davide Bartesaghi has ample time to develop these aspects of his game. Under the mentorship of Massimiliano Allegri, he could grow into one of the best Italian defenders of the new generation.

Tarık Muharemovic (Sassuolo)

Tarik Muharemović’s story is a modern football tale, where smart transfer deals, buy-back clauses, and the emergence of a top-level talent all come together. The 22-year-old Bosnian centre-back spent three years (2021-2024) at Juventus Next Gen before signing with Sassuolo. His move to Serie B side Sassuolo in the summer of 2024 was initially a loan with an option to buy. That option, however, became a mandatory obligation upon Sassuolo’s promotion from Serie B to Serie A. Tarik Muharemović was central to this promotion, playing in 28 games (2085 minutes) during club’s successful 2024-25 campaign.

The true measure of his development has been evident this season in the Serie A. He proved himself as one of the most impressive young centre-backs in the league. This rapid progress has not gone unnoticed, especially in Turin. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus are now keenly interested in bringing their former player back. The situation is financially favourable for Juventus, as they hold a 50% resale clause on the player. And the market is already reflecting his value. His current transfer valuation of €18.8 million is projected to increase €30.7 million within the next six months (63%).

In possession, Tarık Muharremovic shows strong anticipation and composure, allowing him to build from the back under pressure. Being left-footed, he brings a solid passing range which makes him highly effective in the build-up phase. Physically, he is a strong, dominant in both aerial and ground duels, benefiting from his height and strength. While he is still gaining experience at the top level, there is little doubt: Tarik Muharemović is one of the most exciting defenders in Serie A, and the financial chess game around his future is only just beginning.

Figure 1: Radar charts of Davide Bartesaghi and Tarik Muharremovic

Giovane Santana (Verona)

Giovane (Giovane Santana do Nascimento) is a dynamic attacker who is effective in transition, shooting from range, and linking play with through balls. He joined Hellas Verona from Corinthians in July 2025 and he has started 16 Serie A games, contributing with 3 goals and 4 assists. He is very effective in progressive carries and represents a typical profile of a Brazilian forward. Technically capable, likes to shoot from outside the box and good at set-pieces. Currently, he is Verona’s main attacking threat in the relegation battle. The club value him as a potential big-sale asset; and recent performances have accelerated transfer buzz around him. Giovane’s transfer value is expected to rise from 9.9 million euro to 15 million euros in six months, %52 total growth. As his transition from Brazilian league complete and looks to deliver in the top level, his next move would be smoother.

Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal (Rennes)

Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal (2006) is a Moroccan centre-back who emerged from the renowned Mohammed VI Academy. He joined Stade Rennais in 2024, playing for the B team last season before being promoted to the senior squad. With his physical dominance and aerial ability, Aït Boudlal is a natural leader in defense. He captained Morocco’s U17 team and has already earned senior national team call-ups. Despite playing only 649 minutes across 9 appearances this season, 8 of which were starts, and scoring 2 goals, he still earned a call-up to the African Cup with the Moroccan national team. His coach, Habib Beye, has said, “I don’t know where his limit is.” Indeed, his stats underline the huge potential he possesses, while also highlighting that he is still very young and has a lot of room for development.

Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal’s 2025-26 season key metrics (per game / percentile):

• Tackle (Def3rd) 1.25 (83rd percentile)

• Dribbles tackled: 1.25 (88th percentile)

• Dribbles challenged: 1.94 (85th percentile)

• Progressive carries: 1.11 (88th percentile)

• Passes into Penalty Area: 0.69 (94th percentile)

• Progressive passes received: 0.97 (87th percentile)

Aït Boudlal has been one of the fastest-rising players in Ligue 1 in terms of market value, with a 148% increase. His current valuation of €10.4 million is estimated to reach €25.8 million by the summer of 2026. A highly promising talent who deserves close attention.

Nathan Ngoy (Lille)

Nathan Ngoy is an aggressive centre-back with strong physical presence and ball-playing ability. He had a successful adaptation to Ligue 1 even though seen as adding depth and competition to Lille’s defense, he played 14 games in his debut season and won the trust of Bruno Genesio. The combination of veteran Aissa Mandi and young centre-back Nathan Ngoy has worked very well for Lille in the centre-back position and created excellent on-field chemistry until now.

His 2025-26 season France Ligue 1 stats include: 1.54 interceptions (85 percentile), 1.11 dribblers tackled (79 percentile), 1.71 dribbles challenged (76 percentile), 0.68 tackles mid 3rd (81 percentile), 3.07 tackle + interceptions (79 percentile). Ngoy’s market value is estimated to rise %73 and reach 14.5 million euro in the next six months. Ngoy is one of Europe’s brightest young prospects, and you can expect to hear much more about him in the future.

Mamadou Sangare (Lens)

Mamadou Sangaré is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder who combines stamina with physical resilience. His ability to progress the ball through carries, making him effective in both transitional phases. He made significant progress during the 2023/24 season at Rapid Wien, getting the attention of several European clubs, including Feyenoord and RC Lens. The French club ultimately secured him for €5 million plus up to €3 million in performance-related bonuses. As you know RC Lens currently ranks at the top of Ligue 1 after 16 matchdays, outperforming big giants such as Paris Saint-Germain (squad value: €1.19bn) and Olympique Marseille (€397.8m), despite the team’s’ comparatively small squad value of €109.15m.

RC Lens has built a strong reputation for developing and exporting talent to the elite level, with examples including Lois Openda, Abdulkodir Khusanov, Kevin Danso, Cheick Doucouré, and Elle Wahi etc. Mamadou Sangaré is regarded as the next high-value player likely to move on from Lens’ model. From a data perspective, Sangaré’s last 365 days data highlight his elite defensive and ball-carrying performance: Tackles: 3.67 per 90 (98th percentile), Tackles won: 2.27 per 90 (98th percentile), Tackles + interceptions: 4.84 per 90 (98th percentile), Blocks: 1.54 per 90 (83rd percentile), Successful take-ons: 1.32 per 90 (93rd percentile), Take-ons attempted: 2.57 per 90 (92nd percentile). Currently valued at €16.6 million, Sangaré could reach €25.5 million (+54%), making him an attractive value-growth option for top European teams.

Figure 2: Mamadou Sangaré – Touch Heatmap and Take-On Attempts

Quentin Ndjandou (PSG)

Remember the name, Quentin Ndjantou Mbitcha. PSG’s academy continues to be one of Europe’s most productive despite historical criticism over first-team pathway. Warren Zaïre-Emery remains the flagship graduate now a France international and undroppable starter. Recent success stories include Senny Mayulu, Naouir Zague, and Ibrahim Mbaye. The club has shifted strategy under Luis Enrique: deliberate integration of 2-3 academy players per season rather than mass loans. Ndjantou fits this new philosophy perfectly, retained and promoted rather than loaned out.

Ndjantou played in 10 games this season, scoring his first goal against Metz last weekend. He signed his first professional contract with PSG in July 2025. A French passport holder with Cameroonian roots, he remains eligible for Cameroon’s senior team, though he has consistently represented France at youth levels from U16 to U19. His current market value is 9.1 million euro potentially reaching 15.6 million euros in the next 6 months with %71 percentage increase. He is really good at ball-carrying in tight spaces, and has an exceptionally clean first touch. PSG’s injury crisis with Dembélé, Doué, Kvaratskhelia rotations has accelerated his visibility, and Luis Enrique has publicly praised his readiness. If his progression continues at the current pace his market value could comfortably move beyond the €50m mark within the next two to three seasons.

Robinio Vaz (Marseille)

Robinio Vaz is one of the most exciting young strikers to emerge from Ligue 1 this season. Born on February 17, 2007, in Mantes-la-Jolie, the French striker (dual Guinea-Bissau citizenship) joined Olympique de Marseille last summer after leaving Sochaux’s academy. Initially integrated into OM’s reserve side in National 3, Vaz made an immediate impact, scoring four goals in his first six matches under Jean-Pierre Papin and quickly positioned himself for first-team consideration. Roberto De Zerbi’s trust in youth quickened Vaz’s integration into the first team.

He delivered an energetic Ligue 1 debut, showing his physical power and explosive pace. From a scouting perspective, Vaz fits the complete No.9 profile. He offers a strong physical presence, wins duels, attacks spaces intelligently, and provides reliable hold-up play. His aerial ability and off-ball work rate allow him to contribute on both sides of the game. In possession-based systems with wide creators, such as De Zerbi’s Marseille, Vaz plays as a central target who can open up defenses and help link play.

He is the youngest player in OM history to score twice in a single match (a 2‑2 draw against Angers), and already has been linked in the media with several European giants. Robinio Vaz’s current market value is estimated at €10.7m, with projecting of reaching €17.2m (+61%). His profile is ideal for top-level football and a should be priority target for clubs seeking a long-term No.9 solution.

Figure 3: Performance Radar Charts Quentin Ndjantou and Robinio Vaz

Thanks for following this series! If you enjoyed Part 1 and Part 2, drop us a like or leave a comment. We wish you a Merry Christmas and happy holidays! Cheers.