Young and Rising: U23 Transfers You Shouldn’t Miss Part 2

🚨 Welcome to Part 2. More names that stood out, not just stats-wise, but the kind that make you pause and say: okay, there’s something there.

If you liked the first round, get ready for more of it.

Let’s keep it rolling.

Luka Vuskovic (18) H. Split to Tottenham (2023) 💰 €11m

In September 2023, Tottenham acted quickly to sign 16-year-old Croatian centre-back Luka Vuskovic. The following year, he was loaned out to KVC Westerlo to aid his development , and it has already paid off. 1.93m tall defender had a standout season in the Jupiler Pro League, appearing in 28 league matches and scoring 7 goals, an exceptional stat line for a centre-back. Vuskovic’s aerial dominance, set-piece threat and maturity are well beyond his age, and his performances were well noticed. After impressing with Croatia’s U21s, he earned a senior call-up and made his debut in a World Cup qualifier further underlining his rapid rise.

As Thomas Frank takes charge at Spurs, Vusković is set to be closely tested during pre-season. He’s part of the club’s ambitious rebuild phase, alongside talents like Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, and could earn a role in the senior squad sooner than expected. Stylistically, he reminds us of Gerard Pique, composed in 1v1s, dominant in the air, and comfortable carrying the ball out from the back. Coming from a football family, he combines tactical intelligence with physical presence, allowing him to adapt easily to both back-three and back-four systems. Still raw, but already showing signs of a top-level, modern centre-back on the rise. A must-watch.

Noah Sadiki (20) Union Saint-Gilloise to Sunderland 💰€20.5million

Noah Sadiki is a high-energy, well-rounded midfielder who took his first steps at Anderlecht before making his mark at Union SG. Since his move to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in 2023, he’s matured into a key figure, trusted in multiple roles from central midfield to right-back. His versatility and composure make him a natural fit for modern, high-pressing systems. Although he plays a bit more centrally than Jobe Bellingham, he looks like a perfect “bullseye” signing to fill the gap left by him. Most likely, Sunderland had been preparing for Jobe’s departure for some time, and their Plan B was ready to go.

While still a young player, Sadiki has played in more than 100 senior games, which means Sunderland is signing a player who is ready to compete on the big stage. He is physically powerful, tireless, and he can bring a lot of energy to the Sunderland midfield. Despite many positives, there’s still room for improvement in certain areas of his game. His offensive contribution remains the most noticeable gap, and he needs to improve his decision-making under pressure and link-play whenever he’s in possession. Though, considering he’s only 20 and the progress he’s made over the last two seasons, it’s difficult not to be optimistic. In short, Sunderland signed a player with real potential and a clear development path ahead.

Figure 1: Noah Sadiki vs Jobe Bellingham 2024–25 Season Comparison

Petar Sučić (21) Dinamo Zagreb to Inter 💰 14 mil. €

With Croatian roots and a Bosnian birthplace, Sučić developed through the ranks at Dinamo Zagreb’s academy. His successful 2022–23 loan spell at Zrinjski Mostar where he helped win both the Bosnian Premier League and the National Cup was the season he formally announced himself. Sučić’s strengths include his passing range, first touch, and a high football IQ, allowing him to control the tempo and break the lines with progressive passes.

He was advised by compatriots Mateo Kovačić and Marcelo Brozović to join Inter. This Croatian link, combined with the prospect of facing Luka Modrić in a derby (should he join AC Milan), brings an added dimension to the move. Sučić is a future star, and Inter sees him as a long-term successor to Brozović or Hakan Çalhanoğlu.

At the FIFA Club World Cup, Inter’s new manager Cristian Chivu gave him a total of 97 minutes across 4 matches, mostly in the last 20–25 minute spells, helping him gradually settle into the team. The accompanying graphic shows his pass target heatmap from those appearances. We believe, Inter has made a very smart long-term investment in a promising Croatian talent. It will be exciting to follow his development closely.

Figure 2: Pass-Target Heatmap of Petar Sučić at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Gabin Bernardeau (19) Le Mans FC to Nice 💰 Free Transfer

Gabin Bernardeau, a 19-year-old French midfielder, made an impression during the 2024-2025 season with Le Mans FC in France’s third tier. As a graduate of Le Mans’ academy, he played an important role in the club's promotion to Ligue 2, contributing 4 goals and 9 assists in 37 matches across all competitions. In June, Bernardeau signed with OGC Nice as a free agent, as Le Mans lacking the status of a professional training centre, and was unable to offer him a professional deal. By moving to Nice, he’s made a serious jump, skipping two divisions and taking a major step forward in his career.

Naturally left-footed, Bernardeau is most effective playing behind the striker or as a playmaker, but he’s also capable of featuring as a number 8 or on the right wing. His technique, first touch, and ability to move around tight spaces make him a valuable addition to Nice’s squad depth. Nice’s midfield includes internationals like Tanguy Ndombélé, Pablo Rosario, Morgan Sanson, M.Ali Cho, and Badredine Bouanani, which may limit Bernardeau's immediate playing time. However, after a smooth transition period, he could prove himself as a valuable team player. Landing a young, high-upside talent like him free of charge? That's smart business.

Yuito Suzuki (23) Brondby to Freiburg 💰 10 mil. €

After a short and unimpressive loan spell in European football at Strasbourg two seasons ago, Yuito Suzuki needed the right circumstances to regain confidence and rhythm. Brøndby offered exactly that. Since joining the Danish side in 2023, Suzuki has taken major steps forward, leading to his most productive campaign yet: 13 goals across 40 appearances in the 2024/25 season.

A technically gifted and versatile midfielder, Suzuki stands out with his first touch and calmness under pressure. His ability to play in between the lines and control the ball under pressure allows his team to be creative, particularly in the final third. He’s also a confident ball-carrier, able to beat his man and create space with fluid movements and sudden changes of pace. While Suzuki is naturally comfortable playing just behind the striker, his tactical intelligence and technical capability could also see him deployed in a more central midfield role at Freiburg.

He has the vision and skill to create space and link plays effectively in systems that rely on fluid transitions between the lines. With a tireless work ethic to match his technical ability, Suzuki feels like a player ready to make the Bundesliga stage his own. We expect his name to come up frequently next season, not just as a promising talent, but as a real difference-maker.

Cyriaque Irié (20) Troyes to Freiburg 💰 8.50 mil. €

Born in Ivory Coast and holding dual nationality, Cyriaque Irie has chosen to represent Burkina Faso at the international level. Djon's scouting team discovered him during a trip to Burkina Faso in 2023. He played at Dijon for just one season and then moved to Troyes, where his exceptional season performances caught the attention of several European clubs.

Cyriaque is a dynamic winger known for his explosive style in one-to-one situations, with the versatility to play on either flank or as a central forward. Comfortable on the ball and skilful in tight spaces, he is naturally ambidextrous but prefers his left foot for shooting and crossing. In the 2024-25 season at Troyes, he was primarily used as a right winger. In 38 appearances, he scored 8 goals and had 3 assists. Brentford, AC Milan, Lens and Leicester kept him on their radar, but Freiburg acted quickly and closed the deal.

Considering that he will be working with Julian Schuster, who is really successful at getting the best out of young talent, Irie's move to Freiburg presents an exciting opportunity for him to further develop and become a top-tier player. While he is a long-term project, refining his decision-making, improving finishing, are crucial for his development. Freiburg’s proven track record in developing young talent offers the perfect environment for his continued growth.

Figure 3: Performance statistics of Freiburg’s new signings, Yuito Suzuki and Cyriaque Irié, during the 2024-25 season

Marius Broholm (20) Rosenborg to Lille 💰 6 mil. €

Sverre Nypan may be the name on everyone’s lips, but behind the scenes, Marius Broholm has quietly evolved into one of Rosenborg’s most complete young players. His progress hasn’t been overnight. After spending a season on loan at second-league club Kristiansund, he returned to Rosenborg as a mature player with valuable game experience. Following that, he played a full season, building on his development and gaining confidence. His steady rise has now been rewarded with a move to Lille, the club known for spotting promising talent early and investing wisely.

Broholm is a left-footed wide player who often plays on the right flank combining natural flair with positional intelligence. He's quick, technical, and fearless in possession, the kind of player who loves to cut inside and make defenders uncomfortable. Though Broholm is still developing, he has taken a huge step up by joining a higher league and club. His confidence on the ball and ability to perform effectively in tight spaces are key strengths. If he keeps progressing at this rate, there’s no doubt he’ll make an impact in Ligue 1 next season.

Alberto Moleiro (21) L.Palmas to Villarreal 💰 16 mil. €

Alberto Moleiro has been on the radar of top clubs for a couple of years, and following Las Palmas’ relegation, he’s finally made the expected move, joining Villarreal. He attracted interest from Barcelona, Arsenal, and more recently, Saudi clubs. But he chose Villarreal, a club offering Champions League football and a strong track record in player development. We believe this is a smart move for advancing his career while managing pressure and expectations.

Last season, Moleiro started 32 out of 35 La Liga games. He appeared in 2,727 minutes and scored 6 goals. The Spanish talent is known for his ability to carry the ball, thrive in one-on-one situations, and showcase impressive dribbling flair. Mostly used on the left wing, this new chapter under Marcelino could also see him play more centrally, giving him a chance to expand his positional skill set. There’s still room for improvement, but we’re expecting him to make a real impact in 2025.

Figure 4: Alberto Moleiro’s Take-Ons vs. Progressive Carries in La Liga 2024-25 Season

Estevão Willian (18) Palmeiras to Chelsea (2024) 💰 34 mil. €

A skilful awinger, Estêvão Willian combines Messi-like dribbling with the creativity and flair typical of Brazil’s ‘Joga Bonito’ tradition. He's about creativity, unpredictability, and the ability to break down tight defences. Last season at Palmeiras, he scored 11 goals and made 5 assists in 32 games, standing out as one of the most exciting young prospects in Brazil. Although his move to Chelsea was agreed in June 2024, the young Brazilian officially joining the club this summer after the Club World Cup. The interesting part? Palmeiras and Chelsea meet in the quarter-finals, and Estêvão scored a massive goal against his new club.

Estêvão is considered as a future star, and he has the talent to match the hype. But it’s also worth looking at the other side of the coin. His passing accuracy and decision-making in key moments need polishing, and he’s still developing physically, which matters even more considering the Premier League’s unique physical demands. He has to work hard to earn a regular place in Enzo Maresca’s lineup. Chelsea is going to be an exciting team to watch next season.

Franco Mastantuono (18) R. Plate to Real Madrid 💰 45 mil. €

Franco Mastantuono is an elegant playmaker who represents Argentina’s tradition of producing technically gifted, creative midfielders. He became the youngest goalscorer in River Plate history in February 2024 and also the youngest player to feature in an official match for Argentina's national team. Mastantuono can play as a right winger, a second striker, or even deep as a central midfielder. At River Plate, he often starts as a second striker in a 4-4-2 formation, drifting wide during transitions or dropping deep as a playmaker. His elite ball control and short dribbling skills allow him to get away from defenders easily, and he is a real trouble for opponents, especially in 1v1s.

Without a doubt, there are some gaps to develop; he lacks the physical attributes to compete in La Liga, and he has room to improve his weaker foot as well. While not slow, Mastantuono lacks elite speed compared to pure wingers like Lamine Yamal. His game relies more on technique and intelligence than on a high pace. Working with Xabi Alonso will be a huge boost for him, and we're eagerly looking forward to seeing his development.

Kendry Paez (18) Ind.del Valle to Chelsea 💰 10 mil. €

Chelsea agreed a deal to sign Kendry Paez for €20m from Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle in the summer of 2023. Kendry has been regarded as one of the biggest talents in South America alongside Estevao Willian, and both of these players were transfered to London’s team. Compared to Estevao, Páez looks like the more raw talent at the moment.

That debut might not come in the Premier League just yet. A loan move to Strasbourg is being discussed as the next step in his development. However nothing has been finalised. It’s a path Chelsea knows well; last season, both Andrey Santos and Djordje Petrović were loaned to Strasbourg. A similar move for Páez wouldn’t signal a lack of excitement around him. On the contrary, it’s a chance to develop in a less pressurized environment and return sharper, both physically and mentally for the demands of English football.

If he stays, his connection with Moisés Caicedo from their days at Independiente and Ecuador could help ease the transition. Páez still needs to build physical strength and improve defensively, but the potential is quite apparent. Either way, whether he stays at Chelsea or heads out on loan, we’ll be watching him closely.

Figure 5: Goal Contributions by U21 Players – Top 5 European Leagues + Brazil, Argentina & Ecuador (2024)

That’s a wrap for Part 2, fresh data and plenty to digest as the summer window takes shape.

Part 3 is on its way. Stay tuned, the season’s just getting interesting.