Young and Rising: U23 Transfers You Shouldn’t Miss Part 3

Greetings friends,

While the market keeps cooking, we’re back with Part 3 of our U-23 Transfer Series. Ten fresh transfers, ten futures worth keeping an eye on.

Here’s the lineup. 🚀

Tom Watson Sunderland to Brighton 12 mil € 💶

You know the name. Tom Watson was the hero of the £200m Championship play-off final at Wembley. His dramatic stoppage-time goal against Sheffield United lifted Sunderland to the Premier League after eight years away. It’s not just the goal that makes Watson special. A direct, dynamic, and bold winger, Watson fits right into Brighton’s blueprint of investing in promising young talents. At 1.90m, he’s an unusual profile for a winger, tall, energetic, and always looking to dribble or shoot. That makes him a constant threat in transition.

In the 2024-25 EFL Championship season, he made 24 appearances for Sunderland, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists. Two of those goals came in a standout performance against Stoke City, while his 95th-minute winner at Wembley showed that he can step up in decisive moments. He’s quick with his movement, but things can still get hectic when he reaches the box, no surprise for a young player developing at senior level. Off the ball, he still has a lot to do, and while he's quick and full of energy, he doesn’t always perform well in duels.

Under Régis Le Bris, Watson stood out in Sunderland’s fast-paced, attack-minded system, a style that closely matches Brighton’s tactical approach. Whether deployed out wide or cutting inside as an inverted winger, he fits perfectly into Fabian Hürzeler’s preferred formations, like the 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3. With Brighton’s strong track record in developing young talent, the club could be the ideal place for him to grow. That said, his history of injuries and need to build physical strength mean consistency might take some time.

El Hadji Malick Diouf Slavia Prag to West Ham 22 mil. € 💶

It wasn’t too long ago, in February 2023, El Hadji Malick Diouf left Norwegian side Tromsø for just €50k. Eleven months later, he was off to Slavia Prague for a €5.6m transfer. One year after this? He’s now in the top flight. From €50k to the Premier League in two years, that’s one hell of a journey.

El Hadji Malick Diouf is a physically dominant, modern left-back/wing-back who is exceptional on both sides of the ball. Elite at dribbling and progressing the ball, he’s comfortable playing left-back, wing-back, or even left midfield. His defensive discipline still has room to improve, but in a high-tempo league like the Premier League, that development will be fast-tracked. During Senegal’s friendly win over England in June, he impressed with his discipline against Bukayo Saka, a small but encouraging sign of what he can do defensively.

Diouf played mostly as a left wing-back in Slavia Prague’s 3-4-3 system during the 2024–25 season. In 27 league games, he contributed 7 goals and 2 assists, playing a key role in their title-winning campaign. His €25m move (plus bonuses) to West Ham broke the Czech league’s all-time outgoing transfer record.

For those hesitant to judge based on the Czech league alone, his Europa League numbers are telling:

• 96th percentile for progressive passes received (8.43 per 90)

• 91st percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area (3.31 per 90)

• 93rd percentile for progressive carries (3.31 per 90)

• 89th percentile for expected assisted goals (xAG) at 0.23 per 90

• 89th percentile for aerial duel wins (1.96 per 90)

With Emerson no longer performing at his peak and Oliver Scarles still developing, Diouf is a near-perfect signing for Graham Potter’s system, offering immediate upside and long-term value on the left.

Figure 1. Diouf vs Full-Backs in the UEFA Europa League 2024-25 season

Sverre Nypan Rosenborg to M. City 15 mil. € 💶

Long admired by European clubs, Sverre Nypan (19) had been ready for a step up and this summer, he got it. His transfer to Manchester City fits well with the club’s strategy, representing a smart investment in potential. That said, Nypan isn't Premier League ready yet. In his first season, he’ll likely need regular minutes somewhere to find his rhythm, possibly within M. City’s own structure.

Nypan made his debut for Rosenborg at just 15, becoming the youngest player in the club’s history. Since then, he’s played more than 70 games and clocked nearly 5,000 minutes of first-team action. This wealth of experience at such a young age, combined with his raw talent, was key to making this transfer happen. Sure, it’s not just about his minutes on the pitch or his age, there’s more to what sets him apart. Nypan is a technically gifted, attack-minded midfielder who can play with both feet and impact the game in both ways. He’s particularly comfortable receiving in half-space, where his dribbling and shooting become genuine weapons. Still, he currently profiles more as a No. 8 than a pure playmaker. If he eventually settles into a deeper midfield role in the future, it wouldn't surprise us.

Manchester City paid around €15 million for him, a huge fee by Norwegian football standards. At the moment, Nypan is very much a long-term project, but with Guardiola and Manchester City’s solid track record in developing players like him, he has the perfect environment to grow. With his technical ability and high football intelligence, he’s exactly the kind of player who could gradually develop into an exceptional player over the next few years.

Amar Dedic Salzburg to Benfica 12 mil € 💶

Amar Dedić isn’t your classic right-back. The Bosnian international plays more like an inverted full-back, stepping inside rather than hugging the touch-line. He often acts as an additional playmaker in the build-up, showing explosive acceleration both off the mark and in possession. That quick first step and tight control make him dangerous in 1v1s. He’s not afraid to push forward or take on defenders, especially around the box, something you don’t see often from full-backs. Add to that a fearless shooting instinct and strong progressive carries, and you’ve got a full-back who continuously pushes his team forward.

Technically gifted, he has excellent skill at vertical passes from wide areas into potentially dangerous areas. His ambidexterity makes him effective on both flanks, adding valuable tactical flexibility. There’s still room and reason to expect further development. Defensively, he can be sloppy during transitions and needs to improve his positional awareness. During his time at Marseille, he revealed both quality flashes and signs of mental weakness under pressure.

Still only 22, Dedić already brings experience across the Champions League, the Austrian Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and the Primeira Liga. A standout year at Benfica could put him on the radar of Europe’s top clubs. Flair, pace, and versatility define him as a modern full-back. Once his defensive game matures, he'll be the full package.

Figure 2. Amar Dedić: Take-Ons vs Touches per 90 (U23 Defenders – Big 5 Leagues)

Dario Essugo Sporting to Chelsea 22.27 mil € 💶

Essugo keeps it simple but effective, strong and tough to beat. A disciplined, ball-winning machine who covers the pitch with determination. Chelsea didn’t sign him for highlights; they signed him to clean up the mess. Essugo became Sporting’s youngest-ever debutant at just 16 years and 6 days, and in the same year broke Luís Figo’s record as the youngest player to start a league match for the club. In 2023–24, he was loaned to Chaves and made appearances in 14 matches. The following season, he moved to La Liga side Las Palmas, where despite the club's relegation, his intense, energetic performances in midfield gained attention.

Chelsea’s plan? Pair him with Moisés Caicedo, giving the Ecuadorian some balance and relief in Maresca’s 4-2-3-1 system. Essugo isn’t here to orchestrate but to destroy and intercept.

📊 2024-25 season Key metrics (per 90 mins):

• 98th percentile interceptions (1.95)

• 87th percentile tackles (2.74)

• 86th percentile clearance (2.18).

• 85.4% pass accuracy

Simplicity in possession, low-risk, high-efficiency. No.6 by default, but can fill in as a box-to-box when needed. What sets him apart is positional discipline, something Chelsea desperately need in the middle of the field. Upside? He’s one of the few U21 DMs in Europe combining tactical maturity with raw physicality. Development area? Final-third contribution is limited. He'll need to sharpen his passing range and shooting to offer more in the future. Adapting to the Premier League’s pace and physicality will be a big test, even for someone with top-flight experience.

Figure 3. Dário Essugo vs Big 5 Midfielders, Defensive Metrics per 90 (2024–25)

Jayden Addai Az Alkmaar to Como 14 mil. € 💶

Jayden Osei Addai is one of the most exciting talents to emerge from AZ Alkmaar’s academy in recent years. Despite limited senior minutes (17 Eredivisie appearances, 1 goal, 328 minutes), his performances in the UEFA Youth League (4 goals) and Jong AZ (43 matches, 16 goals, 7 assists) offer a convincing impression of his underlying potential.

Addai is a left-footed right winger who loves cutting inside to shoot or playing incisive passes. His profile is an explosive, direct wide player, combining pace, flair, and aggression in 1v1 situations. His awareness on the half-turn and ability to find space between the lines makes him a natural problem-solver against organized defensive blocks. He could still improve physically. He’ll need to add strength and improve his defensive discipline, particularly in the pressing and ball-winning phases. Tactically, he fits well into the attacking midfield trio in a 4-2-3-1, primarily on the right, but can also be used on the left if needed.

Under Cesc Fàbregas’ guidance, Como’s ambitious project could be the ideal place for Addai to reach his full potential. With regular Serie A minutes, his potential is high. If he matures both physically and tactically, it is realistic to expect that Como could sell him for multiple times the fee they paid, turning a promise into a profit.

Thierno Barry Villarreal to Everton 30 mil. € 💶

Thierno Barry (22) is a 1.95m striker who combines physical presence with aerial dominance and a constant threat in transition. He fits perfectly into Everton’s direct, physically intense style under David Moyes. Barry is a hybrid: part traditional target man, part modern mobile forward. He dominates aerial duels but also drifts wide, using his speed and agility to create space and attack defenders in 1v1. For someone of his size, his mobility is quite impressive.

His passing game is limited, and outside of pressing, his defensive discipline still needs improvement. Villarreal paid €14 million to sign him in 2024, before selling him a year later for €32 million. This highlights both his rise and the club’s sharp business sense. Barry has the skills he needs in the physical, high-tempo Premier League. As shown in the chart below, Aerial Duels Won vs Goals + Assists for U-23 forwards in Europe’s top leagues, Barry has emerged as one of the most complete young forwards. He dominates aerially, delivers on the ground, and is among one of the most exciting players to follow in the Premier League this season.

Figure 4. U23 Forwards: Aerial Duels Won vs Goals + Assists (Big 5 Leagues, 2024–25)

Yon Diomande Leganes to Leipzig 20 mil. € 💶

Born in Ivory Coast, Yan Diomande moved to the United States at a young age and played high school football for the Yulee Hornets in Florida. He joined the DME Academy in 2022, quickly attracting attention with his dynamic play. In October 2023, he trialed with Rangers FC, but a contract was not signed.

By late 2024, Diomande had signed with La Liga side CD Leganés, starting with their reserves in the Tercera Federación. He made his La Liga debut on March 29, 2025, against Real Madrid, which was a significant milestone in his rapid rise. Although he only featured in 10 matches (6 starts) for Leganés, the club’s decision to trigger a €20m release clause tells us a lot about their confidence in his potential.

In July 2025, RB Leipzig activated that clause, bringing him in as part of their strategy to invest in young, high-upside talents. Diomande is a direct, explosive winger, known for taking on defenders one-on-one and cutting inside to shoot or create chances with his right foot. His game relies heavily on pace, aggression, and quick speed changes in tight spaces. Physically, at 1.80 m, he’s still developing the strength to compete in duels, especially against elite fullbacks. He has all the attributes of a modern winger; now it’s time for development and polishing his game.

At just 18, Diomande has the potential to break through in elite European football. Given RB Leipzig’s track record of developing young talent, it wouldn’t be surprising to see his value skyrocket to €40–50 million, or more within the next few years. He has the raw talent, the explosiveness, and the mentality to make rapid progress. Now the question is: boom or bust?

Figure 5. U23 creators in La Liga: Key Passes vs Shot Creating Actions, colored by Progressive Passes Received (2024–25)

Andrija Maksimovic Red Star Belgrade to RB Leipzig 14 mil. € 💶

Born in 2007 in Novi Pazar, Andrija Maksimović, nicknamed “the Messi of Serbia” is a technically gifted and creative attacking midfielder. He signed his first professional contract with Red Star Belgrade in 2023 and was immediately added to their UEFA Champions League B list. On September 23, 2024, at just 17 years, 3 months, and 18 days old, he became the youngest player with an assist in the “Eternal Derby” against Partizan, making his full debut in the starting XI.

Maksimović can be described as a pass-first connector, a playmaker who links phases, controls tempo, and adds creativity in the final third. He prefers a free role on the pitch, often drifting in from the right half-space or finding space between lines. With superb close control and a futsal-like technique, he's a solid dribbler who waits for the defender’s move and beats them with quick body movements. His exceptional vision and passing range already stand out at this level.

Physically, he’s still developing. He'll need to build strength and improve his defensive discipline, especially in pressing and ball-winning situations. That's crucial if he wants to survive in the Bundesliga. Tactically, he suits well in RB Leipzig’s 4-2-2-2 or 4-3-3 formation and it looks like Leipzig may have found another exciting talent that can take Xavi Simons' place.

Still only 18, Maksimović has the potential to become a key figure for one of Europe’s elite clubs. His technical elegance, high football intelligence, and ambidexterity make him a rare talent. Regular minutes will be the key, if he finds rhythm in the Bundesliga, he could be one of Serbia’s breakout stars at the 2026 World Cup.

Figure 6. Touch heatmap comparison: Andrija Maksimović vs Xavi Simons

Mihajlo Cvetkovic Cukaricki to Anderlecht 3.20 mil. € 💶

Sometimes a young striker stands out from the crowd. 2007-born Mihajlo Cvetković is one of them, fearless on the ball, quick to make decisions, and always chasing the next chance. His finisher’s instincts and high work rate have earned him a reputation as one of Serbia’s brightest talents. In the 2023-24 season, 16-year-old Cvetković appeared in 18 games for Čukarički, playing 1027 minutes and scoring 3 goals and 2 assists. The following season, his involvement grew significantly with 1,672 minutes on the pitch, contributing 9 goals (8 goals ,1 assists) in the Serbian League.

Cvetković made a solid impression in Serbia’s youth teams, notably with his impressive performance at the 2023 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, and carried that form into the U-19 level. Later, he made his senior debut for the Serbian national team in March 2025. Now, his next step takes him to the Belgian Pro League, where Anderlecht’s established reputation for nurturing young talent provides the ideal environment for his development. On paper, it’s the perfect league and club for him to improve his game. It’s clear that Mihajlo Cvetković is on track to become a top striker soon.With his poacher’s instinct and keen eye for goal, he’s set to make a real impact not just in Belgium but on wider European stages in the near future.

We’re really looking forward to following these young talents as they develop and shine in the upcoming seasons. Which young talent are you most hyped about? Drop your thoughts in the comments!