Eredivisie’s most expensive Under-23 players. The Dutch Eredivisie has long been renowned as a breeding ground for young talent from across the world. With its emphasis on youth development and attacking football, the league provides the perfect platform for under-23 players to showcase their abilities to the world. Here are the 10 most valuable under-23 players currently plying their trade in the Eredivisie based on transfer market values.
Santiago Gimenez – €40 million
The most valuable player is Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez of Feyenoord valued at €40 million. Still just 22, Gimenez has been a revelation since joining from Cruz Azul in 2021, scoring 25 goals in 49 games. His predatory instincts and clinical finishing ability in the box mark him out as one of the most exciting young forwards in Europe.
Johan Bakayoko – €25 million
In second is PSV winger Johan Bakayoko valued at €25 million. The 20-year-old Ivorian dribbler joined from Chelsea in 2022 and has impressed with his pace, trickery and creativity from the right flank. Still developing consistency in his end product, Bakayoko has all the attributes to become a star if he fulfils his potential.
Quilindschy Hartman – €20 million
Feyenoord left-back Quilindschy Hartman is valued at €20 million in third. The 22-year-old Curacao international is renowned for his recovery pace, defensive solidity and ability to support attacks down the flank. An important player for club and country already, Hartman’s all-round game and potential has seen his value rise significantly.
Armel Bella-Kotchap – €20 million
PSV centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap is valued at €20 million in fourth place. The 21-year-old German-born Cameroonian has established himself as a regular starter following his move from Bochum in 2022. His reading of the game, strength and composure on the ball mark him out as one for the future.
Quinten Timber – €12 million
Feyenoord’s Quinten Timber is valued at €12 million in fifth. The 22-year-old Curacao midfielder is a versatile box-to-box player capable of dictating play through his passing range and energy. Still developing consistency, Timber’s potential and importance to the Feyenoord squad bodes well for his future prospects.
Brian Brobbey – €12 million
In sixth is Ajax striker Brian Brobbey valued at €12 million. The 21-year-old Dutch-born Ghanaian is renowned for his physicality, movement and predatory instincts in the box. Still adapting after rejoining from RB Leipzig, Brobbey has all the attributes to become a star if he fulfils his potential over the coming years.
Carlos Forbs – €10 million
Carlos Forbs is valued at €10 million in seventh place. The 19-year-old Portuguese winger joined Ajax from Benfica in 2022 and has impressed with his dribbling ability, pace and creativity from left wing. Still developing the consistency in his end product expected at the highest level, Forbs looks a bright prospect.
Kenneth Taylor – €10 million
Kenneth Taylor of Ajax is valued at €10 million in eighth. The 21-year-old Dutch midfielder has cemented his place in the Ajax starting XI with his passing range, energy and ability to break up play. Still young, Taylor looks to have a big future if he maintains his progress.
Jorrel Hato – €10 million
In ninth valued at €10 million is 17-year-old Ajax centre-back Jorrel Hato. Still developing physically, the Dutch-born Curaçao international has already broken into the first team with his reading of the game and composure on the ball. Seen as a star for the future.
Ricardo Pepi -€9 million
Completing the top 10 is American striker Ricardo Pepi valued at €9 million following his move to PSV from Augsburg in 2022. Still just 20, Pepi will look to kick on in the Netherlands after a slow start in Germany. His movement, link-up play and finishing ability could make him a valuable asset if adapted well.
Devyne Rensch – €8 million
Coming in at number 11 is Ajax right-back Devyne Rensch valued at €8 million. Still just 20, the Dutch-Surinamese defender has impressed with his defensive solidity and ability to support attacks down the right. Seen as the long-term replacement for Mazraoui, Rensch looks to have a big future.
Malik Tillman – €8 million
American midfielder Malik Tillman is valued at €8 million in 12th place following his summer move to PSV from Bayern Munich. The 21-year-old has impressed with his technical ability, vision and work-rate in the midfield. An important player for the U.S., Tillman will look to enhance his reputation in the Eredivisie.
Yankuba Minteh – €8 million
Feyenoord winger Yankuba Minteh is valued at €8 million in 13th. The 19-year-old Gambian dribbler has broken into the first team this season with his pace, trickery and direct play on the right flank. Still developing consistency, Minteh looks a bright prospect.
Sivert Mannsverk – €6.5 million
Norwegian defensive midfielder Sivert Mannsverk is valued at €6.5 million in 14th. The 21-year-old joined Ajax from Viking in 2022 and has adapted well with his positioning, reading of the game and ability to break up play. Seen as a future starter if he maintains progress.
Gastón Ávila – €6 million
Completing the list is Ajax left-back Gastón Ávila valued at €6 million. The 22-year-old Argentine is renowned for his recovery pace, defensive work and composure in possession. An important squad player, Ávila will look to enhance his reputation further over the coming campaigns.
The talent and potential value of these youngsters is a testament to the Eredivisie’s reputation as the best development league. These under-23 stars bodes well for the future of both their clubs and countries. It will be exciting to see their development over the coming years.
