Most Expensive Under-23 Players in the Portuguese League. The Portuguese Primeira Liga is renowned for developing top young talent from around the world in its renowned youth academies. Here we profile the 15 most valuable Under-23 players plying their trade in the league based on their estimated transfer market values.
António Silva – €45 million
Leading the way at number one is SL Benfica centre-back António Silva. Still just 20 years old, Silva has already established himself as a regular starter for the Portuguese giants with his impressive reading of the game and composure on the ball. Scouted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs, Silva is valued at an astonishing €45 million despite his young age. His rise has been meteoric and he will be a key player for Benfica as they challenge for domestic and European honours.
Orkun Kökçü – €35 million
In second is Orkun Kökçü who joined Benfica from Feyenoord in the summer transfer window. The 22-year old Turkish midfielder is valued at €35 million after impressing in the Eredivisie with his passing range, technique and ability to dictate play from deep. At just 22, Kökçü still has room to improve and develop further aspects of his game. He will be looking to cement his place in Benfica’s starting XI and further enhance his reputation with strong performances this season.
Gonçalo Inácio – €30 million
Sporting CP’s Gonçalo Inácio is valued at €30 million in third. The 22-year old centre-back has cemented his place in Sporting’s first team and is renowned for his reading of the game, composure on the ball and ability to start attacks from defence. Inácio has also broken into the Portugal national team set-up and will be a key player as Sporting challenge on domestic and European fronts. His leadership and defensive solidity are vital for Sporting.
Ousmane Diomande – €25 million
Ivorian defender Ousmane Diomande is valued at €25 million in fourth place despite being just 19 years old. The towering centre-back is already a regular starter for Sporting after joining from Leixões last year. His impressive physical attributes and potential have seen his valuation rise rapidly. At just 19, Diomande’s best years are ahead of him and he could develop into an elite defender if he continues progressing well.
Anatoliy Trubin – €22 million
In goal, SL Benfica’s Ukrainian shot-stopper Anatoliy Trubin is valued at €22 million in fifth. The 22-year old has established himself as Benfica’s first choice in goal since joining from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2020. His shot-stopping abilities and composure have seen him earn senior international caps for Ukraine already. Still young for a goalkeeper, Trubin looks set for a bright future if he maintains his current form and development trajectory.
João Neves – €20 million
Benfica’s 19-year old defensive midfielder João Neves is valued at €20 million in sixth. The box-to-box midfielder is renowned for his energy, tackling and ability to break up play in front of the backline. Still developing many aspects of his game technically and tactically, Neves’ potential and role in Benfica’s talented young squad have seen his value rise significantly in the past year. With continued progress, he could become a key player for club and country.
Iván Fresneda – €15 million
Sporting CP right-back Iván Fresneda comes in seventh valued at €15 million. Still just 19, the Spanish defender has impressed with his defensive solidity, recovery pace and ability to support attacks down the right flank. Fresneda is seen as one for the future at Sporting given his age. His value is likely to increase in the coming years if he maintains his current development.
Morato – €13 million
Morato of SL Benfica is valued at €13 million in eighth. The 22-year old Brazilian centre-back has established himself as a regular starter alongside Antonio Silva. His reading of the game, composure in possession and strength make him a valuable member of Benfica’s defence. At just 22, Morato already looks like an important player for Benfica and there is potential for further growth in his game.
Gabriel Veron – €11 million
FC Porto winger Gabriel Veron is valued at €11 million in ninth place. The 21-year old Brazilian is renowned for his pace, dribbling ability and eye for goal from wide positions. Still developing consistency in his end product and decision making, Veron has all the raw attributes to become a key player for Porto if he continues to progress.
Nico González – €10 million
Nico González of Porto completes the top 10 valued at €10 million. The 21-year old Spanish midfielder is still adapting to Portuguese football after joining from Barcelona last summer but his technique, vision and passing range indicate he has a bright future if he adjusts well. Given time to settle, González could become an influential creative presence for Benfica.
The quality and potential of this young generation shows why the Portuguese top flight continues to be a breeding ground for world class talent. It will be exciting to see these highly-rated players develop further in the coming years and potentially attract interest from some of Europe’s elite clubs. Portuguese football has a reputation for nurturing young talent and these players look well placed to enhance that reputation.
