Ligue 1’s most valuable Under-23 players. Ligue 1 has long been a breeding ground for some of the world’s most exciting young talents. With top clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyon investing heavily in their youth academies, the French top flight is filled with promising prospects looking to make their mark. Here, we profile Ligue 1’s most valuable Under-23 players currently plying their trade based on their estimated market values.
Nuno Mendes – Paris Saint-Germain
Leading the way is PSG left-back Nuno Mendes. The Portuguese international joined the Parisians last summer on loan with an obligation to buy for a reported €40 million from Sporting CP. Still just 21, Mendes’ marauding runs and tenacious defending down the flank make him one of Europe’s most promising full-backs. His market value has since skyrocketed to a whopping €65 million, a testament to his rapid development.
Manuel Ugarte – Paris Saint-Germain
Also cracking the €50 million mark is PSG’s Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte. Signed last year for a fee of €8 million from Sporting, the defensive midfielder has impressed with his ball-winning abilities and composure in possession. At just 22, Ugarte’s all-action style is well-suited to the French champions’ ambitions and his value is estimated at €55 million.
Warren Zaïre-Emery – Paris Saint-Germain
Another PSG academy graduate in the top 3 is teenage midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery. Still only 17, Zaïre-Emery is already being touted as one of the most gifted players of his generation after making his first-team debut last season. With his silky skills, eye for a pass and high footballing IQ, it’s no surprise that his estimated value is a staggering €50 million despite his tender age.
Goncalo Ramos – Paris Saint-Germain
The 22-year-old Portuguese striker is already making a name for himself across Europe despite his young age. Ramos came through the famed Benfica youth academy and broke into their senior side in 2020, showing a composed finishing ability well beyond his years. His performances earned him a high-profile €40m move to French giants PSG in the 2022 summer transfer window. While competition for places is fierce, Ramos has started to make an impact at his new club. Blessed with pace, strength and clinical finishing he is one for the future.
Khéphren Thuram – Nice
Khéphren Thuram, the son of World Cup winner Lilian Thuram, comes in 5th. The 22-year-old midfielder is a full France international and a key player for Nice after joining from Monaco for a reported €12 million. His elegant style in the middle of the park and eye for goal have seen his value rocket to €40 million.
Elye Wahi – Lens
Lens’ Ivorian striker Elye Wahi is another youngster impressing in Ligue 1. The 20-year-old was snapped up from Montpellier for €5 million last year and has already scored 12 goals this season. His searing pace and predatory instincts in the box have catapulted him to 6th on this list with an estimated worth of €40 million.
Bradley Barcola – Paris Saint-Germain
One of the most exciting prospects to emerge from PSG’s famed academy, 21-year-old winger Bradley Barcola is seen as the natural heir to Neymar’s throne in the French capital. Born in France to Togolese parents, Barcola joined PSG at the age of 12 and has risen through the ranks. Blessed with searing pace, dazzling footwork and a killer final ball, he shares many similarities to his idol Neymar. After a successful loan spell at Brest last season Barcola has broken into the PSG first team. While competition is fierce, his performances off the bench have shown signs of the talent to come. Barcola’s meteoric rise continues and he could become a regular starter if he maintains his progress.
Rayan Cherki – Lyon
Lyon academy graduate Rayan Cherki comes in at number 8. Still just 20, the French-Algerian winger is already a full international and one of the most technically gifted players in the league. After overcoming injury issues, Cherki is starting to fulfill his vast potential. And has seen his value rise to €30 million despite limited playing time this term.
Folarin Balogun – Monaco
The 22-year-old American-born striker is currently on the books of AS Monaco. Balogun came through the youth ranks at Arsenal and was tipped for stardom, but struggled for opportunities under Mikel Arteta. His searing pace, clinical finishing and ability to play with his back to goal have impressed. Monaco had to spend just €30m this summer to secure his services. Balogun’s displays in France have enhanced his reputation. He looks destined for a quick move again, this time to a champions League level club.
Arnaud Kalimuendo – Rennes
The 21-year-old striker was owned by Paris Saint-Germain but gained his experience out on loan. After successful spells at RC Lens and Leeds United, Kalimuendo joined Rennes last summer for a €20m fee. He has taken his game to new heights this season. Scoring 12 goals in all competitions from both wide and central positions. Blessed with pace, strength and an eye for goal, Kalimuendo has formed a lethal partnership with fellow French international Martin Terrier. His all-action style and ability to lead the line or play off the shoulder of defenders have made him a key player for Rennes.
In conclusion, Ligue 1’s reputation as a finishing school for football’s elite continues to be reinforced by the prodigious talents on this list. Backed by wealthy owners, these French clubs are successfully developing stars for the present and future. With most set for even bigger moves abroad. It serves as a reminder of the quality and depth of young players gracing the French top
