Ligue 1 has developed a reputation for producing excellent young talents across the last decade before earning big-money moves. Aurélien Tchouaméni, Victor Osimhen, Thomas Lemar, Tanguy Ndombélé, Antony Martial and Nicolas Pépé have all departed the French top-flight for fees in excess of €50 million across the last ten years.
Kylian Mbappé is the jewel in Ligue 1’s crown but the joint-most valuable player in the world will depart PSG in the summer but there’s various youngsters emerging with enormous potential. In Transfermarkt’s latest update - which was released this week - 132 players received market value updates and several talents earned significant upgrades.
The top ten most valuable U21 players in Ligue 1
1. Warren Zaïre-Emery - PSG - €60m
Zaïre-Emery’s market value remained the same after the Ligue 1 update but he's still the most valuable U21 starlet in the league. The 18-year-old has cemented his place as a first-team regular at PSG this season, making 33 appearances in all competitions under Luis Enrique. Zaïre-Emery will inherit Mbappé’s role as the figurehead of PSG in the summer as they embrace a new chapter and the midfielder is already the joint-fourth most valuable player in Ligue 1.
2. Nuno Mendes - PSG - €60m
Mendes’ campaign has been severely disrupted by a serious hamstring injury and he’s only recently returned to fitness. Despite making just six appearances, Mendes’ market value has remained at €60m. The Portuguese international is the joint-second most valuable left-back in the world behind Alphonso Davies and he will be targeting a solid end of the season before the Euros.
3. Leny Yoro - Lille - €40m
Yoro was the biggest winner in the update with his market value soaring by €15m. Yoro is widely regarded as one of the best centre-back prospects in the world and there will be a major transfer battle for his services this summer. The 18-year-old’s contract expires in 2025 and a host of top European clubs have monitored him. Yoro has played an integral role as Lille chase Champions League football but he’s unlikely to remain in Ligue 1 next season.
4. Bradley Barcola - PSG - €40m
Barcola’s market value rose by an incredible €33m between January and October 2023 before dropping €5m in the winter update to €30m. Barcola, however, has been rewarded for his form with PSG by a €10m upgrade in the intermediary update. The talented has shown glimpses of his immense potential and he’s registered nine goal contributions in 33 games.
5. Elye Wahi - Lens - €35m
The Lens striker has received a €5m downgrade despite a return to form in recent weeks. Wahi netted in the Europa League against Arsenal and PSG before his form tailed off but he’s scored four goals in his last five league games. The France U21 international remains a fascinating prospect and he will have admirers across Europe.
6. Rayan Cherki - Lyon - €25m
Cherki has been tipped for greatness since his progression through Lyon’s academy. The enigmatic attacking midfielder made his Champions League debut aged just 16 and he’s often carried the weight of expectation at Lyon. The 20-year-old has delivered eight goal contributions in 29 games for a struggling Lyon and he remains a tremendous talent.
7. Désiré Doué - Rennes - €20m
Doué endured a frustrating start to the season, making just five starts in 2023 but he has thrived under new boss Julien Stéphan. The 18-year-old has registered six goal contributions since December and he’s been pivotal to Rennes rising up the table. Doué’s form has earned him a €5m upgrade and he’s now among the top five most valuable U18 midfielders in the world.
8. Lucas Beraldo - PSG - €20m
PSG’s transfer policy has shifted recently as they’ve moved away from signing established superstars and focused on younger talents. Beraldo represents this approach and his market value has increased by €5m to match the fee that PSG paid Sao Paulo for him in January.
9. Habib Diarra - Strasbourg - €18m
Diarra’s market value increased by €15m across 2023 and it remained at €18m in the latest update. The attacking midfielder has scored three goals and registered two assists in 28 games this season and he’s still Strasbourg’s most valuable player.
10. Ernest Nuamah - Lyon - €18m
It’s been a dreadful campaign for Lyon as they languish in tenth in Ligue One but Nuamah has provided a silver lining. A product of the Right to Dream academy, the Ghanaian winger joined Lyon on-loan in the summer but they possess a purchase option of €25m.
