With Euro 2020 and the Olympics suspended till 2021 due to the coronavirus outbreak, it gives many clubs the opportunity to focus their attentions on recruitment and scouting potential targets. Despite the domestic competitions around Europe set to continue into the summer as a result of the pandemic, it is unclear whether it will have much of an impact on the transfer window with UEFA working out whether there will be changes. What we do know, is that while there may be little action on the pitch, there are still a lot of rumours flying off it.
Now more than ever, it really is wonderkid season, with clubs placing a more intense focus on recruiting young (and perhaps then selling high) than ever before. Don’t expect this glowing frenzy to stop anytime soon; in fact, it’s best to arm yourself with the knowledge of which of these wonderkids is sure to be choosing greener pastures this summer, who could be signing them and why they are so highly coveted.
Here’s a list of 10 of those key individuals (outside the Premier League) with big futures and who are sure to be at the forefront of your footballing reports come June:
Kai Havertz, Bayer Leverkusen
Time is certainly running out for Kai Havertz at Bayer Leverkusen. The attacking midfielder has been around for ages, and he’s only 20 years of age. Arguably one of the most exciting attacking midfield talents in Europe currently, he really needs a bigger stage to exert himself and show that he has what it takes to dominate the game for years to come.
He’s well on his way to achieving just that.
No disrespect to Leverkusen, he won’t be able to fulfil those lofty feats if he stays at the BayArena beyond this summer.
Since the turn of the year, the German international has been in red hot form:
The rough patch he endured before Christmas is well and truly in the past. An incredibly silky, smooth, left-footed playmaker, he just seems seconds ahead of everyone else on the pitch. He plays passes without looking, chips balls into runners no one else sees and returns his fair share of goals. He’s also remarkably cool in possession, like everyone else on the pitch plays at his tempo. He’s also incredible versatile too, capable of playing anywhere across the midfield positions but its behind the striker where you’d get the most out of him. Such an elegant and joyous player to watch at times.
Kai Havertz won’t come cheap. Bayer Leverkusen, now more than ever are resigned to losing him and it is believed it would take around €90 – 100 million euros to prize him away. It may be much, but considering the rate at which he’s performing and the remarkable potential in his locker, he’ll be worth every penny.
Interested parties: Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Manchester United
Jadon Sancho, Borussia Dortmund
One of the most fearsome attacking talents in European football, and he’s just 19 years of age. It’s no secret of the tremendous talents and abilities that Jadon Sancho possesses these days. The former Manchester City starlet is enjoying an even better campaign than last at Dortmund, and the season isn’t even close to finishing just yet.
14 goals Bundesliga goals and 15 assists is truly outstanding. Rarely do you see a winger confidently and easily attempt to his beat his marker and perform it with such class and aplomb. Jadon Sancho oozes such extraordinary qualities. Wherever the player may be heading next, that lucky club will have to cherish and hold on to the player for dear life. Borussia Dortmund, currently don’t have that luxury, and like their German counterparts, Bayer Leverkusen, they are about to lose their most prized asset.
The club are looking to cash in this summer, and there are already a whole host of clubs lining up for his signature. His numbers tell its own story. Need we say more about Jadon Sancho? We do have to keep our eyes closely peeled on developments this summer, and the player himself will have to choose his next destination with much much caution.
Interested parties: Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Liverpool
Jude Bellingham, Birmingham City
At just 16 years of age, we must be very sensitive as to the amount of hype and pressure we put on Jude Bellingham’s young shoulders. What’s impressive about the player though, is that at his tender age, he’s already such a vital component for Pep Clotet at Birmingham City.
The midfielder is deployed in a variety of roles, because of his tireless energy, remarkably tall frame and elegant style. Traditionally a box-to-box midfielder, Bellingham has also been tasked with performing duties out wide and he has fulfilled those roles with such brilliant maturity and understanding. He’s quick, agile, technically sound and holds a fire in his belly that so few players rarely possess. 4 goals and 2 assists from 32 appearances in such a high demanding league is a testament to his character and ability at such a young age, the future really is massively bright for Bellingham.
Manchester United and Chelsea have already sounded out their interest in the player with the former inviting him and his family to take a tour of their training complex. It’s lengths such as those that indicate how highly rated he is. First-team football has to be high on his agenda, maybe spending another year at St Andrews may be best for his development.
Interested parties: Manchester United, Chelsea, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich
Timo Werner, RB Leipzig
Yet another player enjoying an extroadinary season in the Bundesliga. RB Leipzig’s hitman Timo Werner is certainly to watch out for in future. 21 goals in 25 Bundesliga appearances, only Robert Lewandowski can better those numbers. In all competitions, he’s scored 27 goals, including 4 in this years Champions League.
Werner has been a key component this season for exciting young coach Julian Nagelsmann as the club continue their impressive pursuit of their first Bundesliga title. 5 points behind Bayern Munich, and all hopes of closing in on the Bundesliga leaders hinges on the form of their main marksman. What’s also impressive of Werner is that he rarely plays closer to goal, he mostly operating on the left-wing, right-wing or in the half-spaces, playing the role of a withdrawn striker, but its his frightening pace, movement, positional understanding in and around the penalty area which makes him so deadly.
His link-up play is fantastic too. The German number nine has also contributed 7 assists, a true sign of his all around abilities. He’s not just a regular scorer, but he can provide them too. His next destination is unclear right now, despite his preference to play at Anfield. Will he get the required game time under Jurgen Klopp? It’s unlikely.
Werner’s ongoing development must be paramount in his decision making. You can’t rule him out staying at Leipzig too. The club as a whole is growing, he could be the poster boy of their impressive revolution.
Interested parties: Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester United
Lautaro Martinez, Inter Milan
Argentinian Lautaro Martinez is amongst the finest young strikers in European football and this season, he’s shown why he has what it takes to become the best of the lot. Martinez is your typical modern-day striker. A complete forward with a fine balance of pace, strength, agility, aerial prowess and a relentless energy that makes him such a stubborn outlet in Antonio Conte’s rigid and shrewd 3-5-2 system. His partnership with Romelu Lukaku has come on leaps and bounds this season with 28 goals between them in Serie A.
If Inter still harbour any ambitions to finally knock Juventus off their perch come the end of the season, then they must keep their two strikers fit. There is also the small matter of Ciro Immobile and co at Lazio, but anything can happen once the season resumes. Lautaro Martinez’ contribution could easily swing the pendulum Inter’s way. It is unclear whether Martinez will remain at the San Siro beyond this season, and a Serie A triumph could swing his decision making. Barcelona are knocking on his door and there is no doubt that the player can become a cult hero alongside Leo Messi at the Camp Nou too.
The perfect replacement for Luis Suarez.
Interested parties: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United
Ruben Dias, Benfica
One of the most highly coveted young centre-backs in Europe right now. Benfica’s Ruben Dias is one player sure to be at the centre of much interest this summer. It’s even a surprise he’s lasted this long at the club, with many believing that the defender should have moved onto greener grass much earlier.
At 22 years of age, Ruben Dias is already in his third season as a regular. Partnered with fellow graduate Ferro, Dias is a highly influential figure in Benfica’s back-line who have just conceded 14 goals in 24 league matches this season. Benfica average 0.58 goals conceded per game, 0.12 less than any other team in the Primeira Liga or in Europe’s top five leagues.
Dias is largely to thank for this solid record. He organises the back line, is dominant both in the air & on the ground, and his calm, commanding presence is instilled across the defence. He has won 2.2 aerial duels per90, 3.4 interceptions per90 & 2/3 defensive duels on average. His ability to play out from the back is a key component too, much of Benfica’s impressive football stems from Dias and Ferro’s passing abilities from defence. Despite oppositions who typically prioritise sitting back and cutting passing lanes, Dias is patient and precise on the ball, a crucial factor in building Benfica attacks. The centre-back has completed 3.6 long balls per 90, with an overall pass success rate of 90%.
He’d be perfect for a team like Manchester City. Pep Guardiola is reportedly a big admirer also. Benfica are known for their shrewd player sales, and Ruben Dias will not come cheap.
Interested parties: Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Arsenal, Barcelona
Boubakary Soumare, LOSC Lille
If you need any knowledge on what constitutes a typical box-to-box midfielder, then Boubakary Soumare is your man. A truly powerful, quick and domineering presence in the middle.
He is a ball recovery machine, always hoovering up attacks, starting attacks with his direct and swift passing, or duelling someone for the ball, or ripping it off them. Against Chelsea in the Champions League in December, he was a nuisance. Recovering the ball 16 times. It’s no wonder why Chelsea quickly became interested in his services soon after the game.
And there are so many teams who could do with his metronomic, athletic and powerful presence in midfield. The queue for his services this summer could be an incredibly long one.
Interested parties: Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Everton
Sandro Tonali, Brescia
We all miss Andrea Pirlo. A quiet and measured artist on the ball, yet his abilities and influence on the pitch was clearly noticeable from deep in midfield. Football may have lost such a decorated player, but we may have a Pirlo reincarnated on our hands in Brescia’s Sandro Tonali.
Not only does he look like the Juventus legend, but he holds similar abilities too. He plays the same deep-lying playmaker role that Pirlo helped shape into prominence, and although his club are on the verge of relegation from Serie A, he always stands out in most games.
At 19 years of age, Tonali has it all. Fantastic range of passing, vision, robust in the tackle, a good spatial awareness of his role, positional and tactical understanding and an almost inspiring trait of leading his team despite his tender age. It is just a number. He is so cool and calm on the ball, will play his way out of pressure, can dictate play with ease, scores the odd bullet from range and even has the same shaggy hair as Pirlo. He’s a bit stockier and more robust, though, and perhaps a little more mobile and two-footed, too.
Regardless of whether Brescia beat the drop or not, Tonali’s services are better served elsewhere. The footballing world needs Andrea Pirlo back, oh wait, we have the next best thing… Sandro Tonali.
Interested parties: AC Milan, Juventus, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Roma and Manchester City
Dayot Upamecano, RB Leipzig
Like Ruben Dias, Upamecano is amongst the most highly coveted young centre-backs in European football. His calling cards has always been his tremendously athletic build and his amazing dribbling abilities from the back. His recovery speed is also one of his outstanding traits, capable of matching the most quickest and skilful forwards if need be. His unique traits also makes him perfect for the high-press, high-line, modern tactical approach and his powerful build has given him the opportunity to play senior football since the age of 17.
Under Julian Nagelsmann, his passing and on-the-ball decision-making have improved dramatically, and he’s put in some immense individual defensive showings in his own box this term. Against Tottenham in the Champions League, the defender put in an outstanding performance as Leipzig quite swiftly knocked them out of the competition. Assured on the ball, strong in the tackle, and a real leader at the back.
He’s another one on the list in which potential suitors could become such a long list.
Interested parties: Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea
Fabian Ruiz, Napoli
Believe the upcoming hype surrounding Fabian Ruiz when it does come finally about. The Spanish international is reportedly a key target for Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid, and the player duly deserves such recognition.
The 23-year-old has established himself as one of the most talented midfielders in Europe and within a Napoli squad which is blessed with an array of talents, he is the most influential. One of the main attractions of Ruiz is not the consistent standout performances that he puts in, nor the ease with which he seems to set himself apart from his peers, rather it is the fact he appears to have no significant weaknesses to his game. In other words, he is the complete midfielder.
Although predominantly a left-footed player, Ruiz is more than comfortable transitioning to his supposed weaker foot, and this is complemented by his ability to play anywhere across the midfield – whether being utilised as a defensive midfielder, a central pillar, a creative attacking outlet or being deployed on the left or right hand side of midfield. It’s because of this versatility, he is now a regular feature for Spain at international level too. When watching Ruiz, he is player in which much attention is required rather than a quick glance. The way in which he controls the game, aids his teammates around him and his almost telepathic understanding with the forwards.
He may not score enough goals, but when he does find the net, it does become a regular box-office on social media. Either a cute, delicate curled effort from outside the box or a scorcher, the player is blessed with such a fine and unique skill-set. In all competitions so far in the 2019/20 season, Ruiz has contributed four assists, 1.8 key passes per game, 74.8 passes per 90 mins with a passing accuracy of 89.1%.
An intricate and influential midfielder, his talents are truly served on the grandest stage.
Interested parties: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Liverpool
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