A number of the most talented teenagers on the planet will be on the move once the window opens at the end of the season
It promises to be a very busy summer transfer window, with some of the biggest names in the game being linked with moves, while other proven performers are nearing the end of their contracts, meaning they'll be free agents come the end of the season.
Some of the most-wanted players on the market are likely to be teenage talents, though, with the biggest clubs around keen to land themselves a wonderkid who can help carry a team for at least the next decade.
In fact, several members of Europe's elite have already wrapped up deals for the game's most exciting prospects. For example, South American duo Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez are both on their way to Chelsea, while Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic is bound for Tottenham.
But which potential superstars have yet to agree moves? Using the NXGN 2025 list of the best teenage footballers on the planet, we've picked out six players who are likely to dominate the gossip pages in a couple of months' time…
Getty Images SportTyler Dibling
Southampton's sorry campaign means they are heading back to the Championship but that doesn't mean that all their players will be following them out of the English top flight. One player who is almost certain to remain in the Premier League is Tyler Dibling, after a breakout campaign at St. Mary's that saw the attacking midfielder confirm his status as a star of the future.
The 19-year-old, who spent a short time on Chelsea' books in 2022 before returning to the Saints, has been heavily linked with Tottenham, though Newcastle, Aston Villa and Manchester United are also said to be interested, along with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.
However, a potential asking price in excess of £50 million ($65m) could prove a stumbling block for some…
AdvertisementGetty Images SportJorrel Hato
If Arsenal had their way, Jorrel Hato would already be a Gunner. The Premier League side were extremely keen on the versatile Ajax defender last summer, but Hato instead opted to sign a new contract in Amsterdam. However, it feels almost inevitable that the Netherlands international will depart the Johan Cruyff ArenA in the near future as he continues to prove himself one of Europe's top young talents.
The 19-year-old, who is already a veteran of over 100 appearances for the Eredivisie leaders, has settled into life as a left-back for club and country in 2024-25, and so while Arsenal remain keen, it is Liverpool who are now being most heavily linked with the young Dutchman as they plan to upgrade on Andrew Robertson. A fee of around £40m ($52m) would likely get the deal done.
AFPCharalampos Kostoulas
Greek football is enjoying a moment. The national team is showing signs of life after an injection of youth, and with three players named to the NXGN 2025 list, the future looks bright for the 2004 European champions.
Olympiacos' shock victory in the 2024 UEFA Youth League further underlined the number of talented youngsters emerging in Greece right now, with Charalampos Kostoulas one of those who has made the leap from age-group football to the first team look effortless. The 17-year-old forward has showcased his goal-scoring instincts since arriving into the senior squad, and he also possesses the physical attributes to ensure he doesn't look out of place among more developed opponents.
Manchester United and Real Madrid were credited with interest in Kostoulas around the turn of the year, while Arsenal and Aston Villa have both since been linked with a double-move for Kostoulas and his teenage team-mate at Olympiacos, midfielder Christos Mouzakitis.
Getty Images SportFranco Mastantuono
The torrent of South American talent flowing towards Europe shows no signs of slowing, and River Plate midfielder Franco Mastantuono is highly likely to be the next player to make the journey once he turns 18 in August. It's actually a little surprising that the River Plate starlet hasn't already got a move lined up, but that shouldn't cast any doubt over his impressive ability.
The youngest goalscorer in River history, Mastantuono is as devastating from open play as he is from set-pieces, and given their history with South American youngsters, Real Madrid are unsurprisingly tracking his progress closely. Manchester United are also said to be in the mix for a player whose asking price is around £38m ($49m).
