Barcelona and Real Madrid dominate 

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La Liga arguably has the best collection of prodigious talents on the planet and that’s reflected in Transfermarkt’s top ten most valuable U21 list from the Spanish top-flight. While La Liga is no longer considered the best league in the world, it remains home to some of the best youngsters on the planet. 

Real Madrid were crowned kings of Spain for the 36th time after finishing ten points ahead of arch rivals Barcelona and Carlo Ancelotti’s men also won Madrid’s 15th Champions League title. After joining Madrid last summer, Jude Bellingham became the joint most-valuable player in the world at €180m and he tops the most valuable U21 list. Perhaps surprisingly, only one other Real Madrid star makes the top ten list, while five Barcelona players feature and we’ve analysed the stars of the future in La Liga.

The top ten most valuable U21 players in La Liga 

1. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid – 20 years old – €180m

The Englishman enjoyed a stunning debut campaign in Madrid after his €103m move from Borussia Dortmund. Bellingham adapted seamlessly to his new surroundings and he was a revelation. The 20-year-old scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists with his market value increasing by €60m across last season.

2. Eduardo Camavinga – 21 years old – €100m

Given Real Madrid’s incredible midfield roster, Camavinga isn’t a guaranteed starter but he remains one of the best young midfielders in the world. The 21-year-old filled in at left-back on occasions and he battled with international colleague Aurélien Tchouaméni for a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting eleven. Camavinga highlighted his incredible potential with a composed display in the Champions League final and he received a €10m market value increase in the latest update. 

3. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona – 16 years old – €90m

Yamal is a generational talent and is viewed as the future of Barcelona. The winger has already established himself as a key player and he’s comfortably the most valuable 16-year-old in the world at €90m. Yamal received a €15m market value increase after 17 goal contributions in 50 games and he could be one of the stars of Euro 2024 with Spain.

4. Gavi – Barcelona – 19 years old – €90m

Gavi has endured a frustrating campaign as he’s not played since November after suffering a serious ACL injury. The Barcelona starlet’s talent is unquestionable and he’s expected to return to action early next season. Despite missing seven months of football, Gavi’s market value remained unchanged. 

5. Pedri – Barcelona – 21 years old – €80m

Like teammate Gavi, Pedri’s availability last season was limited due to hamstring issues but he still made 34 appearances. Pedri’s market value has dropped by €10m across last season but he still remains a key part of Barcelona’s future with Hansi Flick replacing Xavi. 

6. Nico Williams – Athletic Club – 21 years old – €60m

Williams is the first player on the list from outside the two Spanish giants and he enjoyed a famous season with his hometown club. Athletic Bilbao won their first trophy in 40 years with the Copa del Rey to spark triumphant scenes in Bilbao. Williams contributed 25 goal contributions in 37 games to solidify his standing as one of the best young wingers around.

7. Sávio – Girona – 19 years old – €50m

Girona were one of the surprise packages in Europe last season as they secured Champions League qualification for the first time in their history. Sávio was one of their star performers and it’s earned him a move to Manchester City this summer. The Brazilian winger had 11 goals and 10 assists in 41 games and he was rewarded with a €10m market value rise. 

8. Alejandro Balde – Barcelona – 20 years old – €40m

Balde missed the second half of the season with a ruptured tendon and he only made 18 appearances in La Liga. Despite his market value falling by €10m last season, Balde remains the 8th most valuable left-back in the world and a star of the future. 

9. Samu Omorodion – Deportivo Alaves – 19 years old – €35m

Omorodion was one of the breakthrough stars of the La Liga season with nine goals. The Spanish striker will return to parent club Atletico Madrid this summer and he will be aiming to build on his promising campaign.

10. Pau Cubarsí – Barcelona – 17 years old – €30m

Cubarsí is the latest name from the conveyor belt of talent from Barcelona’s famed La Misa. The 17-year-old barely featured until January but he ended up with 36 appearances in all competitions. Cubarsi signed a new deal with a massive release clause and his market value increased by €28.5m across the season.