Five ‘lesser’ league rising talents ready for transfers to Europe's top five leagues | OneFootball

Across football, there are several stars from 'lesser' leagues who look primed for transfers to Europe's top-five leagues this summer.

Kees Smit - AZ Alkmaar

Clubs are queuing up to land Kees Smith this summer, with Real Madrid,Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool linked.

After a breakout season at AZ Alkmaar in 2024-25, Smit shone during the summer, where he was the top scorer and named Player of the Tournament as the Netherlands won the European Under-19 Championship.

A technical midfielder, Smit has continued to take strides forward this season, as part of an AZ team making good progress in theConference League. A full Dutch debut is not beyond Smit this season, who could be a late bolter for the Netherlands' World Cup squad.

Samu Aghehowa - FC Porto

Given the mixed record of Primeira Liga striker exports, some will take caution when pursuing Samu Agehowa this summer. But, goals aside, the 21-year-old appears to have all the tools required to thrive in a top-five league.

The 6ft 4in forward is an unmissable penalty-box presence, but mobile and quick enough to stretch defences too. Porto will demand a premium price for a player who has scored 47 goals in 76 games for the club.

Caleb Yirenkyi - FC Nordsjaelland

Some top talent has passed through FC Nordsjalland in recent years, with Mikkel Damsgaard and Mohammed Kudus among thePremier League names the club counts as former alumni.

Next up could be Caleb Yirenkyi, whose list of suitors is growing fast. The 20-year-old has already become a regular with Ghana after a series of impressive performances, with Yirenkyi ranking among the Danish Superliga's top performers for assists, tackles won, and fouls drawn.

Manchester United and Liverpool have monitored his displays, while Brighton were rumoured to have a bid rejected in January. The Seagulls certainly know a thing or two about defensive midfield gems.

Mika Godts - Ajax

Mika Godts is having a standout season at Ajax. After flashes of talent last term, Godts has exploded as an Eredivisie star in 2025-26.

The Belgian winger has 13 goals and eight assists for Ajax in the league, with no player in the Dutch top flight directly involved in more goals. At just 20, Godts has earned comparisons to compatriot Eden Hazard.

Expect a scramble for his signature in the summer, particularly if Ajax miss out onChampions League qualification.

Joane Gadou - Red Bull Salzburg

The Red Bull Salzburg production line has somewhat slowed down in recent years, but Joane Gadou might just speed up the conveyor belt.

The imposing French defender has been a standout in Salzburg, having left the Paris Saint-Germain academy for Austria.

The 6ft 5in centre-back has already racked up more than 50 senior appearances for Salzburg, despite only turning 19 last month. He hopes to follow fellow Frenchman Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate in passing through the Red Bull network on route to the top.