Top 30 of 2008-born: Lerma and Bruninho set for Europe next season | OneFootball

From Friday, a top 30 of players born in 2008 spotlights emerging stars, with Justin Lerma and Bruninho already secured by Borussia Dortmund and Shakhtar Donetsk for next season.

According to L'Équipe, Norway’s Einar Boe Fauskanger, a senior debutant at 16 years and 136 days, shone at the U20 World Cup and now fronts Haugesund’s bid to bounce straight back.

Venezuela defender Marcos Maitan was kept at the Toulon tournament rather than called for June games against Türkiye and Iraq. A Monaguas regular since late 2024, he is tracked by Bayern and Aston Villa for about €4m.

Red Bull Salzburg have signed Filip Matijasevic for €4m on 24 April, after interest from Hoffenheim and Genk. The Cukaricki playmaker helped reach the Serbian play-offs and went viral with a 2 November rocket against Partizan.

Shakhtar signed Bruninho on a three-year deal in early April for €11m, the Athletico Paranaense left-footer choosing Ukraine over City Group. A right winger and dazzling dribbler, he paused playing in mid-May to avoid injury before Europe.

Ajax midfielder Sean Steur established himself under Fred Grim in December, notably in a 2-0 win over Feyenoord. A deep-lying creator with excellent long passing, he still needs to add physicality and intensity.

Justin Lerma, signed by Dortmund in 2024 and loaned to Independiente del Valle, will finally cross to Europe now he is of age. The Ecuador U20’s agility and dribbling stand out, and improved end product could quickly impress the Bundesliga.

Source: L'Équipe