Most expensive U21s: Manchester United trio worth €244m make list

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·7 November 2024

Most expensive U21s: Manchester United trio worth €244m make list

On Wednesday, November 6, the CIES Football Observatory released its ranking of the most expensive U21 footballers in the world. Among them, are three players from Manchester United.

This marks another significant step in the right direction for United, with INEOS now in charge of sporting operations at the football club.

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While the club hasn’t reached the standards expected in recent years, we can see a shift in prioritising young talent and building for a successful future.

The rankings compiled by the CIES Football Observatory include a list of 100 players, representing seventeen leagues.

Alejandro Garnacho is the second most expensive player in the list – behind Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal (€180.9m) – with an estimated €114.8m valuation. The United star is joined by Kobbie Mainoo (€74.8m) and Leny Yoro (€54.5m).

The United trio have a combined valuation of €244.1m, and that will only increase if they enjoy success in the future. All three players have bright futures at Old Trafford if they continue to develop their games.

Manchester United change their strategy in the market

Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Under the Glazers, United would scan the market without much consideration. They would overpay for some players and cut corners when it came to others. There was no balance until now.

United are now in the market for the best young players as proven with the capture of Yoro. United beat Real Madrid, PSG and Liverpool to the French teenager’s signature. It was a huge signal of intent.

On top of Yoro’s signing, United made several additions to their academy, with Sekou Kone joining on transfer deadline day. They also pipped Chido Obi-Martin from under Arsenal’s nose.

I would consider these positive signs for the future at United. We want to see the best young players in the world at Old Trafford because it feels like the football club took their eyes of the ball in recent years.

The hunger to achieve was stripped of the club by the Glazers. Now it needs to be repaired.