Super Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, is among the most valuable players under the age of 21 in the world according to recent survey by Soccerex.
The report released on Wednesday utilises a Football Value Index compiled by Prime Time Sport and takes into account a number of factors including player’s age, market value perception, international caps, minutes played, goals, injuries and technical quality from a variety of sources to arrive at a final valuation.
Iheanacho, 19, who was in superb form for Manchester City last season scoring 14 goals in all competitions, is ranked ninth in the world.
The report estimates the Nigerian to be worth around £20.07m – making him the only African in the top 10 and fourth from England.
At the top of the list is Manchester United’s French international, Anthony Martial, who is worth £39.7m followed by Schalke midfielder, Leroy Sane, valued at £31.2m.
Bayern Munich’s new boy, Renato Sanches at £29.1m is third, with Tottenham’s Dele Alli (£28.8m) and Kingsley Coman (£30.69) of Bayern in fourth and fifth respectively.
The top 10 young players all play in either the Premier League or Bundesliga, highlighting the strength of those leagues, while no La Liga player features in the top 20.
“This report demonstrates the hugely talented pool of players under the age of 21 available across the globe,” Prime Time Sport, Soccerex Chief Executive, Duncan Revie said on Wednesday.
“Ultimately, the lifeblood of any successful club is the players they are able to develop and nurture and the report identifies the premium that clubs place on this kind of exciting young talent.”
Top 10 most valuable players under 21
- Anthony Martial £47.15m
2 Leroy Sane £37.13m
3 Renato Sanches £34.55m
4 Dele Alli £34.14m
5 Kingsley Coman £30.69m
6 Breel Embolo £25.44m
7 Marcus Rashford £22.51m
8 Max Meyer £21.64m
9 Kelechi Iheanacho £20.07m
10 Julian Weigl £19.82m
