The next generation - Warren Zaïre-Emery in line to be France's youngest debutant since 1914

©TM/IMAGO

Warren Zaïre-Emery has received his first call up for Didier Deschamps’ latest star-studded France squad for the upcoming internationals for the Euro qualifiers against Gibraltar and Greece. If he plays against Gibraltar, at the age of just 17 years, eight months, and 10 days, Zaïre-Emery would become the youngest debutant for France since 1914. Speaking about the young Frenchmen, manager Deschamps said, “He’s here with us because he’s got what it takes to perform at the very highest level, even if there is competition at his position. What he is capable of achieving with his club at such a young age shows an enormous potential and maturity.”

The talented midfielder has started twelve of PSG’s thirteen games this season, registering three assists and scoring two goals. Only Uruguayan Manuel Ugarte has a higher market value in the PSG midfield and no other Paris-St-Germain player had a bigger market value increase in the latest update. PSG’s young prospect was rewarded for his strong start to the season with a €30 million market value increase in the latest Transfermarkt Ligue 1 update, taking his worth to €50m and moving him into the top five most valuable teenagers in world football.

Which other teens are making their mark? (Top 10 most valuable teenagers)

Barcelona’s midfield sensation Gavi blows away the best market values for teenagers - rated at €90m in the latest La Liga update - €25m more than any other teenager. Last season he made 49 appearances, scored 3 goals, registered 7 assists and only Sergio Busquets made more tackles. Fellow Barca youngster Lamine Yamal also makes the top ten - valued at €50m in joint third place at just 16-years of age. Yamal became Barcelona’s youngest ever player last season, when he came on aged 15 years, 9 months and 16 days, and when he scored in a 2-2 draw at Granada in October, he became both the club’s youngest scorer and La Liga’s youngest scorer. 

Stats

Gavi Central Midfield

FC Barcelona

Season 23/24–
LaLiga

Games

12

Goals

1

Assists

1

Two Premier League talents make the top ten, with Brighton’s Evan Ferguson in 2nd place with a value of €65m, and Chelsea's Roméo Lavia valued at €50m in joint third. Ferguson scored 6 Premier League goals for the Seagulls in the 22-23 season, and no Brighton player had a higher goals per 90 minutes ratio of players to have made 10 or more starts. Chelsea fought off interest from Liverpool to bring Lavia to Stamford Bridge, and despite an injury denying the Belgian the chance to showcase his talent in Chelsea colours, a season as one of the shining lights in a miserable relegation campaign for Southampton gave plenty to be excited about. Only James Ward-Prowse won more tackles than Lavia for The Saints. 

Two Bundesliga 18-year-old forwards make the list, with Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko (€30m), and Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel (€50m) included. Moukoko scored 7 and assisted 4 in the Bundesliga last season, whilst Tel has 6 goals in 15 appearances this campaign (Only Harry Kane and Leroy Sane have more) with a scoring ratio 1.54 goals per 90 minutes. Brazilian stars Vitor Roque (€32m) and Endrick (€25m), and Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini (€40m) complete the top 10. 

Player Comparison

Vitor Roque

Endrick

FC Barcelona

Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras

€40.00m

Market Value

€45.00m

18

Age

17

Centre-Forward

Position

Centre-Forward

Jun 30, 2031

Contract until

Jun 30, 2025

Full Player Comparison

Who could be on the move soon?

With Erling Haaland breaking records left, right and centre, the ‘oldskool striker’ is back in fashion, and many clubs are hunting for their own Haaland. Ferguson could fit that bracket as a traditional number nine, and has already been rumoured to have received interest from Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham and even Real Madrid. It seems likely he will stay at Brighton this season and continue to develop under exciting coach Roberto De Zerbi, but if the Irishman has another impressive season, a big money summer move could be on the cards.

Moukoko has played just 224 minutes of football at Dortmund this season, and could be eyeing a loan move this January. It’s being reported the young German will push for a move in order to get more gametime ahead of the Summer’s Euros in Germany. There have been suggestions that he is a long-term target of Liverpool, and was also linked with Manchester United and Newcastle last season. 

It’s been reported that Manchester United are hoping their good relationship with Atalanta, after the €75m signing of Rasmus Højlund, will put them in pole position to sign imposing centre-half Scalvini. However, they face competition from Inter Milan, who are very keen on the teenager, who has already made seven caps for Italy. Vitor Roque and Endrick have already been snapped up by La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively, but won’t make their moves from Brazil until next summer.