Over the past decade, the average age of player transfers has dropped to 23.6. Football is getting younger, and the strategy of targeting young football talent from academies has become increasingly crucial. Investing in these “hidden gems” is a cost-effective and sustainable approach for clubs of all sizes.
A potential revenue stream
This strategy not only helps in discovering future stars but also ensures a steady pipeline of talent that can be developed and sold for profit. It’s a potentially consistent revenue stream, like matchday revenue or commercial revenue.
More and more clubs target young talents from various academies. For clubs with limited financial resources, targeting academy players is a smart and economical strategy. It allows them to build a competitive team without breaking the bank.
Some notables
Here are some notable players that were developed in academies and yielded high selling fees:
Kenan Yildiz
Kenan Yildiz is a 19-year-old academy player, joined Juventus on a free transfer at the age of 17 and is currently valued at €72.3 million.
Mathys Tel
Mathys Tel, now 19 years old, was acquired by Rennes at the age of 15 from the Montrouge academy for free, then sold at 17 for €20 million, and is currently valued at €58.1 million.
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, a 20-year-old, was acquired by Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer at the age of 16 from the Manchester City academy and is currently valued at €58.1 million.
Samu Omorodion
Samu Omorodion, a 20-year-old, was acquired by Granada at the age of 17 from a Spanish academy on a free transfer, sold to Atlético Madrid for €6 million, and later sold to FC Porto for €15 million; he is currently valued at €50.8 million.
Arthur Vermeeren
Arthur Vermeeren, a 19-year-old, joined the Antwerp Academy on a free transfer at the age of 13 from the KV Mechelen Academy, and was later sold to Atlético Madrid for €18 million. He is currently valued at €38 million.
A new approach
Investing in young talent from academies is not just a cost-effective strategy, it’s a forward-thinking approach that can yield long-term benefits. By identifying and nurturing hidden gems, clubs can build a strong foundation for future success while managing their budgets effectively.
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