European clubs spent 385.5 million euros (about 416.34 million dollars) on 10 players under the age of 23 during the summer transfer window, while the group has made just 236 minutes of domestic league appearances since the start of the season, according to a study by Standard Football.
The deals reflect clubs’ efforts to get ahead of the competition for young talent and build greater sporting and investment value in the future. At the same time, they highlight the investment of hundreds of millions of euros in players who have yet to secure regular roles with their first teams.
The 10 deals and minutes played
Nathan De Cat — Hoffenheim: The deal was worth 20 million euros (about 21.6 million dollars), and the Belgian defender has played 30 minutes.
Karim Koulibaly — Strasbourg: The defender, who represents Germany’s under-21 team, cost the club 20 million euros (about 21.6 million dollars) and has played 27 minutes.
Aleksandar Stankovic — Inter Milan: The club negotiated a 23 million euro (about 24.84 million dollars) buyback clause with Club Brugge, while the player has made 15 minutes of appearances.
Sadiqi Cherif — Coventry City: The young striker’s transfer was worth 24.5 million euros (about 26.46 million dollars), and he has played 36 minutes.
Carlos Espe — Real Madrid: The Spanish striker cost 25 million euros (about 27 million dollars) and has played 21 minutes in La Liga. He scored in the away win over Elche and also netted a late goal against Espanyol.
Aladji Bamba — Newcastle: The midfielder, who represents France’s under-20 team, cost 35.5 million euros (about 38.34 million dollars) and has played 27 minutes in the Premier League.
Manchester City’s signing of a Brazilian player capable of playing in midfield and attack: The deal was worth 37.5 million euros (about 40.5 million dollars), and the player has not played a single minute in the Premier League.
Giovanni Quenda — Chelsea: The deal was worth 50 million euros (about 54 million dollars), and the Portuguese player has played 27 minutes in the Premier League under Xabi Alonso Aston Villa: The Senegalese striker cost the club 55 million euros (about 59.4 million dollars) and has played 33 minutes in the Premier League.Bouaddi — Manchester City: The club paid 95 million euros (about 102.6 million dollars) to sign the young Moroccan midfielder, who has
Long-term investment versus limited playing time
The study noted that it is still too early to assess the deals, with only a few weeks having passed since the start of the season, and that the makeup of the list could change as competition continues and the players receive more opportunities. At the same time, the figures raise questions about the efficiency of deploying large sums on talents who have yet to make a tangible impact on the pitch.
