As the start of the 2024/25 La Liga season approaches, all eyes are on the top talents set to grace the Spanish top flight. From the emergence of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal last season to Real Madrid’s acquisition of Kylian Mbappe this summer, the coming La Liga season promises a lot of excitement for fans.
Ahead of the new campaign, Soccernet.football has taken a look at the 10 most valuable players plying their trade in Spain’s first division with a number of football’s most exciting young talents dominating the list we’ve made.
10. Gavi – Barcelona (€90m)
The 19-year-old midfielder has been a revelation since breaking into the Blaugrana’s first team. His boundless energy and tactical intelligence make him one of the most complete young players in world football. Injuries limited his playing time last season as he spent a considerable amount of time on the sidelines. He even missed out on Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. Gavi’s current market value is estimated at €90 million.
9. Julian Alvarez – Atletico Madrid (€90m)
The Argentine international has been a revelation since joining Premier League champions Manchester City. His goal-scoring prowess, relentless work rate, and adaptability make him a unique and invaluable asset. A lack of playing time has seen the 24-year-old swap Manchester for Madrid this summer for a fee which could potentially exceed his current market valuation, including the add-ons. We’re expecting Alvarez to take La Liga by storm .
8. Eduardo Camavinga – Real Madrid (€100m)
The 21-year-old Frenchman has quickly established himself as one of the most well-rounded young players in world football. His composure on the ball, defensive tenacity, and creativity make him an indispensable part of Los Blancos’ squad. Camavinga’s current market value, which is set at €100 million shows just how massively talented he is.
7. Aurelien Tchouameni – Real Madrid (€100m)
Real Madrid secured the services of Tchouameni in 2022. The Frenchman has seamlessly slotted into the Los Blancos midfield, showcasing his exceptional passing range, defensive awareness, and ball-winning abilities. The 24-year-old was often utilized in central defense last season and he managed to perform at a high level despite playing out of position. How will Carlo Ancelloti utilize the Frenchman’s talents in the coming season?
6. Rodrygo – Real Madrid (€110m)
The 23-year-old Brazilian has developed into a crucial member of Ancelotti’s squad. His goal-scoring prowess, dribbling ability, and tactical flexibility make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Rodrygo played a huge role as Los Blancos secured a continental double last season, contributing important goals and assists both domestically and on the European scene. Despite Mbappe’s arrival, we expect to see the Brazilian keep his place in the starting XI.
5. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona (€120m)
One of the most exciting young prospects in world football, Barcelona’s Yamal makes the list at number five. The 17-year-old winger has been a revelation since making his first-team debut for the Catalan giants. Yamal further boosted his credentials as he took the 2024 Euros by storm, starring as Spain won the tournament. The Barcelona prodigy is valued at an insane €120 million.
4. Federico Valverde – Real Madrid (€120m)
The Uruguayan international has blossomed into one of the most complete midfielders in world football. His combination of energy, passing range, and goal-scoring ability make him an invaluable asset for Ancelloti’s side. The 26-year-old has inherited Toni Kroos’ No. 8 shirt and we expect to see him provide the Madridistas with plenty to cheer while donning the iconic shirt on his back in the coming season.
3. Vinícius Junior – Real Madrid (€180m)
The 24-year-old has come a long way since his early years at the club when he was just a raw talent who offered little to no end product in the final third. Vinícius has since matured into one of the most reliable forwards in Europe as evidenced by his immeasurable contributions to Los Blancos’ La Liga and Champions League triumphs last season. The Brazil international will be looking to put his disappointing Copa America campaign behind him and help Real mount a successful title defense come the 2024/25 season.
2. Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid (€180m)
Mbappé may have opted to leave Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer this summer but the French superstar’s value remains sky-high. The 25-year-old’s lightning pace, clinical finishing, and creative ability make him one of the most unstoppable attackers on the planet. His long awaited arrival at the Spanish capital bodes well for Los Blancos faithfuls but the same cannot be said for the rest of Spain’s first division.
1. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid (€180m)
The 21-year-old England international proved to be a remarkable acquisition for Real Madrid last season. He starred throughout Los Blancos’ domestic and European dominance. Bellingham also carried his form into the Euros, scoring very crucial goals to help England reach the final where they fell short against Spain. We’re backing the English youngster to have another spectacular season at the Santiago Bernabeu.