These eleven teenagers are tearing up Europe but aren’t yet at major clubs. They could be the ideal signings for Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton and Manchester United this summer.
Luke Shaw (Southampton)
Age: 18
Position: Left back
There is a reason that Luke Shaw is the subject of transfer rumours linking him with some of the biggest teams in Europe, and that is that at the age of 18 he has already had two excellent seasons in the Premier League at left back.
The Saints star has shown signs of greatness both defensively and going forward, and having won his first England cap recently could well be Ashley Cole’s long term successor in the Three Lions side.
Would be the ideal signing for: Manchester United. Long term successor to Patrice Evra required.
Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao)
Age: 19
Position: Centre back
Aymeric Laporte is arguably the best young central defender in world football at present, with Marquinhos perhaps the main contender for that title in his age bracket.
The Basque defender has been in sparkling form in La Liga this season, helping Athletic Bilbao close in on UEFA Champions League with some commanding displays at the back.
Would be the ideal signing for: FC Barcelona. Carles Puyol retires at the end of the season.
Timo Werner (VfB Stuttgart)
Age: 18
Position: Wide forward
Timo Werner has scored four goals and provided five assists in his 27 Bundesliga appearances this season – just under half of which have come as a substitute.
The young German is a very hard working forward player who helps his full back well when selected on the wing, and presses hard when played up front.
Would be the ideal signing for: Arsenal. A hard working left sided player with a goal threat could ease the pressure on the Gunners’ left backs Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal – especially with rumours Lukas Podolski could depart.
Simone Scuffet (Udinese)
Age: 17
Position: Goalkeeper
Given the age goalkeepers usually break through to the first team, Simone Scuffet must clearly be quite a special talent to already feature at 17.
In truth, the Italian earned his chance due to an injury crisis at Stadio Friuli, but took it with both hands, showing wonderful reflexes and impressive composure.
Would be the ideal signing for: Liverpool. Second choice goalkeeper behind Simon Mignolet could be useful, and provide the Belgian with competition Brad Jones cannot offer.
John Stones (Everton)
Age: 19
Position: Centre back
Everton fans may have booed David Moyes when he returned to Goodison Park as Manchester United boss, but they do owe some gratitude to the now sacked Red Devils coach.
John Stones was Moyes last ever signing before he left the Toffees for Man Utd, and the teenage centre back has made a superb breakthrough this term.
He looks set for a long future at the highest level for club and country.
Would be the ideal signing for: Arsenal. With question marks over the future of Thomas Vermaelen, the Gunners may well need another centre back.
Tiemoue Bakayoko (Rennes)
Age: 19
Position: Defensive midfield
Rennes teenager Tiemoue Bakayoko has been a fantastic screen for his team’s defence this season, averaging 2.9 tackles and 1.6 interceptions in Ligue 1 fixtures.
Whilst an excellent destructive player, Bakayoko’s next task will be to involve himself more in his team’s play when they have possession.
Would be the ideal signing for: Everton. If Gareth Barry goes back to Manchester City at the end of the season when his loan finishes, another enforcer may be required to play alongside James McCarthy.
Max Meyer (FC Schalke 04)
Age: 18
Position: Attacking midfield
The fine performances of 18 year-old Max Meyer in attacking midfield explain why Julian Draxler remains a left sided player despite expressing a desire to move infield.
Meyer has scored six times and provided two assists already this campaign, and his vision and calm air on the ball help him stand out as a player for both the present and future.
Would be the ideal signing for: Manchester City. Meyer would not be cheap, given his performances for a UEFA Champions League level side, but could prove a worthy successor to David Silva in the coming years.
Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo)
Age: 19
Position: Striker
Domenico Berardi was picked up by Sassuolo after a chance trip to visit his brother at university nearby, and the Serie A club are immensely grateful that fate brought them together.
Berardi has scored 13 goals and provided three assists in his 23 league starts for Sassuolo, and has performed well across the attacking line, but any team that wants to sign him this summer will also have to negotiate with his co-owners Juventus.
Would be the ideal signing for: Arsenal. Pace, movement and ability to play both up front and on either side of a forward could prove invaluable.
Niklas Sule (Hoffenheim)
Age: 18
Position: Centre back
18 year-old German centre back Niklas Sule has shown tremendous promise since earning a place in the Hoffenheim side.
He averages a huge 5.9 clearances, 2.1 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per Bundesliga fixture.
Would be the ideal signing for: Manchester United. A promising centre back could be much needed with Nemanja Vidic moving on and Rio Ferdinand on the verge of being put out to pasture.
Callum Chambers (Southampton)
Age: 19
Position: Right back
Southampton already had a well performing right back in Nathaniel Clyne, but manager Mauricio Pochettino could not ignore the performances of Callum Chambers in both training and for the Saints’ U21s.
The 19 year-old has gradually made the position his own and is widely tipped to follow his club colleague Luke Shaw into the England senior side.
Would be the ideal signing for: Arsenal – if Bacary Sagna leaves at the end of the season.
Divock Origi (Lille OSC)
Age: 19
Position: Wide forward
Belgium have uncovered another exciting young talent.
19 year-old Lille OSC winger Divock Origi has a powerful shot, and has scored five goals in Ligue 1 since earning a chance.
The wide forward hasn’t yet shown he has the positional discipline and work rate to become a regular at a major club, but if a team is looking for someone to make things happen they could do worse than look to Origi.
Would be the ideal signing for: Everton. If Gerard Deulofeu does not return to Goodison Park next season, Roberto Martinez will need to dig up a special talent from elsewhere.
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