Ten players at Euro 2024 who have increased their transfer value
Spain's Nico Williams has been one of the tournaments stand out players
The all-action Fenerbahce defender was outstanding during his side’s run to the quarter-finals in Germany, providing a constant attacking threat down the left flank and also dropping into midfield at times. Kadioglu had been linked with a move to Arsenal or Manchester City after excelling for his club, with Brighton, Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund reported to be the latest to have shown an interest. In total, scouts from nine clubs were at the last-16 game against Austria when the 24-year-old broke a tournament record by covering 7.58 miles (12.2km) during Turkey’s 2-1 win.
Goals against Turkey, the Czech Republic and Portugal booked Georgia’s historic progress into the last 16 as the 23-year-old ended the group stages as joint-top scorer. It continued Mikautadze’s rich vein of form at the end of the domestic season when he scored 14 goals in 22 games on loan at Metz from Ajax. The Dutch club had bought him from Metz in 2023 for £16m. He made only nine appearances for Ajax but is now expected to be sold for a slight profit with Monaco and Roma reported to be the frontrunners, despite interest from West Ham.
A stunning performance against Italy that capped Switzerland’s memorable victory over the reigning champions catapulted the Augsburg forward into the international spotlight. Vargas, who has already racked up nearly 50 caps despite being only 25, was awarded player of the match after assisting Remo Freuler’s opener and scoring a brilliant second in Berlin. He was linked with a loan move to Crystal Palace last summer and has also attracted interest from Fiorentina, with more clubs expected to join the queue following his performances in Germany.
Whether Oblak would ever consider leaving Atlético Madrid after joining a decade ago is up for debate. But the 31-year-old would have no shortage of suitors if he does eventually decide to move on, especially after his heroics against Portugal in Slovenia’s last-16 defeat on penalties. While Oblak was outshone by Diogo Costa’s three saves in the shootout, he was outstanding in 120 minutes of Portuguese bombardment and reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears by saving his penalty during extra time.
The Athletic Bilbao forward was already on the shortlists of several big-hitters in Europe before a ball was kicked at Euro 2024 and has made quite an impression in Germany with his dazzling displays. Barcelona supporters will be crossing their fingers that Williams can renew his partnership with the teenage sensation Lamine Yamal next season having reportedly indicated his preference to move to Camp Nou if they can afford him, although Arsenal and Liverpool may have something to say about that, given their longstanding interest. Athletic have not given up hope of persuading the 21-year-old to stay but are likely to accept bids over £50m.
Spain’s new midfield maestro has enjoyed a starring role for his country despite uncertainty over his club future with Paris St-Germain.“I know that my name comes up in every transfer window,” said Ruiz before the semi-final against France on Tuesday. “But I am good in Paris. I still have three years left on my contract and I still have lots of objectives to reach with PSG.” Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus have all shown an interest in the former Napoli midfielder in the past.
The Dutch midfielder only made his international debut two years ago at the age of 25 but has been a steady presence for Ronald Koeman’s side throughout the tournament. Fresh from helping PSV Eindhoven end an eight-year wait for the Eredivisie title after returning home from four years at Bologna, Schouten is said to be attracting interest from Serie A – in particular Internazionale – and beyond. Having started out as a No 10 at Den Haag before rebuilding his career and been converted to a defensive midfielder with Telstar, he looks capable of playing at the highest level.
The race is on for the pint-sized winger who plays like his father, Sergio, used to. They became only the second father and son to score at the European Championship when Francisco came off the bench against the Czech Republic and provided the winner – his first goal at international level after being called up for the first time by Roberto Martínez in March. That followed a breakthrough season at Porto after his disappointing spell at Ajax, with Chelsea said to be among the clubs who have expressed an interest in signing the 21-year-old. He is reported to have a release clause of €30m (£25.3m) that will increase to €45m next week.
He may not have been on the scoresheet in Germany but the 24-year-old epitomised his team’s approach at the tournament with his fearlessness and energy. Yilmaz was instrumental in helping Galatasaray to pip their great rivals Fenerbahce to the Turkish title last season, scoring seven goals and providing 12 assists. He has been linked with moves to the Bundesliga, Serie A and the Premier League this summer, with Liverpool thought to be among those clubs who could follow up their interest in the coming weeks.
The 30-year-old had only ever scored three goals for his country before the start of Euro 2024, with the last coming back in October 2021. But Schranz, who plays for Slavia Prague and only made his international debut when he was 27, managed to double his tally in the space of four matches in Germany, including the goal that almost gave Slovakia victory against England in the last 16. Having managed only one goal in 14 Czech league appearances for Slavia last season, he may represent something of a gamble but has certainly proved that he has the appetite for the big occasion.
Guardian
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