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February 3, 2024
The January 2024 transfer window has concluded, marking a significant period for emerging football talent. As we hit the halfway point of the 2023-24 season, this winter’s transfer activity has showcased several impressive moves by young players under 21. Noteworthy transactions include Claudio Echeverri’s high-profile transfer to the Premier League and Paris Saint-Germain’s strategic acquisitions of two promising U21 stars. These moves underline the growing investment in young talent by top clubs aiming to secure future success.
This roundup highlights the top 10 U21 transfers that made headlines in January 2024. From exciting prospects landing in major European leagues to impactful signings that promise to shape the future of their new teams, these transfers represent a pivotal moment in the careers of these young footballers.
10. Manfred Ugalde (Twente Enschede to Spartak Moscow) – €13M
In January 2024, striker Manfred Ugalde moved significantly from Twente Enschede to Spartak Moscow. At just 21 years old, Ugalde’s transfer set a record for the Dutch club, becoming their second-highest sale ever, behind only Dusan Tadic.
9. Claudio Echeverri (River Plate to Manchester City) – €14.5M
Argentina U-17 captain in the 2023 World Cup
Claudio Echeverri, a promising U17 midfielder for Argentina, transitioned from River Plate to Manchester City. The deal mirrors the one City made for Julian Alvarez previously. Despite agreeing to a four-and-a-half-year contract, Echeverri will play the remainder of the season on loan.
8. Malick Fofana (KAA Gent to Olympique Lyon) – €17M
Malick Fofana immediately impacted Olympique Lyon, scoring in his first-team debut during a Coupe de France match against Bergerac Périgord FC. Born on March 31, 2005, the French club secured Fofana until June 2028 following negotiations with KAA Gent.
7. Marcos Leonardo (Santos to Benfica) – €18M
The 20-year-old forward Marcos Leonardo, highly sought after by AS Roma, ultimately joined SL Benfica in the winter transfer window. Santos reportedly received €18M for the young Brazilian’sBrazilian’s transfer.
6. Arthur Vermeeren (€18 million) from Royal Antwerp to Atletico Madrid
During the January transfer window, Atletico Madrid made a move to acquire Arthur Vermeeren, an 18-year-old center midfielder from Royal Antwerp. The young Belgian, who already has two caps for his national team, signed a six-and-a-half-year contract with the La Liga club.
5. Gabriel Moscardo: €19 million from Corinthians to Paris Saint-Germain
In January, 18-year-old Gabriel Moscardo made a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain. Although he signed a contract extending to 2028, Moscardo will spend the remainder of the season on loan at Corinthians.
4. Lucas Beraldo (São Paulo to Paris Saint-Germain) – €20M
Beraldo joined the French champions
Lucas Beraldo, known as ”The Joker,” also caught the attention of PSG. The talented defender, celebrated for his exceptional left foot and composure under pressure, joined the French giants for €20M. Unlike Moscardo, Beraldo was not loaned back and will immediately contribute to PSG’s PSG’s defense.
3. Adam Wharton (Blackburn Rovers to Crystal Palace) – €21M
The January transfer window’s most notable deadline-day deal saw Crystal Palace secure 19-year-old Adam Wharton from Blackburn Rovers for €21M. Already a U20 England international, Wharton represents a significant investment for Palace. Wharton revealed, “The way Palace develop players is a big reason why I came here”.
2. Radu Drăgușin (Genoa to Tottenham) – €25M
Tottenham Hotspur secured a significant signing in January, outbidding clubs like Bayern Munich for Romanian defender Radu Drăgușin. The towering center-back, standing at 1.91 meters, joined from Genoa on a contract extending to June 2030.
1. Vitor Roque (Club Athletico Paranaense to Barcelona) – €40M
Not long after joining Barcelona, Vitor Roque made a big impression on La Liga. In a match against Osasuna, the 18-year-old forward scored the decisive goal just a minute after coming on as a substitute. Wearing number 19, Roque marks his first move outside Brazil with Barcelona.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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