Ferdi Kadioglu (Turkey)
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. IScouts 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.
Georges Mikautadze (Georgia)
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. They bought him from Metz in 2023 for £16m but he made nine appearances for them and is expected to be sold for a slight profit with Monaco and Roma reported to be the frontrunners, despite interest from West Ham.
Ruben Vargas (Switzerland)
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 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. 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 after his performances in Germany.
Jan Oblak (Slovenia)
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 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.
Nico Williams (Spain)
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 with his dazzling displays. Barcelona supporters will be crossing their fingers 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. Arsenal and Liverpool may have something to say about that, given their longstanding interest. His club have not given up hope of persuading the 21-year-old to stay but are likely to accept bids of more than £50m.
Fabián Ruiz (Spain)
Spain’s new midfield maestro has enjoyed a starring role for his country despite uncertainty over his future with Paris St-Germain.“I know that my name comes up in every transfer window,” he said 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 interest in the former Napoli midfielder in the past.
Jerdy Schouten (Netherlands)
The Dutch midfielder made his international debut two years ago at the age of 25 and 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.
Francisco Conceição (Portugal)
The race is on for the pint-sized winger who plays like his father, Sergio, used to. They became 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.
Baris Alper Yilmaz (Turkey)
He was not on the scoresheet in Germany but the 24-year-old epitomised his team’s approach with his fearlessness and energy. Yilmaz was instrumental in helping Galatasaray 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.
Ivan Schranz (Slovakia)
The 30-year-old had 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 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 one goal in 14 Czech league appearances for Slavia last season, he may represent something of a gamble but has certainly proved he has the appetite for the big occasion.
Source: theguardian.com
