Giorgi Mamardashvili, Georgia
The goalkeeper has been linked with a Premier League move and his stock has risen significantly this summer. The Georgia No 1 has made more saves (16) than any other keeper in Germany. Valencia are likely to have a long list of suitors knocking on their door. The 23-year-old, whose father Davit was also a goalkeeper, is still in the infancy of his career. He will be a man in demand once the tournament draws to a close.
Georges Mikautadze, Georgia
Georges Mikautadze has scored both of Georgia’s goals at the tournament. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was pegged as the team’s danger man, but his 23-year-old compatriot has carried his club form into the Euros. Mikautadze left Metz for Ajax last summer but, having struggled for minutes in the Netherlands, he returned to the French side for the second half of the season and came close to firing them to safety. The young forward boosted his reputation with 13 goals and four assists for Metz; his performances at Euro 2024 have enhanced his price further.
Nico Williams, Spain
Nico Williams had a long list of admirers before Euro 2024; his showings for Spain will only have attracted more clubs. The 21-year-old, who plays for Athletic Club alongside his brother Iñaki, ranked second for successful dribbles (86) in La Liga this past season. Though right-footed, he is able to either cut inside from the left or burst to the byline and put the ball into the box. His unpredictability makes him one of the most sought after wingers on the continent.
Christian Eriksen, Denmark
Christian Eriksen was restricted to just 10 league starts for Manchester United this season and will likely leave the club this summer. The 32-year-old has been superb for Denmark at Euro 2024. He scored the opening goal in the 1-1 draw with Slovenia, finding the net 1,100 days after his cardiac arrest in Euro 2020, and he has made more key passes (11) than any other player at the tournament.
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Denmark
Another Denmark central midfielder who struggled for regular gametime at club level this past season, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg is doing a great job at putting himself in the shop window. Tottenham are expected to welcome bids for the 28-year-old – and they will come from across the continent. Højbjerg dominated the midfield battle in a player-of-the-match performance against England, which will have done his chances of securing a new club no harm at all.
Nicolas Seiwald, Austria
Austria have proven a tough nut to crack in Germany. They were unfortunate against France, only losing 1-0 to an own goal, and they eased past Poland in their second match, winning 3-1. The defensive shield Nicolas Seiwald has been very important to Ralf Rangnick’s side. The 23-year-old started just six league games for RB Leipzig this past season but he was a ball-winning machine when required, with his tally of 4.2 tackles per 90 minutes ranking top in the Bundesliga. Seiwald’s hard work off the ball – he has made more tackles (10) than any other player at Euro 2024 – would appeal to sides seeking to strengthen in the middle of the park.
Ferdi Kadioglu, Turkey
Arsenal will face competition to sign Ferdi Kadioglu if he continues to impress for Turkey. The versatile Fenerbahçe full-back can play on the right or left side of the defence. The 24-year-old has been effective off the ball at Euro 2024, averaging three tackles per 90 minutes. He has also recycled possession well, as shown by his 90.4% pass success rate from 57 passes per 90 minutes. And he has provided an attacking outlet from deep, with 1.5 dribbles and 2.5 key passes per 90 minutes.
Federico Chiesa, Italy
With just a year left to run on his current deal, Federico Chiesa is likely to leave Juventus this summer. The Italian had a disappointing season for the Old Lady, though he still managed to bag nine goals and two assists. The 26-year-old has made a bright start to Euro 2024 and his club’s desire to cash in means interested parties will be keeping a watchful eye on the forward. Chiesa was one of Italy’s star players when they won the Euros three years ago; he would benefit from a fresh start after this tournament.
Riccardo Calafiori, Italy
Riccardo Calafiori exploded on to the scene last season. The 22-year-old was instrumental for Bologna as they claimed a top-four finish. His tally of 50 interceptions was the sixth highest in Serie A even though he only started just 26 of their 38 matches. An own goal against Spain will not have tarnished Calafiori’s reputation and his performances under Luciano Spalletti have caught the eye of a number of Europe’s elite clubs. At one stage it seemed as though the young centre-back would follow former Bologna boss Thiago Motta to Juventus but the Italian giants may have their work cut out to secure the defender’s services.
Roman Yaremchuk, Ukraine
Roman Yaremchuk is not first choice for club or country, but he was crucial when called upon for Ukraine last week, coming off the bench to score the winner against Slovakia. The striker brought down Mykola Shaparenko’s long pass perfectly before finishing superbly past Martin Dubravka. Valencia may be open to selling – particularly if he keeps scoring and the price goes up.
Source: theguardian.com
