Best Centre-Backs in the Bundesliga (Mar 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Bundesliga Centre-Backs 2024-25
Our database tracked 111 Bundesliga Centre-Backs in the 2024-25 season, representing 30 clubs with a combined market value of €854.1M. The average market value for Bundesliga Centre-Backs was €7.7M, with the average age at 26.6 years old.
The most valuable centre-back in the Bundesliga was Dayot Upamecano, worth €50.0M and played for Bayern Munich at 27 years old. The top 5 Centre-Backs averaged €41.0M in market value, including Castello Lukeba and Min-jae Kim.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked centre-back was Mathys Angély (18 years, VfL Wolfsburg, €600K), while the oldest was Jérôme Boateng (37 years, LASK, €150K). Research shows Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 46 Centre-Backs (41%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Bundesliga market for Centre-Backs remained highly competitive with significant transfer activity in the 2024-25 season.
💡 Use the search bar below to find specific players, or apply filters to narrow results by club, age range, or market value. Click the chart icon next to any player to view their historical value trajectory and forecast.
Explore Market Size by Position in Bundesliga
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Bundesliga Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 30 clubs with €854.1M combined value.
Age Distribution: Bundesliga Centre-Backs
The Bundesliga CB market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 27-29 bracket (30 players, 27% of market). The 27-29 age group holds the most value at €322.2M, averaging €10.7M per player.
Top Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (12 players)
21-23 Years (20 players)
24-26 Years (22 players)
27-29 Years (30 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 12 Centre-Backs (11% of players) control €376.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 1% of the Bundesliga CB pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: Bundesliga Centre-Backs
Among 30 Bundesliga clubs, Bayern Munich leads with 4 Centre-Backs worth €145.0M (averaging €36.3M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 44% of tracked Centre-Backs.
Bayern Munich (4 Centre-Backs)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen (4 Centre-Backs)
Borussia Dortmund (6 Centre-Backs)
RB Leipzig (4 Centre-Backs)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Dayot Upamecano
Bayern Munich • 27 years old
€52.8M
€50.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €45.5M
87.9
Castello Lukeba
RB Leipzig • 23 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €44.6M
86.2
Min-jae Kim
Bayern Munich • 29 years old
€51.7M
€40.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €34.5M
85.3
Nico Schlotterbeck
Borussia Dortmund • 26 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €42.9M
84.5
Edmond Tapsoba
Bayer 04 Leverkusen • 27 years old
€37.0M
€35.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €31.9M
83.3
Jonathan Tah
Bayern Munich • 30 years old
€38.7M
€30.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €24.9M
78.3
Konstantinos Koulierakis
VfL Wolfsburg • 22 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €26.5M
76.2
Loïc Badé
Bayer 04 Leverkusen • 25 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €24.4M
75.9
Hiroki Ito
Bayern Munich • 26 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €25.7M
75.5
Arthur Theate
Eintracht Frankfurt • 25 years old
€20.8M
€24.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €23.5M
75.3
Chrislain Matsima
FC Augsburg • 23 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €23.6M
75.2
Jarell Quansah
Bayer 04 Leverkusen • 23 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €21.4M
74.0
Waldemar Anton
Borussia Dortmund • 29 years old
€23.2M
€18.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €14.9M
71.6
Robin Koch
Eintracht Frankfurt • 29 years old
€23.2M
€18.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €14.9M
71.6
Finn Jeltsch
VfB Stuttgart • 19 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €23.8M
71.6
El Chadaille Bitshiabu
RB Leipzig • 20 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €20.6M
70.9
Diogo Leite
1.FC Union Berlin • 27 years old
€18.0M
€17.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €14.9M
70.7
Jeanuël Belocian
Bayer 04 Leverkusen • 21 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €16.5M
69.2
Leopold Querfeld
1.FC Union Berlin • 22 years old
€11.2M
€13.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.8M
68.1
Joane Gadou
Red Bull Salzburg • 19 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €17.9M
67.7
Scout Tools
Advanced analytics for scouting and recruitment decisions. Each tool provides unique insights into player value, potential, and market dynamics.
Pre-Peak Value Efficiency (PPVE)
Identifies pre-peak players offering exceptional value relative to their age bracket. Higher PPVE = better value.
Understanding Pre-Peak Value Efficiency (PPVE)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen's Loïc Badé at 25 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 6.25×. That means Loïc Badé is valued 6.25× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Eintracht Frankfurt's Arthur Theate, who is 25 years old, with a 6.00× PPVE. Third is Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig, who is 23 years old with a 5.33× PPVE.
How PPVE is calculated: PPVE compares a player's current market value to the median value of all players in their age bracket. A PPVE of 6.25× means the player is worth 525% more than typical players their age—making them high-value targets before they reach peak value.
PPVE by Age Bracket
| Rank | Player | Age | Bracket | Current Value | Bracket Median | PPVE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Loïc Badé Bayer 04 Leverkusen | 25 | 24-26 | €25.0M | €4.0M | 6.25× |
| #2 | Arthur Theate Eintracht Frankfurt | 25 | 24-26 | €24.0M | €4.0M | 6.00× |
| #3 | Castello Lukeba RB Leipzig | 23 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €7.5M | 5.33× |
| #4 | Konstantinos Koulierakis VfL Wolfsburg | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €7.5M | 3.33× |
| #5 | Finn Jeltsch VfB Stuttgart | 19 | U21 | €20.0M | €6.0M | 3.33× |
| #6 | El Chadaille Bitshiabu RB Leipzig | 20 | U21 | €18.0M | €6.0M | 3.00× |
| #7 | Chrislain Matsima FC Augsburg | 23 | 21-23 | €22.0M | €7.5M | 2.93× |
| #8 | Jarell Quansah Bayer 04 Leverkusen | 23 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €7.5M | 2.67× |
| #9 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | 19 | U21 | €15.0M | €6.0M | 2.50× |
| #10 | Luka Vuskovic Hamburger SV | 19 | U21 | €12.0M | €6.0M | 2.00× |
| #11 | Jeanuël Belocian Bayer 04 Leverkusen | 21 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €7.5M | 2.00× |
| #12 | Leopold Querfeld 1.FC Union Berlin | 22 | 21-23 | €13.0M | €7.5M | 1.73× |
| #13 | Aarón Anselmino Borussia Dortmund | 20 | U21 | €8.0M | €6.0M | 1.33× |
| #14 | Nnamdi Collins Eintracht Frankfurt | 22 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €7.5M | 1.33× |
| #15 | Ozan Kabak TSG 1899 Hoffenheim | 25 | 24-26 | €5.0M | €4.0M | 1.25× |
| #16 | Ramon Hendriks VfB Stuttgart | 24 | 24-26 | €5.0M | €4.0M | 1.25× |
| #17 | Arthur Chaves TSG 1899 Hoffenheim | 25 | 24-26 | €5.0M | €4.0M | 1.25× |
| #18 | Max Rosenfelder SC Freiburg | 23 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €7.5M | 1.07× |
| #19 | David Nemeth FC St. Pauli | 24 | 24-26 | €4.0M | €4.0M | 1.00× |
| #20 | Ameen Al-Dakhil VfB Stuttgart | 23 | 21-23 | €7.5M | €7.5M | 1.00× |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
Understanding Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
VfL Wolfsburg's Mathys Angély at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Mathys Angély is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Red Bull Salzburg's Joane Gadou, who is 19 years old, with a +40% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Luka Vuskovic of Hamburger SV, who is 19 years old with a +40% RPP (7 years to peak).
How RPP is calculated: RPP compares a player's current market value to their forecasted peak value, calculating the percentage appreciation potential. A 44% RPP means the player is expected to gain 44% value as they enter their prime—making them excellent growth investments.
Recovery Potential by Player
| Rank | Player | Age | Years to Peak | Current | Peak Forecast | RPP % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Mathys Angély VfL Wolfsburg | 18 | 8 | €600K | €1.1M | +44% |
| #2 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | 19 | 7 | €15.0M | €24.9M | +40% |
| #3 | Luka Vuskovic Hamburger SV | 19 | 7 | €12.0M | €19.9M | +40% |
| #4 | Noahkai Banks FC Augsburg | 19 | 7 | €6.0M | €10.0M | +40% |
| #5 | Finn Jeltsch VfB Stuttgart | 19 | 7 | €20.0M | €33.2M | +40% |
| #6 | Aarón Anselmino Borussia Dortmund | 20 | 6 | €8.0M | €12.4M | +35% |
| #7 | Fabio Chiarodia Borussia Mönchengladbach | 20 | 6 | €2.0M | €3.1M | +35% |
| #8 | Bruno Ogbus SC Freiburg | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.5M | +35% |
| #9 | Ludwig Vraa Grazer AK 1902 | 20 | 6 | €400K | €618K | +35% |
| #10 | El Chadaille Bitshiabu RB Leipzig | 20 | 6 | €18.0M | €27.8M | +35% |
| #11 | Filippo Mane Borussia Dortmund | 20 | 6 | €600K | €927K | +35% |
| #12 | Maxim Dal 1.FSV Mainz 05 | 20 | 6 | €150K | €232K | +35% |
| #13 | Rav van den Berg 1.FC Köln | 21 | 5 | €4.5M | €6.5M | +30% |
| #14 | Elias Bakatukanda FC Blau-Weiss Linz | 21 | 5 | €500K | €719K | +30% |
| #15 | Jeyland Mitchell SK Sturm Graz | 21 | 5 | €2.0M | €2.9M | +30% |
| #16 | Jeanuël Belocian Bayer 04 Leverkusen | 21 | 5 | €15.0M | €21.6M | +30% |
| #17 | Mohammed Tolba Without Club | 21 | 5 | €200K | €287K | +30% |
| #18 | Anrie Chase Red Bull Salzburg | 21 | 5 | €3.0M | €4.3M | +30% |
| #19 | Nnamdi Collins Eintracht Frankfurt | 22 | 4 | €10.0M | €13.4M | +25% |
| #20 | Jenson Seelt VfL Wolfsburg | 22 | 4 | €2.0M | €2.7M | +25% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
VfL Wolfsburg's Mathys Angély has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 68.9. That means Mathys Angély has 23% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is VfB Stuttgart's Finn Jeltsch with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Luka Vuskovic of Hamburger SV with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 68.9 means the upside is 68.9× greater than the uncertainty—making it a high-confidence growth opportunity. Target RAU ≥2.0 for balanced risk-reward.
Risk-Adjusted Upside by Player
| Rank | Player | Expected | Range | Upside % | RAU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Mathys Angély VfL Wolfsburg | €741K | €639K-843K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #2 | Finn Jeltsch VfB Stuttgart | €23.8M | €20.5M-27.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #3 | Luka Vuskovic Hamburger SV | €14.3M | €12.3M-16.3M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #4 | Noahkai Banks FC Augsburg | €7.1M | €6.2M-8.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #5 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | €17.9M | €15.4M-20.3M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #6 | Aarón Anselmino Borussia Dortmund | €9.2M | €7.9M-10.4M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #7 | Fabio Chiarodia Borussia Mönchengladbach | €2.3M | €2.0M-2.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #8 | Bruno Ogbus SC Freiburg | €1.1M | €988K-1.3M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #9 | Filippo Mane Borussia Dortmund | €688K | €593K-783K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #10 | Maxim Dal 1.FSV Mainz 05 | €172K | €148K-196K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #11 | El Chadaille Bitshiabu RB Leipzig | €20.6M | €17.8M-23.5M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #12 | Ludwig Vraa Grazer AK 1902 | €459K | €395K-522K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #13 | Castello Lukeba RB Leipzig | €44.6M | €39.2M-49.9M | +11% | 42.8 |
| #14 | Anrie Chase Red Bull Salzburg | €3.3M | €2.9M-3.8M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #15 | Jeanuël Belocian Bayer 04 Leverkusen | €16.5M | €14.3M-18.8M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #16 | Rav van den Berg 1.FC Köln | €5.0M | €4.3M-5.6M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #17 | Elias Bakatukanda FC Blau-Weiss Linz | €551K | €475K-627K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #18 | Jeyland Mitchell SK Sturm Graz | €2.2M | €1.9M-2.5M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #19 | Mohammed Tolba Without Club | €221K | €190K-251K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #20 | Nico Schlotterbeck Borussia Dortmund | €42.9M | €37.7M-48.0M | +7% | 27.8 |
Roster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
What This Shows
Z-Score explained: Measures how many standard deviations a player's strength is from the position average. Z-Score = 0 means average, +1.0 is one standard deviation above average, -1.0 is below average.
How to use: RPI < -1.0 indicates critical depth shortage. These positions need immediate reinforcement. RPI > +1.0 suggests strong depth, allowing selective, high-value additions only.
Current market: centre-back position shows weak depth (avg Z-score: -0.00). RPI: -0.00.
Position Depth Analysis
Highest Z-Scores
Lowest Z-Scores
Age-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
Understanding Age-Share Concentration (ASC)
Hatta Club's Lucas Galvão in the 30+ age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-13.2%. That means Jonathan Tah captures 11.1% of total market value while representing only 24.3% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is FC Augsburg's Jeffrey Gouweleeuw with a +-13.2% ASC (11.1% value share vs 24.3% player share in 30+ bracket). Third is Dominique Heintz of 1.FC Köln with a +-13.2% ASC (11.1% value vs 24.3% players in 30+ bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-13.2% ASC means the player captures -13.2% more market value than their numerical representation—indicating marquee status. ASC > +15% = elite dominance, ASC < -15% = potential value targets.
Value Concentration by Player
| Rank | Player | Age Bracket | Value Share | Player Share | ASC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Lucas Galvão Hatta Club | 30+ | 11.1% | 24.3% | -13.2% |
| #2 | Jeffrey Gouweleeuw FC Augsburg | 30+ | 11.1% | 24.3% | -13.2% |
| #3 | Dominique Heintz 1.FC Köln | 30+ | 11.1% | 24.3% | -13.2% |
| #4 | Dominik Kohr 1.FSV Mainz 05 | 30+ | 11.1% | 24.3% | -13.2% |
| #5 | Ivan Ordets Without Club | 30+ | 11.1% | 24.3% | -13.2% |
| #6 | Emre Can Borussia Dortmund | 30+ | 11.1% | 24.3% | -13.2% |
| #7 | Matthias Ginter SC Freiburg | 30+ | 11.1% | 24.3% | -13.2% |
| #8 | Lukas Spendlhofer TSV Hartberg | 30+ | 11.1% | 24.3% | -13.2% |
| #9 | Patrick Mainka 1.FC Heidenheim 1846 | 30+ | 11.1% | 24.3% | -13.2% |
| #10 | Karol Mets FC St. Pauli | 30+ | 11.1% | 24.3% | -13.2% |
| #11 | Hauke Wahl FC St. Pauli | 30+ | 11.1% | 24.3% | -13.2% |
| #12 | Kevin Akpoguma TSG 1899 Hoffenheim | 30+ | 11.1% | 24.3% | -13.2% |
| #13 | Niklas Stark SV Werder Bremen | 30+ | 11.1% | 24.3% | -13.2% |
| #14 | Niklas Süle Borussia Dortmund | 30+ | 11.1% | 24.3% | -13.2% |
| #15 | Marvin Friedrich Borussia Mönchengladbach | 30+ | 11.1% | 24.3% | -13.2% |
| #16 | Jonathan Tah Bayern Munich | 30+ | 11.1% | 24.3% | -13.2% |
| #17 | Adam Dzwigala FC St. Pauli | 30+ | 11.1% | 24.3% | -13.2% |
| #18 | Jérôme Boateng LASK | 30+ | 11.1% | 24.3% | -13.2% |
| #19 | Bernardo TSG 1899 Hoffenheim | 30+ | 11.1% | 24.3% | -13.2% |
| #20 | Manuel Gulde SC Freiburg | 30+ | 11.1% | 24.3% | -13.2% |
Buy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
What This Shows
How to use: "Buy Now - High Upside" = immediate priority targets. "Watch List" = monitor for 6-12 months. "Peak" = pay premium for proven performers. "Aging" = short-term depth only.
Current market: 5 immediate targets, 27 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 39 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
WATCH LIST - High Upside
No players in this category
BUY NOW - Medium Upside
PEAK Players
Price vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
What This Shows
How to use: Z-score < -1.5 = significantly undervalued (potential bargain). Z-score > +1.5 = premium pricing (requires strong justification). Within ±1.0 = fair market value.
Current market: Position median is €600K. 2 undervalued, 10 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Reece Oxford Without Club | €500K | €4.0M | -1.67 | Undervalued |
Gui Ramos Hamburger SV | €700K | €4.0M | -1.53 | Undervalued |
Bernardo TSG 1899 Hoffenheim | €5.5M | €4.0M | -1.50 | Good Value |
Jeanuël Belocian Bayer 04 Leverkusen | €15.0M | €4.0M | -1.40 | Good Value |
Luca Kilian 1.FC Köln | €400K | €4.0M | -1.23 | Good Value |
Thomas Keller 1.FC Heidenheim 1846 | €500K | €4.0M | -1.15 | Good Value |
Maxim Leitsch 1.FSV Mainz 05 | €1.5M | €4.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Diogo Leite 1.FC Union Berlin | €17.0M | €4.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Arthur Theate Eintracht Frankfurt | €24.0M | €4.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Edmond Tapsoba Bayer 04 Leverkusen | €35.0M | €4.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Jérôme Boateng LASK | €150K | €4.0M | -0.94 | Good Value |
Petar Filipovic Grazer AK 1902 | €150K | €4.0M | -0.94 | Good Value |
Jean Marcelin Rapid Vienna | €800K | €4.0M | -0.92 | Good Value |
Lukas Spendlhofer TSV Hartberg | €200K | €4.0M | -0.89 | Good Value |
Lucas Galvão Hatta Club | €250K | €4.0M | -0.83 | Good Value |
Luca Jaquez VfB Stuttgart | €6.0M | €4.0M | -0.80 | Good Value |
Maxim Dal 1.FSV Mainz 05 | €150K | €4.0M | -0.75 | Good Value |
Andrés Andrade LASK | €2.0M | €4.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Manuel Gulde SC Freiburg | €400K | €4.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Cenk Özkacar 1.FC Köln | €1.2M | €4.0M | -0.62 | Good Value |