Best Midfielders in the Bundesliga (Oct 2025)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Bundesliga Midfielders 2025-26
Our database tracks 56 Bundesliga Midfielders in the 2025-26 season, representing 24 clubs with a combined market value of €485.1M. The average market value for Bundesliga Midfielders is €8.7M, with the average age at 25.9 years old.
The most valuable midfielder in the Bundesliga is Exequiel Palacios, worth €40.0M and playing for Bayer 04 Leverkusen at 27 years old. The top 5 Midfielders average €31.2M in market value, including Hugo Larsson and Felix Nmecha.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked midfielder is Assan Ouédraogo (19 years, RB Leipzig, €7.0M), while the oldest is Kevin Kampl (35 years, RB Leipzig, €2.5M). Research shows Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 30 Midfielders (54%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Bundesliga market for Midfielders remains actively developing with emerging talent in the 2025-26 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 Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 24 clubs with €485.1M combined value.
Age Distribution: Bundesliga Midfielders
The Bundesliga CM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 24-26 bracket (15 players, 27% of market). The 27-29 age group holds the most value at €153.0M, averaging €10.9M per player.
Top Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (6 players)
21-23 Years (9 players)
24-26 Years (15 players)
27-29 Years (14 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 6 Midfielders (11% of players) control €176.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with premium (€30-50m) tier representing 5% of the Bundesliga CM pool.
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Club Distribution: Bundesliga Midfielders
Among 24 Bundesliga clubs, RB Leipzig leads with 6 Midfielders worth €66.5M (averaging €11.1M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 54% of tracked Midfielders.
RB Leipzig (6 Midfielders)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2 Midfielders)
Borussia Dortmund (4 Midfielders)
Bayern Munich (2 Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Exequiel Palacios
Bayer 04 Leverkusen • 27 years old
€40.0M
€40.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €39.5M
84.1
Hugo Larsson
Eintracht Frankfurt • 21 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €52.5M
82.7
Felix Nmecha
Borussia Dortmund • 25 years old
€24.2M
€28.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €29.7M
76.8
Tom Bischof
Bayern Munich • 20 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €39.4M
74.6
Nicolas Seiwald
RB Leipzig • 24 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €20.0M
71.3
Aleix García
Bayer 04 Leverkusen • 28 years old
€20.0M
€20.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €19.0M
71.2
Nadiem Amiri
1.FSV Mainz 05 • 28 years old
€20.0M
€20.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €19.0M
71.2
Leon Goretzka
Bayern Munich • 30 years old
€22.0M
€22.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €20.9M
71.1
Carney Chukwuemeka
Borussia Dortmund • 21 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €22.7M
69.1
Amadou Haidara
RB Leipzig • 27 years old
€16.0M
€16.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €15.2M
69.1
Rocco Reitz
Borussia Mönchengladbach • 23 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €17.4M
69.0
Mads Bidstrup
Red Bull Salzburg • 24 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €16.7M
68.7
Jens Stage
SV Werder Bremen • 28 years old
€14.0M
€14.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €13.3M
66.7
Mattias Svanberg
VfL Wolfsburg • 26 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.4M
66.3
Ezechiel Banzuzi
RB Leipzig • 20 years old
€11.2M
€13.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €17.1M
64.0
Xaver Schlager
RB Leipzig • 28 years old
€10.0M
€10.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €9.5M
58.9
Maximilian Eggestein
SC Freiburg • 28 years old
€10.0M
€10.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €9.5M
58.9
Albert Sambi Lokonga
Hamburger SV • 25 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.5M
57.6
Ísak Jóhannesson
1.FC Köln • 22 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.5M
54.9
Johan Manzambi
SC Freiburg • 20 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.5M
54.4
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)
Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha at 25 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 7.00×. That means Felix Nmecha is valued 7.00× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Larsson, who is 21 years old, with a 6.67× PPVE. Third is Nicolas Seiwald of RB Leipzig, who is 24 years old with a 4.50× 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 7.00× means the player is worth 600% 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 | Felix Nmecha Borussia Dortmund | 25 | 24-26 | €28.0M | €4.0M | 7.00× |
| #2 | Hugo Larsson Eintracht Frankfurt | 21 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €6.0M | 6.67× |
| #3 | Nicolas Seiwald RB Leipzig | 24 | 24-26 | €18.0M | €4.0M | 4.50× |
| #4 | Mads Bidstrup Red Bull Salzburg | 24 | 24-26 | €15.0M | €4.0M | 3.75× |
| #5 | Tom Bischof Bayern Munich | 20 | U21 | €30.0M | €8.0M | 3.75× |
| #6 | Carney Chukwuemeka Borussia Dortmund | 21 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €6.0M | 3.00× |
| #7 | Rocco Reitz Borussia Mönchengladbach | 23 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €6.0M | 2.50× |
| #8 | Albert Sambi Lokonga Hamburger SV | 25 | 24-26 | €8.0M | €4.0M | 2.00× |
| #9 | Ezechiel Banzuzi RB Leipzig | 20 | U21 | €13.0M | €8.0M | 1.63× |
| #10 | Han-Noah Massengo FC Augsburg | 24 | 24-26 | €5.0M | €4.0M | 1.25× |
| #11 | Ísak Jóhannesson 1.FC Köln | 22 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €6.0M | 1.17× |
| #12 | Tom Krauß 1.FC Köln | 24 | 24-26 | €4.0M | €4.0M | 1.00× |
| #13 | Umut Tohumcu TSG 1899 Hoffenheim | 21 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €6.0M | 1.00× |
| #14 | Jens Castrop Borussia Mönchengladbach | 22 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €6.0M | 1.00× |
| #15 | Johan Manzambi SC Freiburg | 20 | U21 | €8.0M | €8.0M | 1.00× |
| #16 | Oscar Højlund Eintracht Frankfurt | 20 | U21 | €7.5M | €8.0M | 0.94× |
| #17 | Assan Ouédraogo RB Leipzig | 19 | U21 | €7.0M | €8.0M | 0.88× |
| #18 | Denis Huseinbasic 1.FC Köln | 24 | 24-26 | €2.8M | €4.0M | 0.70× |
| #19 | Connor Metcalfe FC St. Pauli | 25 | 24-26 | €2.5M | €4.0M | 0.63× |
| #20 | Oscar Fraulo Borussia Mönchengladbach | 21 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €6.0M | 0.58× |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
No RPP data available (requires forecast values in database)
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
RB Leipzig's Assan Ouédraogo has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 96.4. That means Assan Ouédraogo has 36% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Larsson with a 86.4 RAU (31% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Tom Bischof of Bayern Munich with a 86.2 RAU (31% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 96.4 means the upside is 96.4× 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 | Assan Ouédraogo RB Leipzig | €9.5M | €8.2M-10.9M | +36% | 96.4 |
| #2 | Hugo Larsson Eintracht Frankfurt | €52.5M | €45.3M-59.8M | +31% | 86.4 |
| #3 | Tom Bischof Bayern Munich | €39.4M | €33.9M-44.8M | +31% | 86.2 |
| #4 | Oscar Højlund Eintracht Frankfurt | €9.8M | €8.5M-11.2M | +31% | 86.2 |
| #5 | Julius Beck SK Sturm Graz | €853K | €735K-971K | +31% | 86.2 |
| #6 | Ezechiel Banzuzi RB Leipzig | €17.1M | €14.7M-19.4M | +31% | 86.2 |
| #7 | Johan Manzambi SC Freiburg | €10.5M | €9.0M-11.9M | +31% | 86.2 |
| #8 | Carney Chukwuemeka Borussia Dortmund | €22.7M | €19.6M-25.8M | +26% | 75.2 |
| #9 | Umut Tohumcu TSG 1899 Hoffenheim | €7.6M | €6.5M-8.6M | +26% | 75.2 |
| #10 | Oscar Fraulo Borussia Mönchengladbach | €4.4M | €3.8M-5.0M | +26% | 75.2 |
| #11 | Jens Castrop Borussia Mönchengladbach | €7.3M | €6.4M-8.1M | +21% | 72.7 |
| #12 | Ísak Jóhannesson 1.FC Köln | €8.5M | €7.5M-9.5M | +21% | 72.7 |
| #13 | Rocco Reitz Borussia Mönchengladbach | €17.4M | €15.3M-19.5M | +16% | 57.7 |
| #14 | Joel Chima Fujita FC St. Pauli | €3.5M | €3.1M-3.9M | +16% | 57.7 |
| #15 | Luca Kerber 1.FC Heidenheim 1846 | €1.7M | €1.5M-2.0M | +16% | 57.7 |
| #16 | Mads Bidstrup Red Bull Salzburg | €16.7M | €14.7M-18.7M | +11% | 41.4 |
| #17 | Denis Huseinbasic 1.FC Köln | €3.1M | €2.7M-3.5M | +11% | 41.4 |
| #18 | Ismaila Coulibaly LASK | €1.7M | €1.5M-1.9M | +11% | 41.4 |
| #19 | Tom Krauß 1.FC Köln | €4.4M | €3.9M-5.0M | +11% | 41.4 |
| #20 | Erik Ahlstrand FC St. Pauli | €555K | €489K-622K | +11% | 41.4 |
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: midfielder position shows strong 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)
Borussia Dortmund's Marcel Sabitzer in the 30+ age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-10.0%. That means Leon Goretzka captures 11.4% of total market value while representing only 21.4% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is VfL Wolfsburg's Maximilian Arnold with a +-10.0% ASC (11.4% value share vs 21.4% player share in 30+ bracket). Third is Alessandro Schöpf of Wolfsberger AC with a +-10.0% ASC (11.4% value vs 21.4% players in 30+ bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-10.0% ASC means the player captures -10.0% 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 | Marcel Sabitzer Borussia Dortmund | 30+ | 11.4% | 21.4% | -10.0% |
| #2 | Maximilian Arnold VfL Wolfsburg | 30+ | 11.4% | 21.4% | -10.0% |
| #3 | Alessandro Schöpf Wolfsberger AC | 30+ | 11.4% | 21.4% | -10.0% |
| #4 | Yannick Gerhardt VfL Wolfsburg | 30+ | 11.4% | 21.4% | -10.0% |
| #5 | Leon Goretzka Bayern Munich | 30+ | 11.4% | 21.4% | -10.0% |
| #6 | Janik Haberer 1.FC Union Berlin | 30+ | 11.4% | 21.4% | -10.0% |
| #7 | Jackson Irvine FC St. Pauli | 30+ | 11.4% | 21.4% | -10.0% |
| #8 | Mike-Steven Bähre SCR Altach | 30+ | 11.4% | 21.4% | -10.0% |
| #9 | Grischa Prömel TSG 1899 Hoffenheim | 30+ | 11.4% | 21.4% | -10.0% |
| #10 | Kevin Kampl RB Leipzig | 30+ | 11.4% | 21.4% | -10.0% |
| #11 | Pascal Groß Borussia Dortmund | 30+ | 11.4% | 21.4% | -10.0% |
| #12 | Leonardo Bittencourt SV Werder Bremen | 30+ | 11.4% | 21.4% | -10.0% |
| #13 | Maximilian Eggestein SC Freiburg | 27-29 | 31.5% | 25.0% | +6.5% |
| #14 | Mahmoud Dahoud Eintracht Frankfurt | 27-29 | 31.5% | 25.0% | +6.5% |
| #15 | Xaver Schlager RB Leipzig | 27-29 | 31.5% | 25.0% | +6.5% |
| #16 | Nadiem Amiri 1.FSV Mainz 05 | 27-29 | 31.5% | 25.0% | +6.5% |
| #17 | Dennis Geiger TSG 1899 Hoffenheim | 27-29 | 31.5% | 25.0% | +6.5% |
| #18 | Aleix García Bayer 04 Leverkusen | 27-29 | 31.5% | 25.0% | +6.5% |
| #19 | Florian Neuhaus Borussia Mönchengladbach | 27-29 | 31.5% | 25.0% | +6.5% |
| #20 | Elvis Rexhbecaj FC Augsburg | 27-29 | 31.5% | 25.0% | +6.5% |
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: 15 immediate targets, 11 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 17 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 €7.5M. 3 undervalued, 0 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mike-Steven Bähre SCR Altach | €400K | €5.0M | -2.10 | Undervalued |
Youba Diarra TSV Hartberg | €500K | €5.0M | -2.00 | Undervalued |
Alessandro Schöpf Wolfsberger AC | €900K | €5.0M | -1.60 | Undervalued |
Dennis Geiger TSG 1899 Hoffenheim | €2.0M | €5.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Alex Král 1.FC Union Berlin | €6.0M | €5.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Amadou Haidara RB Leipzig | €16.0M | €5.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Rocco Reitz Borussia Mönchengladbach | €15.0M | €5.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Leonardo Bittencourt SV Werder Bremen | €1.5M | €5.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Nikolas Nartey VfB Stuttgart | €400K | €5.0M | -0.96 | Good Value |
Erik Ahlstrand FC St. Pauli | €500K | €5.0M | -0.92 | Good Value |
Luca Kerber 1.FC Heidenheim 1846 | €1.5M | €5.0M | -0.75 | Good Value |
Ismaila Coulibaly LASK | €1.5M | €5.0M | -0.52 | Good Value |
Jackson Irvine FC St. Pauli | €2.0M | €5.0M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
András Schäfer 1.FC Union Berlin | €5.0M | €5.0M | -0.43 | Fair Value |
Han-Noah Massengo FC Augsburg | €5.0M | €5.0M | -0.43 | Fair Value |
Mads Bidstrup Red Bull Salzburg | €15.0M | €5.0M | -0.23 | Fair Value |
Assan Ouédraogo RB Leipzig | €7.0M | €5.0M | -0.18 | Fair Value |
Connor Metcalfe FC St. Pauli | €2.5M | €5.0M | -0.12 | Fair Value |
Oscar Højlund Eintracht Frankfurt | €7.5M | €5.0M | -0.09 | Fair Value |
Maximilian Arnold VfL Wolfsburg | €5.0M | €5.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |