Best Centre-Backs in the Scottish Premiership (Apr 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Scottish Premiership Centre-Backs 2026-27
Our database tracked 1000 Scottish Premiership Centre-Backs in the 2026-27 season, representing 399 clubs with a combined market value of €7.7B. The average market value for Scottish Premiership Centre-Backs was €7.7M, with the average age at 26.6 years old.
The most valuable centre-back in the Scottish Premiership was William Saliba, worth €80.0M and played for Arsenal FC at 25 years old. The top 5 Centre-Backs averaged €76.0M in market value, including Josko Gvardiol and Alessandro Bastoni.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked centre-back was Matteo Palma (18 years, Udinese Calcio, €2.5M), while the oldest was Francesco Acerbi (38 years, Inter Milan, €3.0M). Research shows Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 418 Centre-Backs (42%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Scottish Premiership market for Centre-Backs remained highly competitive with significant transfer activity in the 2026-27 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 Scottish Premiership
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Scottish Premiership Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 399 clubs with €7.7B combined value.
Age Distribution: Scottish Premiership Centre-Backs
The Scottish Premiership CB market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 27-29 bracket (289 players, 29% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €2.5B, averaging €9.0M per player.
Top Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (41 players)
21-23 Years (178 players)
24-26 Years (279 players)
27-29 Years (289 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 100 Centre-Backs (10% of players) control €3.5B
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 2% of the Scottish Premiership CB pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: Scottish Premiership Centre-Backs
Among 399 Scottish Premiership clubs, Arsenal FC leads with 4 Centre-Backs worth €235.0M (averaging €58.8M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 5% of tracked Centre-Backs.
Arsenal FC (4 Centre-Backs)
Manchester City (5 Centre-Backs)
Chelsea FC (6 Centre-Backs)
Paris Saint-Germain (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.
William Saliba
Arsenal FC • 25 years old
€69.2M
€80.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €81.4M
93.9
Josko Gvardiol
Manchester City • 24 years old
€64.9M
€75.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €79.9M
93.8
Alessandro Bastoni
Inter Milan • 27 years old
€84.5M
€80.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €72.9M
93.3
Gabriel Magalhães
Arsenal FC • 28 years old
€96.8M
€75.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €68.3M
93.0
Dean Huijsen
Real Madrid • 21 years old
€60.5M
€70.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €80.3M
92.2
Willian Pacho
Paris Saint-Germain • 24 years old
€56.2M
€65.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €69.3M
92.0
Rúben Dias
Manchester City • 28 years old
€83.9M
€65.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €59.2M
91.3
Pau Cubarsí
FC Barcelona • 19 years old
€69.2M
€80.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €99.1M
91.1
Levi Colwill
Chelsea FC • 23 years old
€47.6M
€55.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €61.3M
90.4
Murillo
Nottingham Forest • 23 years old
€47.6M
€55.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €61.3M
90.2
Ibrahima Konaté
Liverpool FC • 26 years old
€51.9M
€60.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €64.3M
90.0
Jarrad Branthwaite
Everton FC • 23 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €55.7M
89.0
Piero Hincapié
Arsenal FC • 24 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €53.3M
88.7
Leny Yoro
Manchester United • 20 years old
€47.6M
€55.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €65.6M
88.5
Micky van de Ven
Tottenham Hotspur • 25 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €50.9M
88.1
Bremer
Juventus FC • 29 years old
€64.6M
€50.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €43.1M
87.9
Dayot Upamecano
Bayern Munich • 27 years old
€52.8M
€50.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €45.5M
87.9
Cristian Romero
Tottenham Hotspur • 27 years old
€52.8M
€50.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €45.5M
87.7
Alessandro Buongiorno
SSC Napoli • 26 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €53.6M
87.6
Ilya Zabarnyi
Paris Saint-Germain • 23 years old
€36.3M
€42.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €46.8M
87.0
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)
Arsenal FC's William Saliba at 25 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 20.00×. That means William Saliba is valued 20.00× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol, who is 24 years old, with a 18.75× PPVE. Third is Dean Huijsen of Real Madrid, who is 21 years old with a 17.50× 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 20.00× means the player is worth 1900% 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 | William Saliba Arsenal FC | 25 | 24-26 | €80.0M | €4.0M | 20.00× |
| #2 | Josko Gvardiol Manchester City | 24 | 24-26 | €75.0M | €4.0M | 18.75× |
| #3 | Dean Huijsen Real Madrid | 21 | 21-23 | €70.0M | €4.0M | 17.50× |
| #4 | Willian Pacho Paris Saint-Germain | 24 | 24-26 | €65.0M | €4.0M | 16.25× |
| #5 | Pau Cubarsí FC Barcelona | 19 | U21 | €80.0M | €5.0M | 16.00× |
| #6 | Murillo Nottingham Forest | 23 | 21-23 | €55.0M | €4.0M | 13.75× |
| #7 | Levi Colwill Chelsea FC | 23 | 21-23 | €55.0M | €4.0M | 13.75× |
| #8 | Micky van de Ven Tottenham Hotspur | 25 | 24-26 | €50.0M | €4.0M | 12.50× |
| #9 | Piero Hincapié Arsenal FC | 24 | 24-26 | €50.0M | €4.0M | 12.50× |
| #10 | Jarrad Branthwaite Everton FC | 23 | 21-23 | €50.0M | €4.0M | 12.50× |
| #11 | Marc Guéhi Crystal Palace | 25 | 24-26 | €45.0M | €4.0M | 11.25× |
| #12 | Gonçalo Inácio Sporting CP | 24 | 24-26 | €45.0M | €4.0M | 11.25× |
| #13 | Ousmane Diomande Sporting CP | 22 | 21-23 | €45.0M | €4.0M | 11.25× |
| #14 | Leny Yoro Manchester United | 20 | U21 | €55.0M | €5.0M | 11.00× |
| #15 | Ilya Zabarnyi Paris Saint-Germain | 23 | 21-23 | €42.0M | €4.0M | 10.50× |
| #16 | Castello Lukeba RB Leipzig | 23 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €4.0M | 10.00× |
| #17 | Yann Bisseck Inter Milan | 25 | 24-26 | €35.0M | €4.0M | 8.75× |
| #18 | Giorgio Scalvini Atalanta BC | 22 | 21-23 | €35.0M | €4.0M | 8.75× |
| #19 | Abdukodir Khusanov Manchester City | 22 | 21-23 | €35.0M | €4.0M | 8.75× |
| #20 | Tomás Araújo SL Benfica | 23 | 21-23 | €32.0M | €4.0M | 8.00× |
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)
Udinese Calcio's Matteo Palma at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Matteo Palma is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Crystal Palace's Jaydee Canvot, who is 19 years old, with a +40% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Joane Gadou of Red Bull Salzburg, 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 | Matteo Palma Udinese Calcio | 18 | 8 | €2.5M | €4.5M | +44% |
| #2 | Jaydee Canvot Crystal Palace | 19 | 7 | €4.0M | €6.6M | +40% |
| #3 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | 19 | 7 | €15.0M | €24.9M | +40% |
| #4 | Giovanni Leoni Liverpool FC | 19 | 7 | €18.0M | €29.9M | +40% |
| #5 | Lucas Høgsberg RC Strasbourg Alsace | 19 | 7 | €3.5M | €5.8M | +40% |
| #6 | Tobías Ramírez AA Argentinos Juniors | 19 | 7 | €3.0M | €5.0M | +40% |
| #7 | Juan Giménez CA Rosario Central | 19 | 7 | €3.0M | €5.0M | +40% |
| #8 | Ayden Heaven Manchester United | 19 | 7 | €5.0M | €8.3M | +40% |
| #9 | Iván Román Clube Atlético Mineiro | 19 | 7 | €1.5M | €2.5M | +40% |
| #10 | Nidal Celik RC Lens | 19 | 7 | €1.8M | €3.0M | +40% |
| #11 | Luka Vuskovic Hamburger SV | 19 | 7 | €12.0M | €19.9M | +40% |
| #12 | David Odogu AC Milan | 19 | 7 | €5.0M | €8.3M | +40% |
| #13 | Noahkai Banks FC Augsburg | 19 | 7 | €6.0M | €10.0M | +40% |
| #14 | Finn Jeltsch VfB Stuttgart | 19 | 7 | €20.0M | €33.2M | +40% |
| #15 | Pau Cubarsí FC Barcelona | 19 | 7 | €80.0M | €133.0M | +40% |
| #16 | Joachim Kayi Sanda Red Star FC | 19 | 7 | €1.5M | €2.5M | +40% |
| #17 | Fellipe Jack Spezia Calcio | 20 | 6 | €1.4M | €2.2M | +35% |
| #18 | Taras Mykhavko Dynamo Kyiv | 20 | 6 | €6.0M | €9.3M | +35% |
| #19 | Yusuf Akçiçek Al-Hilal SFC | 20 | 6 | €12.0M | €18.5M | +35% |
| #20 | Juma Bah OGC Nice | 20 | 6 | €6.0M | €9.3M | +35% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
FC Barcelona's Pau Cubarsí has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 70.0. That means Pau Cubarsí has 24% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Udinese Calcio's Matteo Palma with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Leny Yoro of Manchester United with a 58.7 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 70.0 means the upside is 70.0× 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 | Pau Cubarsí FC Barcelona | €99.1M | €85.5M-112.8M | +24% | 70.0 |
| #2 | Matteo Palma Udinese Calcio | €3.1M | €2.7M-3.5M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #3 | Leny Yoro Manchester United | €65.6M | €56.6M-74.7M | +19% | 58.7 |
| #4 | Jaydee Canvot Crystal Palace | €4.8M | €4.1M-5.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #5 | Ayden Heaven Manchester United | €6.0M | €5.1M-6.8M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #6 | David Odogu AC Milan | €6.0M | €5.1M-6.8M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #7 | Finn Jeltsch VfB Stuttgart | €23.8M | €20.5M-27.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #8 | Giovanni Leoni Liverpool FC | €21.4M | €18.5M-24.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #9 | Tobías Ramírez AA Argentinos Juniors | €3.6M | €3.1M-4.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #10 | Juan Giménez CA Rosario Central | €3.6M | €3.1M-4.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #11 | Iván Román Clube Atlético Mineiro | €1.8M | €1.5M-2.0M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #12 | Luka Vuskovic Hamburger SV | €14.3M | €12.3M-16.3M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #13 | Noahkai Banks FC Augsburg | €7.1M | €6.2M-8.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #14 | Joachim Kayi Sanda Red Star FC | €1.8M | €1.5M-2.0M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #15 | Lucas Høgsberg RC Strasbourg Alsace | €4.2M | €3.6M-4.7M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #16 | Nidal Celik RC Lens | €2.1M | €1.8M-2.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #17 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | €17.9M | €15.4M-20.3M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #18 | Dean Huijsen Real Madrid | €80.3M | €69.2M-91.4M | +15% | 46.6 |
| #19 | Emmanuel Biumla Angers SCO | €4.6M | €4.0M-5.2M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #20 | Aarón Anselmino Borussia Dortmund | €9.2M | €7.9M-10.4M | +15% | 46.3 |
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)
Al-Fayha FC's Chris Smalling in the 30+ age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-8.8%. That means Marquinhos captures 12.5% of total market value while representing only 21.3% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is FC Augsburg's Jeffrey Gouweleeuw with a +-8.8% ASC (12.5% value share vs 21.3% player share in 30+ bracket). Third is Stefan de Vrij of Inter Milan with a +-8.8% ASC (12.5% value vs 21.3% players in 30+ bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-8.8% ASC means the player captures -8.8% 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 | Chris Smalling Al-Fayha FC | 30+ | 12.5% | 21.3% | -8.8% |
| #2 | Jeffrey Gouweleeuw FC Augsburg | 30+ | 12.5% | 21.3% | -8.8% |
| #3 | Stefan de Vrij Inter Milan | 30+ | 12.5% | 21.3% | -8.8% |
| #4 | Marcos Alonso Celta de Vigo | 30+ | 12.5% | 21.3% | -8.8% |
| #5 | Germán Pezzella CA River Plate | 30+ | 12.5% | 21.3% | -8.8% |
| #6 | Michael Keane Everton FC | 30+ | 12.5% | 21.3% | -8.8% |
| #7 | Dominik Kohr 1.FSV Mainz 05 | 30+ | 12.5% | 21.3% | -8.8% |
| #8 | Emre Can Borussia Dortmund | 30+ | 12.5% | 21.3% | -8.8% |
| #9 | John Egan Hull City | 30+ | 12.5% | 21.3% | -8.8% |
| #10 | Craig Dawson Without Club | 30+ | 12.5% | 21.3% | -8.8% |
| #11 | Juan Jesus SSC Napoli | 30+ | 12.5% | 21.3% | -8.8% |
| #12 | Daley Blind Girona FC | 30+ | 12.5% | 21.3% | -8.8% |
| #13 | Matthias Ginter SC Freiburg | 30+ | 12.5% | 21.3% | -8.8% |
| #14 | Samuel Umtiti LOSC Lille | 30+ | 12.5% | 21.3% | -8.8% |
| #15 | Jonathan Gradit RC Lens | 30+ | 12.5% | 21.3% | -8.8% |
| #16 | Patric SS Lazio | 30+ | 12.5% | 21.3% | -8.8% |
| #17 | Florian Lejeune Rayo Vallecano | 30+ | 12.5% | 21.3% | -8.8% |
| #18 | Conor Coady Wrexham AFC | 30+ | 12.5% | 21.3% | -8.8% |
| #19 | Francesco Acerbi Inter Milan | 30+ | 12.5% | 21.3% | -8.8% |
| #20 | Patrick Mainka 1.FC Heidenheim 1846 | 30+ | 12.5% | 21.3% | -8.8% |
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: 17 immediate targets, 206 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 473 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 €65.0M. 0 undervalued, 63 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Dara O'Shea Ipswich Town | €15.0M | €3.5M | -1.25 | Good Value |
Juan Foyth Villarreal CF | €15.0M | €3.5M | -1.25 | Good Value |
Vince Osuji Club Brugge KV | €1.2M | €3.5M | -1.08 | Good Value |
Stefan de Vrij Inter Milan | €5.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Michael Keane Everton FC | €5.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Iñigo Martínez Al-Nassr FC | €5.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Jonathan Tah Bayern Munich | €30.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Gustavo Gómez Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras | €5.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Diego Llorente Real Betis Balompié | €5.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Alexander Djiku Spartak Moscow | €5.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Tyrone Mings Aston Villa | €5.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Martin Valjent RCD Mallorca | €5.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Presnel Kimpembe Qatar SC | €5.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Mykola Matvienko Shakhtar Donetsk | €16.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Evan Ndicka AS Roma | €30.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Alexander Barboza Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas | €5.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Éder Militão Real Madrid | €30.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Dávid Hancko Atlético de Madrid | €30.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Isak Hien Atalanta BC | €30.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Tuta Al-Duhail SC | €15.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
