Best Centre-Backs in the Scottish Premiership (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: Scottish Premiership Centre-Backs 2026-27
Our database tracked 1000 Scottish Premiership Centre-Backs in the 2026-27 season, representing 403 clubs with a combined market value of €7.8B. The average market value for Scottish Premiership Centre-Backs was €7.8M, with the average age at 26 years old.
The most valuable centre-back in the Scottish Premiership was William Saliba, worth €90.0M and played for Arsenal FC at 25 years old. The top 5 Centre-Backs averaged €77.0M in market value, including Alessandro Bastoni and Gabriel Magalhães.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked centre-back was Honest Ahanor (18 years, Atalanta BC, €25.0M), while the oldest was Francesco Acerbi (38 years, Inter Milan, €2.5M). Research shows Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 431 Centre-Backs (43%) 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 403 clubs with €7.8B 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 (291 players, 29% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €2.5B, averaging €8.8M per player.
Top Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (39 players)
21-23 Years (192 players)
24-26 Years (287 players)
27-29 Years (291 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 100 Centre-Backs (10% of players) control €3.6B
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 403 Scottish Premiership clubs, Manchester City leads with 6 Centre-Backs worth €256.0M (averaging €42.7M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 5% of tracked Centre-Backs.
Manchester City (6 Centre-Backs)
Arsenal FC (4 Centre-Backs)
Chelsea FC (7 Centre-Backs)
Tottenham Hotspur (5 Centre-Backs)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
William Saliba
Arsenal FC • 25 years old
€77.8M
€90.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €91.6M
94.6
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
Josko Gvardiol
Manchester City • 24 years old
€60.5M
€70.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €74.6M
92.9
Willian Pacho
Paris Saint-Germain • 24 years old
€60.5M
€70.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €74.6M
92.9
Dean Huijsen
Real Madrid • 21 years old
€60.5M
€70.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €80.3M
92.2
Dayot Upamecano
Bayern Munich • 27 years old
€74.0M
€70.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €63.8M
92.1
Micky van de Ven
Tottenham Hotspur • 25 years old
€56.2M
€65.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €66.1M
91.3
Pau Cubarsí
FC Barcelona • 19 years old
€69.2M
€80.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €99.1M
91.1
Rúben Dias
Manchester City • 29 years old
€77.5M
€60.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €51.8M
90.4
Murillo
Nottingham Forest • 23 years old
€47.6M
€55.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €61.3M
90.2
Cristian Romero
Tottenham Hotspur • 28 years old
€77.5M
€60.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €54.7M
90.1
Marc Guéhi
Manchester City • 25 years old
€47.6M
€55.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €56.0M
89.4
Ilya Zabarnyi
Paris Saint-Germain • 23 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €55.7M
89.2
Levi Colwill
Chelsea FC • 23 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €55.7M
89.2
Nico Schlotterbeck
Borussia Dortmund • 26 years old
€47.6M
€55.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €58.9M
88.8
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
Ibrahima Konaté
Liverpool FC • 27 years old
€52.8M
€50.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €45.5M
87.9
Castello Lukeba
RB Leipzig • 23 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €50.1M
87.7
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)
Arsenal FC's William Saliba at 25 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 25.71×. That means William Saliba is valued 25.71× 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 20.00× PPVE. Third is Willian Pacho of Paris Saint-Germain, who is 24 years old with a 20.00× 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 25.71× means the player is worth 2471% 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 | €90.0M | €3.5M | 25.71× |
| #2 | Josko Gvardiol Manchester City | 24 | 24-26 | €70.0M | €3.5M | 20.00× |
| #3 | Willian Pacho Paris Saint-Germain | 24 | 24-26 | €70.0M | €3.5M | 20.00× |
| #4 | Micky van de Ven Tottenham Hotspur | 25 | 24-26 | €65.0M | €3.5M | 18.57× |
| #5 | Dean Huijsen Real Madrid | 21 | 21-23 | €70.0M | €4.0M | 17.50× |
| #6 | Pau Cubarsí FC Barcelona | 19 | U21 | €80.0M | €5.0M | 16.00× |
| #7 | Marc Guéhi Manchester City | 25 | 24-26 | €55.0M | €3.5M | 15.71× |
| #8 | Piero Hincapié Arsenal FC | 24 | 24-26 | €50.0M | €3.5M | 14.29× |
| #9 | Murillo Nottingham Forest | 23 | 21-23 | €55.0M | €4.0M | 13.75× |
| #10 | Gonçalo Inácio Sporting CP | 24 | 24-26 | €45.0M | €3.5M | 12.86× |
| #11 | Levi Colwill Chelsea FC | 23 | 21-23 | €50.0M | €4.0M | 12.50× |
| #12 | Ilya Zabarnyi Paris Saint-Germain | 23 | 21-23 | €50.0M | €4.0M | 12.50× |
| #13 | Malick Thiaw Newcastle United | 24 | 24-26 | €40.0M | €3.5M | 11.43× |
| #14 | Castello Lukeba RB Leipzig | 23 | 21-23 | €45.0M | €4.0M | 11.25× |
| #15 | Jarrad Branthwaite Everton FC | 23 | 21-23 | €45.0M | €4.0M | 11.25× |
| #16 | Ousmane Diomande Sporting CP | 22 | 21-23 | €45.0M | €4.0M | 11.25× |
| #17 | Leny Yoro Manchester United | 20 | U21 | €55.0M | €5.0M | 11.00× |
| #18 | Yann Bisseck Inter Milan | 25 | 24-26 | €35.0M | €3.5M | 10.00× |
| #19 | Bafodé Diakité AFC Bournemouth | 25 | 24-26 | €35.0M | €3.5M | 10.00× |
| #20 | Nathan Collins Brentford FC | 25 | 24-26 | €35.0M | €3.5M | 10.00× |
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)
Atalanta BC's Honest Ahanor at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Honest Ahanor is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is UC Sampdoria's Matteo Palma, who is 18 years old, with a +44% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Gonçalo Oliveira of SL Benfica B, 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 | Honest Ahanor Atalanta BC | 18 | 8 | €25.0M | €44.7M | +44% |
| #2 | Matteo Palma UC Sampdoria | 18 | 8 | €5.0M | €8.9M | +44% |
| #3 | Gonçalo Oliveira SL Benfica B | 19 | 7 | €2.0M | €3.3M | +40% |
| #4 | Giovanni Leoni Liverpool FC | 19 | 7 | €25.0M | €41.5M | +40% |
| #5 | Branimir Mlacic Udinese Calcio | 19 | 7 | €4.0M | €6.6M | +40% |
| #6 | Noahkai Banks FC Augsburg | 19 | 7 | €15.0M | €24.9M | +40% |
| #7 | Finn Jeltsch VfB Stuttgart | 19 | 7 | €25.0M | €41.5M | +40% |
| #8 | Tobías Ramírez AA Argentinos Juniors | 19 | 7 | €2.5M | €4.2M | +40% |
| #9 | Jaydee Canvot Crystal Palace | 19 | 7 | €20.0M | €33.2M | +40% |
| #10 | Wojciech Mońka Lech Poznan | 19 | 7 | €1.5M | €2.5M | +40% |
| #11 | Noah Markmann FC Nordsjaelland | 19 | 7 | €2.5M | €4.2M | +40% |
| #12 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | 19 | 7 | €12.0M | €19.9M | +40% |
| #13 | Ayden Heaven Manchester United | 19 | 7 | €10.0M | €16.6M | +40% |
| #14 | Iván Román Clube Atlético Mineiro | 19 | 7 | €1.5M | €2.5M | +40% |
| #15 | Bright Ede Motor Lublin | 19 | 7 | €1.5M | €2.5M | +40% |
| #16 | Luka Vuskovic Hamburger SV | 19 | 7 | €40.0M | €66.5M | +40% |
| #17 | Lucas Høgsberg RC Strasbourg Alsace | 19 | 7 | €12.0M | €19.9M | +40% |
| #18 | Pau Cubarsí FC Barcelona | 19 | 7 | €80.0M | €133.0M | +40% |
| #19 | Emmanuel Kakou Cercle Brugge | 20 | 6 | €1.5M | €2.3M | +35% |
| #20 | Ashley Phillips Stoke City | 20 | 6 | €3.0M | €4.6M | +35% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Hamburger SV's Luka Vuskovic 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 FC Barcelona's Pau Cubarsí with a 70.0 RAU (24% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Matteo Palma of UC Sampdoria with a 68.9 RAU (23% 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 | Luka Vuskovic Hamburger SV | €49.6M | €42.7M-56.4M | +24% | 70.0 |
| #2 | Pau Cubarsí FC Barcelona | €99.1M | €85.5M-112.8M | +24% | 70.0 |
| #3 | Matteo Palma UC Sampdoria | €6.2M | €5.3M-7.0M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #4 | Honest Ahanor Atalanta BC | €30.9M | €26.6M-35.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #5 | Leny Yoro Manchester United | €65.6M | €56.6M-74.7M | +19% | 58.7 |
| #6 | Gonçalo Oliveira SL Benfica B | €2.4M | €2.1M-2.7M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #7 | Branimir Mlacic Udinese Calcio | €4.8M | €4.1M-5.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #8 | Tobías Ramírez AA Argentinos Juniors | €3.0M | €2.6M-3.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #9 | Jaydee Canvot Crystal Palace | €23.8M | €20.5M-27.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #10 | Noah Markmann FC Nordsjaelland | €3.0M | €2.6M-3.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #11 | Ayden Heaven Manchester United | €11.9M | €10.3M-13.6M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #12 | Wojciech Mońka Lech Poznan | €1.8M | €1.5M-2.0M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #13 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | €14.3M | €12.3M-16.3M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #14 | Iván Román Clube Atlético Mineiro | €1.8M | €1.5M-2.0M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #15 | Bright Ede Motor Lublin | €1.8M | €1.5M-2.0M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #16 | Lucas Høgsberg RC Strasbourg Alsace | €14.3M | €12.3M-16.3M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #17 | Giovanni Leoni Liverpool FC | €29.8M | €25.7M-33.9M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #18 | Finn Jeltsch VfB Stuttgart | €29.8M | €25.7M-33.9M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #19 | Noahkai Banks FC Augsburg | €17.9M | €15.4M-20.3M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #20 | Cristhian Mosquera Arsenal FC | €40.2M | €34.6M-45.7M | +15% | 46.6 |
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)
Inter Milan's Stefan de Vrij in the 30+ age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-7.9%. That means Marquinhos captures 11.2% of total market value while representing only 19.1% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Celta de Vigo's Marcos Alonso with a +-7.9% ASC (11.2% value share vs 19.1% player share in 30+ bracket). Third is Michael Keane of Everton FC with a +-7.9% ASC (11.2% value vs 19.1% players in 30+ bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-7.9% ASC means the player captures -7.9% 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 | Stefan de Vrij Inter Milan | 30+ | 11.2% | 19.1% | -7.9% |
| #2 | Marcos Alonso Celta de Vigo | 30+ | 11.2% | 19.1% | -7.9% |
| #3 | Michael Keane Everton FC | 30+ | 11.2% | 19.1% | -7.9% |
| #4 | Dominik Kohr 1.FSV Mainz 05 | 30+ | 11.2% | 19.1% | -7.9% |
| #5 | Emre Can Borussia Dortmund | 30+ | 11.2% | 19.1% | -7.9% |
| #6 | Juan Jesus SSC Napoli | 30+ | 11.2% | 19.1% | -7.9% |
| #7 | Daley Blind Girona FC | 30+ | 11.2% | 19.1% | -7.9% |
| #8 | Matthias Ginter SC Freiburg | 30+ | 11.2% | 19.1% | -7.9% |
| #9 | Jonathan Gradit RC Lens | 30+ | 11.2% | 19.1% | -7.9% |
| #10 | Patric SS Lazio | 30+ | 11.2% | 19.1% | -7.9% |
| #11 | Florian Lejeune Rayo Vallecano | 30+ | 11.2% | 19.1% | -7.9% |
| #12 | Conor Coady Charlton Athletic | 30+ | 11.2% | 19.1% | -7.9% |
| #13 | Francesco Acerbi Inter Milan | 30+ | 11.2% | 19.1% | -7.9% |
| #14 | Patrick Mainka 1.FC Heidenheim 1846 | 30+ | 11.2% | 19.1% | -7.9% |
| #15 | Dan Burn Newcastle United | 30+ | 11.2% | 19.1% | -7.9% |
| #16 | Fabian Schär Newcastle United | 30+ | 11.2% | 19.1% | -7.9% |
| #17 | Sverrir Ingi Ingason Panathinaikos FC | 30+ | 11.2% | 19.1% | -7.9% |
| #18 | Virgil van Dijk Liverpool FC | 30+ | 11.2% | 19.1% | -7.9% |
| #19 | Danilo Pereira Al-Ittihad Club | 30+ | 11.2% | 19.1% | -7.9% |
| #20 | Danilo CR Flamengo | 30+ | 11.2% | 19.1% | -7.9% |
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: 19 immediate targets, 217 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 478 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 €1.9M. 0 undervalued, 37 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ibrahima Konaté Liverpool FC | €50.0M | €3.5M | -1.33 | Good Value |
Vitor Reis Girona FC | €30.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Robin Le Normand Atlético de Madrid | €30.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Evan Ndicka AS Roma | €30.0M | €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 |
Nikola Milenković Nottingham Forest | €30.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Eric García FC Barcelona | €30.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Dani Vivian Athletic Bilbao | €30.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Mario Gila SS Lazio | €30.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Piero Hincapié Arsenal FC | €50.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Leny Yoro Manchester United | €55.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Gilberto Flores FC Cincinnati | €1.3M | €3.5M | -0.80 | Good Value |
Andrea Papetti AC Reggiana 1919 | €1.4M | €3.5M | -0.73 | Good Value |
Yasin Özcan Besiktas JK | €5.0M | €3.5M | -0.71 | Good Value |
Matteo Palma UC Sampdoria | €5.0M | €3.5M | -0.71 | Good Value |
David Odogu AC Milan | €5.0M | €3.5M | -0.71 | Good Value |
Noahkai Banks FC Augsburg | €15.0M | €3.5M | -0.71 | Good Value |
João Tornich LASK | €1.5M | €3.5M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Jorge Berlanga CF Pachuca | €1.5M | €3.5M | -0.67 | Good Value |
