Best U23 Young Goalkeepers in the Championship
4 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Goalkeepers in the Championship (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: Championship Young Goalkeepers 2026-27
Our database tracked 4 Championship Young Goalkeepers in the 2026-27 season, representing 4 clubs with a combined market value of €4.0M. The average market value for Championship Young Goalkeepers was €1.0M, with the average age at 21 years old.
The most valuable young goalkeeper in the Championship was Radek Vítek, worth €3.5M and played for Bristol City at 22 years old. The top 5 Young Goalkeepers averaged €1.0M in market value, including Max Thompson and Toby Steward.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young goalkeeper was Max Thompson (21 years, Ayr United FC, €250K), while the oldest was Radek Vítek (22 years, Bristol City, €3.5M). Research shows Young Goalkeepers typically peak at age 29.
Historical analysis showed 4 Young Goalkeepers (100%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Championship market for Young Goalkeepers remained actively developing with emerging talent 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 Championship
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Championship Young Goalkeepers. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 4 clubs with €4.0M combined value.
Age Distribution: Championship Young Goalkeepers
The Championship GK market shows 1 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (4 players, 100% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €4.0M, averaging €1.0M per player.
Top Young Goalkeepers by Age Bracket
21-23 Years (4 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 1 Young Goalkeepers (25% of players) control €3.5M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows concentrated value with emerging (<€5m) tier representing 100% of the Championship GK pool.
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Championship Young Goalkeepers
Among 4 Championship clubs, Bristol City leads with 1 Young Goalkeepers worth €3.5M (averaging €3.5M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 100% of tracked Young Goalkeepers.
Bristol City (1 Young Goalkeepers)
Ayr United FC (1 Young Goalkeepers)
St. Johnstone FC (1 Young Goalkeepers)
Partick Thistle FC (1 Young Goalkeepers)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Radek Vítek
Bristol City • 22 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.2M
47.9
Max Thompson
Ayr United FC • 21 years old
€216K
€250K
+15.6%
Expected: €309K
10.2
Toby Steward
St. Johnstone FC • 21 years old
€130K
€150K
+15.6%
Expected: €185K
3.6
Josh Clarke
Partick Thistle FC • 21 years old
€108K
€125K
+15.6%
Expected: €154K
1.3
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)
Bristol City's Radek Vítek at 22 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 14.00×. That means Radek Vítek is valued 14.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Ayr United FC's Max Thompson, who is 21 years old, with a 1.00× PPVE. Third is Toby Steward of St. Johnstone FC, who is 21 years old with a 0.60× 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 14.00× means the player is worth 1300% 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 | Radek Vítek Bristol City | 22 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €250K | 14.00× |
| #2 | Max Thompson Ayr United FC | 21 | 21-23 | €250K | €250K | 1.00× |
| #3 | Toby Steward St. Johnstone FC | 21 | 21-23 | €150K | €250K | 0.60× |
| #4 | Josh Clarke Partick Thistle FC | 21 | 21-23 | €125K | €250K | 0.50× |
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)
Partick Thistle FC's Josh Clarke at 21 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Max Thompson is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 5 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Ayr United FC's Max Thompson, who is 21 years old, with a +44% RPP (5 years to peak). Third is Toby Steward of St. Johnstone FC, who is 21 years old with a +44% RPP (5 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 | Josh Clarke Partick Thistle FC | 21 | 5 | €125K | €223K | +44% |
| #2 | Max Thompson Ayr United FC | 21 | 5 | €250K | €447K | +44% |
| #3 | Toby Steward St. Johnstone FC | 21 | 5 | €150K | €268K | +44% |
| #4 | Radek Vítek Bristol City | 22 | 4 | €3.5M | €5.8M | +40% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
St. Johnstone FC's Toby Steward has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 103.3. That means Toby Steward has 23% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Partick Thistle FC's Josh Clarke with a 103.3 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Max Thompson of Ayr United FC with a 103.3 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 103.3 means the upside is 103.3× 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 | Toby Steward St. Johnstone FC | €185K | €168K-202K | +23% | 103.3 |
| #2 | Josh Clarke Partick Thistle FC | €154K | €140K-169K | +23% | 103.3 |
| #3 | Max Thompson Ayr United FC | €309K | €280K-337K | +23% | 103.3 |
| #4 | Radek Vítek Bristol City | €4.2M | €3.8M-4.5M | +19% | 100.1 |
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: young goalkeeper 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)
Partick Thistle FC's Josh Clarke in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +0.0%. That means Radek Vítek captures 100.0% of total market value while representing only 100.0% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Bristol City's Radek Vítek with a +0.0% ASC (100.0% value share vs 100.0% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Max Thompson of Ayr United FC with a +0.0% ASC (100.0% value vs 100.0% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +0.0% ASC means the player captures 0.0% 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 | Josh Clarke Partick Thistle FC | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| #2 | Radek Vítek Bristol City | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| #3 | Max Thompson Ayr United FC | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| #4 | Toby Steward St. Johnstone FC | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
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: 4 immediate targets, 0 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 0 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
WATCH LIST - High Upside
No players in this category
BUY NOW - Medium Upside
No players in this category
PEAK Players
No players in this category
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 €125K. 0 undervalued, 0 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Josh Clarke Partick Thistle FC | €125K | €250K | -0.04 | Fair Value |
Toby Steward St. Johnstone FC | €150K | €250K | -0.03 | Fair Value |
Max Thompson Ayr United FC | €250K | €250K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Radek Vítek Bristol City | €3.5M | €250K | +0.97 | Above Market |