Best U23 Young Midfielders in the MLS
36 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Midfielders in the MLS (Oct 2026)
35 players tracked across 24 clubs. Updated October 2026.
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
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.
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Telasco Segovia
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami • 23 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.8M
54.7
Jack McGlynn
Houston Dynamo • 23 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.9M
52.4
Quinn Sullivan
Philadelphia Union • 22 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.1M
52.0
Niko Tsakiris
San Jose Earthquakes • 21 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.1M
51.6
Owen Wolff
Austin FC • 21 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.1M
48.8
Nectarios Triantis
Minnesota United FC • 23 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
48.0
Beau Leroux
San Jose Earthquakes • 23 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
42.5
Samuel Gidi
Football Club Cincinnati • 22 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
39.8
Brooklyn Raines
New England Revolution • 21 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
39.4
Taha Habroune
Columbus Crew • 20 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
38.9
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Sign up freeTelasco Segovia
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami · 23 years old
54.7
ASI
Current Value
€6.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€5.1M - €6.6M
Jack McGlynn
Houston Dynamo · 23 years old
52.4
ASI
Current Value
€5.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€4.2M - €5.5M
Quinn Sullivan
Philadelphia Union · 22 years old
52.0
ASI
Current Value
€5.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€4.4M - €5.7M
Niko Tsakiris
San Jose Earthquakes · 21 years old
51.6
ASI
Current Value
€5.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€4.3M - €5.8M
Owen Wolff
Austin FC · 21 years old
48.8
ASI
Current Value
€4.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€3.5M - €4.7M
Nectarios Triantis
Minnesota United FC · 23 years old
48.0
ASI
Current Value
€3.5M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Beau Leroux
San Jose Earthquakes · 23 years old
42.5
ASI
Current Value
€3.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Samuel Gidi
Football Club Cincinnati · 22 years old
39.8
ASI
Current Value
€2.5M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Brooklyn Raines
New England Revolution · 21 years old
39.4
ASI
Current Value
€2.5M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Taha Habroune
Columbus Crew · 20 years old
38.9
ASI
Current Value
€2.5M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
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Sign up freeMarket Overview: MLS Young Midfielders (updated October 2026)
Our database tracks 35 MLS Young Midfielders as of October 2026, representing 24 clubs with a combined market value of €59.2M. The average market value for MLS Young Midfielders is €1.7M, with the average age at 21 years old.
The most valuable young midfielder in the MLS is Telasco Segovia, worth €6.0M and playing for Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Midfielders average €5.0M in market value, including Jack McGlynn and Quinn Sullivan.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked young midfielder is Cooper Sanchez (18 years, Atlanta United Football Club, €1.0M), while the oldest is Telasco Segovia (23 years, Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, €6.0M). Research shows Young Midfielders typically peak at age 27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 24 Young Midfielders (69%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The MLS market for Young Midfielders remains actively developing with emerging talent as of October 2026.
Explore Market Size by Position in MLS
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all MLS Young Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 24 clubs with €59.2M combined value.
Age Distribution: MLS Young Midfielders
The MLS CM market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (24 players, 69% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €50.7M, averaging €2.1M per player.
Top Young Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (11 players)
21-23 Years (24 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 4 Young Midfielders (11% of players) control €21.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with mid (€5-15m) tier representing 11% of the MLS CM pool.
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: MLS Young Midfielders
Among 24 MLS clubs, San Jose Earthquakes leads with 3 Young Midfielders worth €9.0M (averaging €3.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 54% of tracked Young Midfielders.
San Jose Earthquakes (3 Young Midfielders)
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami (2 Young Midfielders)
Austin FC (2 Young Midfielders)
Houston Dynamo (1 Young Midfielders)
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)
Columbus Crew's Taha Habroune at 20 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 4.17×. That means Taha Habroune is valued 4.17× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami's Telasco Segovia, who is 23 years old, with a 4.00× PPVE. Third is Jack McGlynn of Houston Dynamo, who is 23 years old with a 3.33× 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 4.17× means the player is worth 317% 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 | Taha Habroune Columbus Crew | 20 | U21 | €2.5M | €600K | 4.17x |
| #2 | Telasco Segovia Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami | 23 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €1.5M | 4.00x |
| #3 | Jack McGlynn Houston Dynamo | 23 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €1.5M | 3.33x |
| #4 | Quinn Sullivan Philadelphia Union | 22 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €1.5M | 3.33x |
| #5 | Niko Tsakiris San Jose Earthquakes | 21 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €1.5M | 3.33x |
| #6 | Owen Wolff Austin FC | 21 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €1.5M | 2.67x |
| #7 | Baye Coulibaly Charlotte Football Club | 20 | U21 | €1.5M | €600K | 2.50x |
| #8 | Nectarios Triantis Minnesota United FC | 23 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €1.5M | 2.33x |
| #9 | Beau Leroux San Jose Earthquakes | 23 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €1.5M | 2.00x |
| #10 | Samuel Gidi Football Club Cincinnati | 22 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €1.5M | 1.67x |
| #11 | Jonathan Shore New York City Football Club | 19 | U21 | €1.0M | €600K | 1.67x |
| #12 | Cooper Sanchez Atlanta United Football Club | 18 | U21 | €1.0M | €600K | 1.67x |
| #13 | Brooklyn Raines New England Revolution | 21 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €1.5M | 1.67x |
| #14 | Jeevan Badwal Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 20 | U21 | €800K | €600K | 1.33x |
| #15 | Ronald Donkor Red Bull New York | 21 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.5M | 1.33x |
| #16 | Luca Moisa Real Salt Lake | 18 | U21 | €600K | €600K | 1.00x |
| #17 | Nicolás Dubersarsky Austin FC | 21 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00x |
| #18 | Owen Gene Minnesota United FC | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00x |
| #19 | Elijah Wynder Los Angeles Galaxy | 23 | 21-23 | €1.2M | €1.5M | 0.80x |
| #20 | Ajani Fortune Atlanta United Football Club | 23 | 21-23 | €1.2M | €1.5M | 0.80x |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
Unlock Return-to-Peak analysis for MLS Young Midfielders.
Upgrade to FanRisk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Unlock Risk-Adjusted Upside for MLS Young Midfielders.
Upgrade to FanRoster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
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Upgrade to FanAge-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
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Upgrade to FanBuy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
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Upgrade to FanPrice vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
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How We Rank MLS Young Midfielders
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for young midfielders, using position-specific age curves and playing time benchmarks. The model draws from academic research on player valuation (Franck & Nüesch, 2012) and age-performance curves (Dendir, 2016).
Scoring Components for CM
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for MLS young midfielders, reflecting proven track record and reputation. Uses log-scale to account for exponential value distribution at elite level.
Current Performance Proxy (30%)
Present market value for MLS young midfielders, capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.
Playing Time Utilization (18%)
Midfielders with 2,400+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.
Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)
Midfielders peak at 27 with 6.0%/year decline. Pre-peak players score higher on development trajectory.
Competition Level Adjustment (3%)
MLS competition level factored into comparative strength assessment.
Performance Expectations Multiplier (2%)
Players at clubs with Champions League pedigree face higher performance standards and tactical complexity, contributing to development and market validation.
CM Performance Benchmarks
Peak Age: 27 years (technical skill and tactical awareness)
Decline Rate: Widening steps, not a flat rate: about -5% at 28, -10% at 29, steeper from 30 (technical skills age better than physical attributes)
Optimal Minutes: 2,400-2,500 per season (balance of involvement and recovery)
1-Year Market Value Forecast
Probabilistic model combining age-curve depreciation, value momentum, and playing time factors:
• Age Factor: Compounding and banded around a peak of 27: +25%/year through age 21, +15% at 22-23, +10% up to the year before peak, then -5%, -10% and steeper with each later band. Growth is damped above €30M.
• Value Trajectory: Near career peak (>95% of peak value): +3% momentum | Moderate decline: -5%
• Playing Time Factor: Regular starters (+2%), Squad rotation (-2%)
• Forecast Range: ±12-15% confidence interval
Research Foundation
• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for young midfielders
• Carmichael et al. (2011): Player depreciation in top leagues
• Franck & Nüesch (2012): Hedonic pricing models for talent valuation
• Szymanski, S. (2015). Money and Soccer: A Soccernomics Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about MLS Young Midfielders, updated October 2026
Who are the most valuable Young Midfielders in the MLS right now?
The most valuable young midfielder in the MLS today is Telasco Segovia, who is worth €6.0M and plays for Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami. The second most valuable is Jack McGlynn (€5.0M, Houston Dynamo), followed by Quinn Sullivan (€5.0M, Philadelphia Union). Our database tracks 35 MLS Young Midfielders with comprehensive market valuations updated in October 2026.
How are MLS Young Midfielders ranked?
MLS Young Midfielders are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Young Midfielders. The score combines six factors: Historical Achievement Index (35%) measuring peak career value, Current Performance Proxy (30%) reflecting recent market signals, Playing Time Utilization (18%) tracking minutes played, Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%) using position-specific peak ages, League Quality Coefficient (3%) for MLS competition level, and Club Tier Multiplier (2%) accounting for club prestige. This methodology is grounded in academic research including work by Dendir (2016) on age-performance curves and Franck & Nüesch (2012) on hedonic pricing models.
What age do Young Midfielders peak?
Midfielders typically peak at age 27. In our valuation model, value then falls in widening steps rather than at a flat annual rate: around -5% at 28, -10% at 29, -15% at 30, and steeper thereafter. Central midfielders require a blend of physicality, technical skill, and tactical awareness. The optimal playing time for peak performance is around 2,400-2,500 minutes per season.
How much does it cost to sign a top young midfielder from the MLS?
Transfer fees for MLS Young Midfielders vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young midfielder Telasco Segovia (market value: €6.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €4.8M to €8.4M depending on contract situation. Players with longer contracts (3+ years) command premium fees (1.2-1.4× market value), while those in the final year may be available for 0.8-1.1× market value. Our fee estimates are derived from historical transfer patterns and contract-clock modifiers validated against actual MLS transactions.
What is the value forecast for MLS Young Midfielders?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for MLS Young Midfielders based on age-curve depreciation, historical trajectory, and playing time adjustments. The forecast combines three factors: age-based appreciation/depreciation (pre-peak players compound gains toward their position's peak age, up to +25% a year through age 21 and easing as they approach it, while post-peak players fall in widening steps), market trajectory momentum (comparing current to peak value), and playing time confidence (regular starters receive +2% boost). Forecast confidence intervals account for position-specific volatility-midfielders have ±12-15% volatility. Young players (under 22) and older players (over 32) receive 1.15× uncertainty multipliers due to unpredictable development or decline patterns.
Where does the MLS young midfielder data come from?
Our MLS young midfielder data is sourced from Football Analytics AI's proprietary Transfer Intelligence Database, which aggregates market valuations, player statistics, contract information, and transfer histories from multiple industry sources. Market values are updated regularly based on player performance, injuries, contract negotiations, and transfer market activity. We enhance this data with our proprietary analytics including position-specific scoring algorithms, age-performance curves calibrated to academic research, and statistical forecast models. All data is validated against official MLS sources and updated monthly (last update October 2026) to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.