Under 23 · MLS · 2025-26

Best U23 Young Goalkeepers in the MLS

2 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Score

Best Young Goalkeepers in the MLS (Apr 2026)

Ranked by Analytical Strength Score

Market Overview: MLS Young Goalkeepers 2025-26

Our database tracks 2 MLS Young Goalkeepers in the 2025-26 season, representing 2 clubs with a combined market value of €1.9M. The average market value for MLS Young Goalkeepers is €975K, with the average age at 20.0 years old.

The most valuable young goalkeeper in the MLS is Thomas Gillier, worth €1.8M and playing for CF Montréal at 21 years old. The top 5 Young Goalkeepers average €975K in market value, including Duran Ferree.

Age distribution shows the youngest tracked young goalkeeper is Duran Ferree (19 years, San Diego FC, €150K), while the oldest is Thomas Gillier (21 years, CF Montréal, €1.8M). Research shows Young Goalkeepers typically peak at age 29.

Our 1-year forecast model projects 2 Young Goalkeepers (100%) 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 Goalkeepers 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.

Market Intelligence

Explore Market Size by Position in MLS

Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all MLS Young Goalkeepers. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 2 clubs with €1.9M combined value.

Players Tracked

By League

Premier League La Liga Bundesliga Serie A Ligue 1

By Position

GK CB LB RB CDM

More Positions

CM CAM LW RW ST

By Season

2025-26 2024-25 2023-24 2022-23

Age Distribution: MLS Young Goalkeepers

The MLS GK market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the U21 bracket (1 players, 50% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €1.8M, averaging €1.8M per player.

U21 years1 players (50%)

€150KAvg: €150K

Top player: Duran Ferree (€150K)

21-23 years1 players (50%)

€1.8MAvg: €1.8M

Top player: Thomas Gillier (€1.8M)

Top Young Goalkeepers by Age Bracket

U21 Years (1 players)

1. Duran Ferree(19yo)

€150K

21-23 Years (1 players)

1. Thomas Gillier(21yo)

€1.8M

Market Value Distribution

Elite Tier Concentration

92%of market value

The top 1 Young Goalkeepers (50% of players) control €1.8M

1. Thomas Gillier€1.8M

Market Tiers

Emerging (<€5M)2 players (100%)

€1.9M

Market structure shows concentrated value with emerging (<€5m) tier representing 100% of the MLS GK pool.

Emerging (<€5M)

1. Thomas Gillier

CF Montréal€1.8M

2. Duran Ferree

San Diego FC€150K

Club Distribution: MLS Young Goalkeepers

Among 2 MLS clubs, CF Montréal leads with 1 Young Goalkeepers worth €1.8M (averaging €1.8M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 100% of tracked Young Goalkeepers.

CF Montréal

1 players • €1.8M

San Diego FC

1 players • €150K

CF Montréal (1 Young Goalkeepers)

Thomas Gillier(21yo)

€1.8M

San Diego FC (1 Young Goalkeepers)

Duran Ferree(19yo)

€150K

Player Rankings

Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.

Thomas Gillier

CF Montréal • 21 years old

€1.6M

€1.8M

+15.6%

€2.0M€2.4M

Expected: €2.2M

35.8

Duran Ferree

San Diego FC • 19 years old

€130K

€150K

+15.6%

€190K€229K

Expected: €209K

3.2

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)

2 pre-peak players found. PPVE compares market value to age bracket median to identify exceptional value opportunities.

PPVE by Age Bracket

Thomas GillierCF Montréal

21-23 • 21yo1.00×

€1.8M • 0% above median

Duran FerreeSan Diego FC

U21 • 19yo1.00×

€150K • 0% above median

Rank	Player	Age	Bracket	Current Value	Bracket Median	PPVE
#1	Thomas Gillier CF Montréal	21	21-23	€1.8M	€1.8M	1.00×
#2	Duran Ferree San Diego FC	19	U21	€150K	€150K	1.00×

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)

San Diego FC's Duran Ferree leads with +52% RPP, projected to appreciate 52% over 7 years to peak.

How RPP is calculated: RPP compares current market value to forecasted peak value. Target players with RPP ≥50% who are 2-3 years from peak for significant value appreciation potential.

Recovery Potential by Player

Duran FerreeSan Diego FC

7yr to peak+52%

€150K → €310K

Thomas GillierCF Montréal

5yr to peak+44%

€1.8M → €3.2M

Rank	Player	Age	Years to Peak	Current	Peak Forecast	RPP %
#1	Duran Ferree San Diego FC	19	7	€150K	€310K	+52%
#2	Thomas Gillier CF Montréal	21	5	€1.8M	€3.2M	+44%

Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)

Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.

Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)

San Diego FC's Duran Ferree leads with 154.3 RAU (40% upside vs 0% uncertainty).

How RAU is calculated: RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %. Higher RAU means better risk-reward. Target RAU ≥2.0 for strong appreciation with manageable risk.

Risk-Adjusted Upside by Player

Duran FerreeSan Diego FC

↑40% / ±0%154.3

Range: €190K - €229K

Thomas GillierCF Montréal

↑23% / ±0%103.3

Range: €2.0M - €2.4M

Rank	Player	Expected	Range	Upside %	RAU
#1	Duran Ferree San Diego FC	€209K	€190K-229K	+40%	154.3
#2	Thomas Gillier CF Montréal	€2.2M	€2.0M-2.4M	+23%	103.3

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: young goalkeeper position shows strong depth (avg Z-score: 0.00). RPI: 0.00.

Position Depth Analysis

Total Players

0.00

Avg Z-Score

0.00

RPI Score

Weak DepthStrong Depth

-3.00+3.0

Highest Z-Scores

Thomas Gillier+1.00

Duran Ferree+-1.00

Lowest Z-Scores

Duran Ferree-1.00

Thomas Gillier1.00

Age-Share Concentration (ASC)

Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.

Understanding Age-Share Concentration (ASC)

CF Montréal's Thomas Gillier leads with +42.3% ASC (92.3% value share vs 50.0% player share in 21-23 bracket).

How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. ASC > +15% indicates elite players dominating their age group—marquee signings.

Value Concentration by Player

Thomas GillierCF Montréal

21-23+42.3%

92.3% value share / 50.0% player share

Duran FerreeSan Diego FC

U21-42.3%

7.7% value share / 50.0% player share

Rank	Player	Age Bracket	Value Share	Player Share	ASC
#1	Thomas Gillier CF Montréal	21-23	92.3%	50.0%	+42.3%
#2	Duran Ferree San Diego FC	U21	7.7%	50.0%	-42.3%

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: 2 immediate targets, 0 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 0 at peak.

BUY NOW - High Upside

Thomas Gillier

21yo • CF Montréal

€1.8M

Duran Ferree

19yo • San Diego FC

€150K

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 €1.8M. 0 undervalued, 0 premium.

Value Positioning vs Peers

Thomas GillierCF Montréal

€1.8M0.00

Fair value

Duran FerreeSan Diego FC

€150K0.00

Fair value

Player	Market Value	Position Median	Z-Score	Assessment
Thomas Gillier CF Montréal	€1.8M	€1.8M	0.00	Fair Value
Duran Ferree San Diego FC	€150K	€1.8M	0.00	Fair Value

How We Rank MLS Young Goalkeepers

Our Analytical Strength Score is calibrated specifically for young goalkeepers, 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 GK

Historical Achievement Index (35%)

Peak career market value for MLS young goalkeepers, 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 goalkeepers, capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.

Playing Time Utilization (18%)

Goalkeepers with 2,700+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.

Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)

Goalkeepers peak at 29 with gradual 3.5%/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.

GK Performance Benchmarks

Peak Age: 29 years (latest of all positions due to experience premium)

Decline Rate: 3.5% per year (slowest decline, experience compensates for reflexes)

Optimal Minutes: 2,700 per season (near-complete games for #1 goalkeeper)

1-Year Market Value Forecast

Probabilistic model combining age-curve depreciation, value momentum, and playing time factors:

• Age Factor: GK-specific -3.5%/year post-peak, +5%/year pre-peak

• 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: ±8% confidence interval (most stable)

Research Foundation

• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for young goalkeepers

• 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 Goalkeepers in the 2025-26 season

Who are the most valuable Young Goalkeepers in the MLS in 2025-26?

The most valuable young goalkeeper in the MLS in 2025-26 is Thomas Gillier, who is worth €1.8M and plays for CF Montréal. The second most valuable is Duran Ferree (€150K, San Diego FC). Our database tracks 2 MLS Young Goalkeepers with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2025-26 season.

How are MLS Young Goalkeepers ranked?

MLS Young Goalkeepers are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Score, which is specifically calibrated for Young Goalkeepers. 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 Goalkeepers peak?

Goalkeepers typically peak at age 29, later than outfield players, with a slower decline rate of 3.5% per year after peak. This is supported by research from Dendir (2016) showing that goalkeepers maintain elite performance longer due to the position's reliance on positioning, decision-making, and experience rather than pure athleticism. The optimal playing time for peak performance is around 2,700 minutes per season.

How much does it cost to sign a top young goalkeeper from the MLS?

Transfer fees for MLS Young Goalkeepers vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young goalkeeper Thomas Gillier (market value: €1.8M), estimated transfer fees would range from €1.4M to €2.5M 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 Goalkeepers?

Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for MLS Young Goalkeepers based on age-curve depreciation, historical trajectory, and playing time adjustments. The forecast combines three factors: age-based appreciation/depreciation (pre-peak players gain ~5% per year toward peak age, post-peak players decline at position-specific rates), 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—goalkeepers have ±8% volatility (most stable). 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 goalkeeper data come from?

Our MLS young goalkeeper data is sourced from APE Global Capital'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 for the 2025-26 season to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.