Best U23 Young Centre-Backs in the Süper Lig
16 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Centre-Backs in the Süper Lig (Jul 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.
Serdar Saatçı
Trabzonspor • 23 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.3M
53.0
Metehan Baltacı
Galatasaray • 23 years old
€1.9M
€2.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.3M
39.0
Hamza Güreler
Basaksehir FK • 20 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.4M
36.5
Arif Kocaman
Kayserispor • 22 years old
€1.6M
€1.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.0M
36.0
Ümit Akdağ
Alanyaspor • 22 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
33.7
Taha Altıkardeş
Göztepe • 22 years old
€735K
€850K
+15.6%
Expected: €937K
26.5
Emir Ortakaya
Caykur Rizespor • 22 years old
€605K
€700K
+15.6%
Expected: €772K
24.1
Michael Ologo
Istanbulspor • 23 years old
€519K
€600K
+15.6%
Expected: €635K
22.5
Yunus Emre Çift
Samsunspor • 22 years old
€519K
€600K
+15.6%
Expected: €662K
22.1
Efe Sarikaya
Altay SK • 20 years old
€476K
€550K
+15.6%
Expected: €655K
20.2
Taylan Aydın
Kasimpasa • 20 years old
€259K
€300K
+15.6%
Expected: €357K
12.5
Ali Şahin Yılmaz
Trabzonspor • 22 years old
€173K
€200K
+15.6%
Expected: €221K
8.2
Yigit Ulas
Yeni Malatyaspor • 22 years old
€173K
€200K
+15.6%
Expected: €221K
8.2
Arda Ünyay
Galatasaray • 19 years old
€173K
€200K
+15.6%
Expected: €247K
6.9
Yağız Dilek
Basaksehir FK • 21 years old
€130K
€150K
+15.6%
Expected: €172K
4.1
Bedirhan Çetin
Samsunspor • 20 years old
€130K
€150K
+15.6%
Expected: €179K
3.7
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Explore Market Size by Position in Süper Lig
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Süper Lig Young Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 12 clubs with €17.0M combined value.
Age Distribution: Süper Lig Young Centre-Backs
The Süper Lig CB market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (11 players, 69% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €13.8M, averaging €1.3M per player.
Top Young Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (5 players)
21-23 Years (11 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 2 Young Centre-Backs (13% of players) control €7.2M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with mid (€5-15m) tier representing 6% of the Süper Lig CB pool.
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Süper Lig Young Centre-Backs
Among 12 Süper Lig clubs, Trabzonspor leads with 2 Young Centre-Backs worth €5.2M (averaging €2.6M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 88% of tracked Young Centre-Backs.
Trabzonspor (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Galatasaray (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Basaksehir FK (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Kayserispor (1 Young Centre-Backs)
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)
Trabzonspor's Serdar Saatçı at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 7.14×. That means Serdar Saatçı is valued 7.14× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Basaksehir FK's Hamza Güreler, who is 20 years old, with a 6.67× PPVE. Third is Metehan Baltacı of Galatasaray, who is 23 years old with a 3.14× 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 7.14× means the player is worth 614% 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 | Serdar Saatçı Trabzonspor | 23 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €700K | 7.14× |
| #2 | Hamza Güreler Basaksehir FK | 20 | U21 | €2.0M | €300K | 6.67× |
| #3 | Metehan Baltacı Galatasaray | 23 | 21-23 | €2.2M | €700K | 3.14× |
| #4 | Arif Kocaman Kayserispor | 22 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €700K | 2.57× |
| #5 | Ümit Akdağ Alanyaspor | 22 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €700K | 2.14× |
| #6 | Efe Sarikaya Altay SK | 20 | U21 | €550K | €300K | 1.83× |
| #7 | Taha Altıkardeş Göztepe | 22 | 21-23 | €850K | €700K | 1.21× |
| #8 | Taylan Aydın Kasimpasa | 20 | U21 | €300K | €300K | 1.00× |
| #9 | Emir Ortakaya Caykur Rizespor | 22 | 21-23 | €700K | €700K | 1.00× |
| #10 | Yunus Emre Çift Samsunspor | 22 | 21-23 | €600K | €700K | 0.86× |
| #11 | Michael Ologo Istanbulspor | 23 | 21-23 | €600K | €700K | 0.86× |
| #12 | Arda Ünyay Galatasaray | 19 | U21 | €200K | €300K | 0.67× |
| #13 | Bedirhan Çetin Samsunspor | 20 | U21 | €150K | €300K | 0.50× |
| #14 | Ali Şahin Yılmaz Trabzonspor | 22 | 21-23 | €200K | €700K | 0.29× |
| #15 | Yigit Ulas Yeni Malatyaspor | 22 | 21-23 | €200K | €700K | 0.29× |
| #16 | Yağız Dilek Basaksehir FK | 21 | 21-23 | €150K | €700K | 0.21× |
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)
Galatasaray's Arda Ünyay at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Arda Ünyay is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 7 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Samsunspor's Bedirhan Çetin, who is 20 years old, with a +40% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Taylan Aydın of Kasimpasa, who is 20 years old with a +40% RPP (6 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 | Arda Ünyay Galatasaray | 19 | 7 | €200K | €357K | +44% |
| #2 | Bedirhan Çetin Samsunspor | 20 | 6 | €150K | €249K | +40% |
| #3 | Taylan Aydın Kasimpasa | 20 | 6 | €300K | €499K | +40% |
| #4 | Hamza Güreler Basaksehir FK | 20 | 6 | €2.0M | €3.3M | +40% |
| #5 | Efe Sarikaya Altay SK | 20 | 6 | €550K | €914K | +40% |
| #6 | Yağız Dilek Basaksehir FK | 21 | 5 | €150K | €232K | +35% |
| #7 | Emir Ortakaya Caykur Rizespor | 22 | 4 | €700K | €1.0M | +30% |
| #8 | Taha Altıkardeş Göztepe | 22 | 4 | €850K | €1.2M | +30% |
| #9 | Yunus Emre Çift Samsunspor | 22 | 4 | €600K | €862K | +30% |
| #10 | Arif Kocaman Kayserispor | 22 | 4 | €1.8M | €2.6M | +30% |
| #11 | Ali Şahin Yılmaz Trabzonspor | 22 | 4 | €200K | €287K | +30% |
| #12 | Yigit Ulas Yeni Malatyaspor | 22 | 4 | €200K | €287K | +30% |
| #13 | Ümit Akdağ Alanyaspor | 22 | 4 | €1.5M | €2.2M | +30% |
| #14 | Serdar Saatçı Trabzonspor | 23 | 3 | €5.0M | €6.7M | +25% |
| #15 | Michael Ologo Istanbulspor | 23 | 3 | €600K | €802K | +25% |
| #16 | Metehan Baltacı Galatasaray | 23 | 3 | €2.2M | €2.9M | +25% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Galatasaray's Arda Ünyay has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 82.7. That means Arda Ünyay has 23% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Basaksehir FK's Hamza Güreler with a 69.6 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Bedirhan Çetin of Samsunspor with a 69.6 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 82.7 means the upside is 82.7× 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 | Arda Ünyay Galatasaray | €247K | €219K-275K | +23% | 82.7 |
| #2 | Hamza Güreler Basaksehir FK | €2.4M | €2.1M-2.7M | +19% | 69.6 |
| #3 | Bedirhan Çetin Samsunspor | €179K | €158K-199K | +19% | 69.6 |
| #4 | Taylan Aydın Kasimpasa | €357K | €316K-398K | +19% | 69.6 |
| #5 | Efe Sarikaya Altay SK | €655K | €580K-730K | +19% | 69.6 |
| #6 | Yağız Dilek Basaksehir FK | €172K | €152K-192K | +15% | 55.6 |
| #7 | Emir Ortakaya Caykur Rizespor | €772K | €695K-849K | +10% | 46.5 |
| #8 | Taha Altıkardeş Göztepe | €937K | €843K-1.0M | +10% | 46.5 |
| #9 | Arif Kocaman Kayserispor | €2.0M | €1.8M-2.2M | +10% | 46.5 |
| #10 | Ümit Akdağ Alanyaspor | €1.7M | €1.5M-1.8M | +10% | 46.5 |
| #11 | Yunus Emre Çift Samsunspor | €662K | €595K-728K | +10% | 46.5 |
| #12 | Ali Şahin Yılmaz Trabzonspor | €221K | €198K-243K | +10% | 46.5 |
| #13 | Yigit Ulas Yeni Malatyaspor | €221K | €198K-243K | +10% | 46.5 |
| #14 | Michael Ologo Istanbulspor | €635K | €572K-699K | +6% | 27.6 |
| #15 | Serdar Saatçı Trabzonspor | €5.3M | €4.8M-5.8M | +6% | 27.6 |
| #16 | Metehan Baltacı Galatasaray | €2.3M | €2.1M-2.6M | +6% | 27.6 |
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: young centre-back position shows strong 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)
Galatasaray's Metehan Baltacı in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +12.4%. That means Serdar Saatçı captures 81.2% of total market value while representing only 68.8% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Trabzonspor's Serdar Saatçı with a +12.4% ASC (81.2% value share vs 68.8% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Emir Ortakaya of Caykur Rizespor with a +12.4% ASC (81.2% value vs 68.8% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +12.4% ASC means the player captures 12.4% 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 | Metehan Baltacı Galatasaray | 21-23 | 81.2% | 68.8% | +12.4% |
| #2 | Serdar Saatçı Trabzonspor | 21-23 | 81.2% | 68.8% | +12.4% |
| #3 | Emir Ortakaya Caykur Rizespor | 21-23 | 81.2% | 68.8% | +12.4% |
| #4 | Ali Şahin Yılmaz Trabzonspor | 21-23 | 81.2% | 68.8% | +12.4% |
| #5 | Taha Altıkardeş Göztepe | 21-23 | 81.2% | 68.8% | +12.4% |
| #6 | Yunus Emre Çift Samsunspor | 21-23 | 81.2% | 68.8% | +12.4% |
| #7 | Yigit Ulas Yeni Malatyaspor | 21-23 | 81.2% | 68.8% | +12.4% |
| #8 | Arif Kocaman Kayserispor | 21-23 | 81.2% | 68.8% | +12.4% |
| #9 | Michael Ologo Istanbulspor | 21-23 | 81.2% | 68.8% | +12.4% |
| #10 | Ümit Akdağ Alanyaspor | 21-23 | 81.2% | 68.8% | +12.4% |
| #11 | Yağız Dilek Basaksehir FK | 21-23 | 81.2% | 68.8% | +12.4% |
| #12 | Bedirhan Çetin Samsunspor | U21 | 18.8% | 31.3% | -12.4% |
| #13 | Arda Ünyay Galatasaray | U21 | 18.8% | 31.3% | -12.4% |
| #14 | Taylan Aydın Kasimpasa | U21 | 18.8% | 31.3% | -12.4% |
| #15 | Efe Sarikaya Altay SK | U21 | 18.8% | 31.3% | -12.4% |
| #16 | Hamza Güreler Basaksehir FK | U21 | 18.8% | 31.3% | -12.4% |
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: 5 immediate targets, 11 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
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 €600K. 0 undervalued, 1 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bedirhan Çetin Samsunspor | €150K | €600K | -0.43 | Fair Value |
Yağız Dilek Basaksehir FK | €150K | €600K | -0.42 | Fair Value |
Ali Şahin Yılmaz Trabzonspor | €200K | €600K | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Yigit Ulas Yeni Malatyaspor | €200K | €600K | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Arda Ünyay Galatasaray | €200K | €600K | -0.29 | Fair Value |
Yunus Emre Çift Samsunspor | €600K | €600K | -0.08 | Fair Value |
Michael Ologo Istanbulspor | €600K | €600K | -0.08 | Fair Value |
Taylan Aydın Kasimpasa | €300K | €600K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Serdar Saatçı Trabzonspor | €5.0M | €600K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Emir Ortakaya Caykur Rizespor | €700K | €600K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Taha Altıkardeş Göztepe | €850K | €600K | +0.12 | Fair Value |
Ümit Akdağ Alanyaspor | €1.5M | €600K | +0.62 | Above Market |
Efe Sarikaya Altay SK | €550K | €600K | +0.71 | Above Market |
Arif Kocaman Kayserispor | €1.8M | €600K | +0.85 | Above Market |
Metehan Baltacı Galatasaray | €2.2M | €600K | +1.15 | Above Market |
Hamza Güreler Basaksehir FK | €2.0M | €600K | +4.86 | Premium |
Market Overview: Süper Lig Young Centre-Backs 2025-26
Our database tracks 16 Süper Lig Young Centre-Backs in the 2025-26 season, representing 12 clubs with a combined market value of €17.0M. The average market value for Süper Lig Young Centre-Backs is €1.1M, with the average age at 21 years old.
The most valuable young centre-back in the Süper Lig is Serdar Saatçı, worth €5.0M and playing for Trabzonspor at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Centre-Backs average €2.5M in market value, including Metehan Baltacı and Hamza Güreler.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked young centre-back is Arda Ünyay (19 years, Galatasaray, €200K), while the oldest is Serdar Saatçı (23 years, Trabzonspor, €5.0M). Research shows Young Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 16 Young Centre-Backs (100%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Süper Lig market for Young Centre-Backs remains actively developing with emerging talent in the 2025-26 season.
How We Rank Süper Lig Young Centre-Backs
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for young centre-backs, 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 CB
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for Süper Lig young centre-backs, 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 Süper Lig young centre-backs, capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.
Playing Time Utilization (18%)
Defenders with 2,500+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.
Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)
Defenders peak at 27 with 5.0%/year decline rate. Pre-peak players score higher on development trajectory.
Competition Level Adjustment (3%)
Süper Lig 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.
CB Performance Benchmarks
Peak Age: 27 years (balance of physicality and tactical intelligence)
Decline Rate: 5.0% per year (moderate decline as positioning offsets pace loss)
Optimal Minutes: 2,500 per season (regular starter with rotation management)
1-Year Market Value Forecast
Probabilistic model combining age-curve depreciation, value momentum, and playing time factors:
• Age Factor: Defender -5.0%/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: ±10% confidence interval
Research Foundation
• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for young centre-backs
• 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 Süper Lig Young Centre-Backs in the 2025-26 season
Who are the most valuable Young Centre-Backs in the Süper Lig in 2025-26?
The most valuable young centre-back in the Süper Lig in 2025-26 is Serdar Saatçı, who is worth €5.0M and plays for Trabzonspor. The second most valuable is Metehan Baltacı (€2.2M, Galatasaray), followed by Hamza Güreler (€2.0M, Basaksehir FK). Our database tracks 16 Süper Lig Young Centre-Backs with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2025-26 season.
How are Süper Lig Young Centre-Backs ranked?
Süper Lig Young Centre-Backs are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Young Centre-Backs. 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 Süper Lig 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 Centre-Backs peak?
Defenders typically peak at age 27, with a decline rate of 5.0% per year after peak. Research shows defenders balance physical attributes with tactical intelligence, allowing them to maintain high performance through their late 20s. The optimal playing time for peak performance is around 2,500 minutes per season.
How much does it cost to sign a top young centre-back from the Süper Lig?
Transfer fees for Süper Lig Young Centre-Backs vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young centre-back Serdar Saatçı (market value: €5.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €4.0M to €7.0M 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 Süper Lig transactions.
What is the value forecast for Süper Lig Young Centre-Backs?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Süper Lig Young Centre-Backs 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-defenders have ±10% 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 Süper Lig young centre-back data come from?
Our Süper Lig young centre-back 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 Süper Lig sources and updated monthly for the 2025-26 season to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.