Best U23 Young Midfielders in the Süper Lig
16 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Midfielders in the Süper Lig (Sep 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.
Christ Inao Oulaï
Trabzonspor • 20 years old
€19.9M
€23.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €25.4M
73.7
Renato Nhaga
Galatasaray • 19 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.6M
53.0
Joseph Nonge
Kocaelispor • 21 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.0M
36.6
Muhamed Buljubasic
Caykur Rizespor • 22 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.5M
33.4
Flavio Paoletti
Fatih Karagümrük • 23 years old
€778K
€900K
+15.6%
Expected: €873K
27.5
Karamba Gassama
Gaziantep FK • 21 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €507K
19.3
Hamza Akman
Eyüpspor • 21 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
Expected: €406K
16.5
İzzet Çelik
Alanyaspor • 22 years old
€216K
€250K
+15.6%
Expected: €254K
11.1
Fatih Sanlitürk
Ümraniyespor • 23 years old
€173K
€200K
+15.6%
Expected: €194K
8.8
Fahri Ay
Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü • 21 years old
€173K
€200K
+15.6%
Expected: €203K
7.9
Tunahan Şamdanlı
Istanbulspor • 21 years old
€130K
€150K
+15.6%
Expected: €152K
4.3
Enes Öğrüce
Bodrum FK • 19 years old
€130K
€150K
+15.6%
Expected: €165K
3.5
İsmail Zehir
Alanyaspor • 23 years old
€108K
€125K
+15.6%
Expected: €121K
2.9
Mustafa Erdilman
Bodrum FK • 22 years old
€108K
€125K
+15.6%
Expected: €127K
2.5
Erdem Çalık
Eyüpspor • 20 years old
€108K
€125K
+15.6%
Expected: €138K
1.6
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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 Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 12 clubs with €35.6M combined value.
Age Distribution: Süper Lig Young Midfielders
The Süper Lig CM market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (11 players, 73% of market). The U21 age group holds the most value at €29.3M, averaging €7.3M per player.
Top Young Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (4 players)
21-23 Years (11 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 2 Young Midfielders (13% of players) control €29.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 7% of the Süper Lig CM pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Süper Lig Young Midfielders
Among 12 Süper Lig clubs, Trabzonspor leads with 1 Young Midfielders worth €23.0M (averaging €23.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 87% of tracked Young Midfielders.
Trabzonspor (1 Young Midfielders)
Galatasaray (1 Young Midfielders)
Kocaelispor (1 Young Midfielders)
Caykur Rizespor (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)
Kocaelispor's Joseph Nonge at 21 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 8.00×. That means Joseph Nonge is valued 8.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Caykur Rizespor's Muhamed Buljubasic, who is 22 years old, with a 6.00× PPVE. Third is Christ Inao Oulaï of Trabzonspor, who is 20 years old with a 3.83× 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 8.00× means the player is worth 700% 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 | Joseph Nonge Kocaelispor | 21 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €250K | 8.00× |
| #2 | Muhamed Buljubasic Caykur Rizespor | 22 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €250K | 6.00× |
| #3 | Christ Inao Oulaï Trabzonspor | 20 | U21 | €23.0M | €6.0M | 3.83× |
| #4 | Flavio Paoletti Fatih Karagümrük | 23 | 21-23 | €900K | €250K | 3.60× |
| #5 | Karamba Gassama Gaziantep FK | 21 | 21-23 | €500K | €250K | 2.00× |
| #6 | Hamza Akman Eyüpspor | 21 | 21-23 | €400K | €250K | 1.60× |
| #7 | Renato Nhaga Galatasaray | 19 | U21 | €6.0M | €6.0M | 1.00× |
| #8 | İzzet Çelik Alanyaspor | 22 | 21-23 | €250K | €250K | 1.00× |
| #9 | Fatih Sanlitürk Ümraniyespor | 23 | 21-23 | €200K | €250K | 0.80× |
| #10 | Fahri Ay Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü | 21 | 21-23 | €200K | €250K | 0.80× |
| #11 | Tunahan Şamdanlı Istanbulspor | 21 | 21-23 | €150K | €250K | 0.60× |
| #12 | İsmail Zehir Alanyaspor | 23 | 21-23 | €125K | €250K | 0.50× |
| #13 | Mustafa Erdilman Bodrum FK | 22 | 21-23 | €125K | €250K | 0.50× |
| #14 | Enes Öğrüce Bodrum FK | 19 | U21 | €150K | €6.0M | 0.02× |
| #15 | Erdem Çalık Eyüpspor | 20 | U21 | €125K | €6.0M | 0.02× |
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 Renato Nhaga at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Renato Nhaga is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 7 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Bodrum FK's Enes Öğrüce, who is 19 years old, with a +44% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Erdem Çalık of Eyüpspor, 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 | Renato Nhaga Galatasaray | 19 | 7 | €6.0M | €10.7M | +44% |
| #2 | Enes Öğrüce Bodrum FK | 19 | 7 | €150K | €268K | +44% |
| #3 | Erdem Çalık Eyüpspor | 20 | 6 | €125K | €208K | +40% |
| #4 | Christ Inao Oulaï Trabzonspor | 20 | 6 | €23.0M | €38.2M | +40% |
| #5 | Karamba Gassama Gaziantep FK | 21 | 5 | €500K | €773K | +35% |
| #6 | Joseph Nonge Kocaelispor | 21 | 5 | €2.0M | €3.1M | +35% |
| #7 | Hamza Akman Eyüpspor | 21 | 5 | €400K | €618K | +35% |
| #8 | Tunahan Şamdanlı Istanbulspor | 21 | 5 | €150K | €232K | +35% |
| #9 | Fahri Ay Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü | 21 | 5 | €200K | €309K | +35% |
| #10 | Mustafa Erdilman Bodrum FK | 22 | 4 | €125K | €180K | +30% |
| #11 | İzzet Çelik Alanyaspor | 22 | 4 | €250K | €359K | +30% |
| #12 | Muhamed Buljubasic Caykur Rizespor | 22 | 4 | €1.5M | €2.2M | +30% |
| #13 | İsmail Zehir Alanyaspor | 23 | 3 | €125K | €167K | +25% |
| #14 | Flavio Paoletti Fatih Karagümrük | 23 | 3 | €900K | €1.2M | +25% |
| #15 | Fatih Sanlitürk Ümraniyespor | 23 | 3 | €200K | €267K | +25% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Trabzonspor's Christ Inao Oulaï has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 31.1. That means Christ Inao Oulaï has 10% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Galatasaray's Renato Nhaga with a 31.1 RAU (10% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Erdem Çalık of Eyüpspor with a 31.1 RAU (10% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 31.1 means the upside is 31.1× 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 | Christ Inao Oulaï Trabzonspor | €25.4M | €21.6M-29.1M | +10% | 31.1 |
| #2 | Renato Nhaga Galatasaray | €6.6M | €5.6M-7.6M | +10% | 31.1 |
| #3 | Erdem Çalık Eyüpspor | €138K | €117K-158K | +10% | 31.1 |
| #4 | Enes Öğrüce Bodrum FK | €165K | €141K-190K | +10% | 31.1 |
| #5 | Muhamed Buljubasic Caykur Rizespor | €1.5M | €1.3M-1.7M | +1% | 5.4 |
| #6 | Mustafa Erdilman Bodrum FK | €127K | €110K-143K | +1% | 5.4 |
| #7 | İzzet Çelik Alanyaspor | €254K | €221K-287K | +1% | 5.4 |
| #8 | Tunahan Şamdanlı Istanbulspor | €152K | €129K-175K | +1% | 4.7 |
| #9 | Hamza Akman Eyüpspor | €406K | €345K-466K | +1% | 4.7 |
| #10 | Fahri Ay Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü | €203K | €173K-233K | +1% | 4.7 |
| #11 | Karamba Gassama Gaziantep FK | €507K | €431K-583K | +1% | 4.7 |
| #12 | Joseph Nonge Kocaelispor | €2.0M | €1.7M-2.3M | +1% | 4.7 |
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 midfielder 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)
Bodrum FK's Enes Öğrüce in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +55.5%. That means Christ Inao Oulaï captures 82.2% of total market value while representing only 26.7% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Eyüpspor's Erdem Çalık with a +55.5% ASC (82.2% value share vs 26.7% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Christ Inao Oulaï of Trabzonspor with a +55.5% ASC (82.2% value vs 26.7% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +55.5% ASC means the player captures 55.5% 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 | Enes Öğrüce Bodrum FK | U21 | 82.2% | 26.7% | +55.5% |
| #2 | Erdem Çalık Eyüpspor | U21 | 82.2% | 26.7% | +55.5% |
| #3 | Christ Inao Oulaï Trabzonspor | U21 | 82.2% | 26.7% | +55.5% |
| #4 | Renato Nhaga Galatasaray | U21 | 82.2% | 26.7% | +55.5% |
| #5 | Karamba Gassama Gaziantep FK | 21-23 | 17.8% | 73.3% | -55.5% |
| #6 | İsmail Zehir Alanyaspor | 21-23 | 17.8% | 73.3% | -55.5% |
| #7 | Flavio Paoletti Fatih Karagümrük | 21-23 | 17.8% | 73.3% | -55.5% |
| #8 | Muhamed Buljubasic Caykur Rizespor | 21-23 | 17.8% | 73.3% | -55.5% |
| #9 | Mustafa Erdilman Bodrum FK | 21-23 | 17.8% | 73.3% | -55.5% |
| #10 | Hamza Akman Eyüpspor | 21-23 | 17.8% | 73.3% | -55.5% |
| #11 | Joseph Nonge Kocaelispor | 21-23 | 17.8% | 73.3% | -55.5% |
| #12 | İzzet Çelik Alanyaspor | 21-23 | 17.8% | 73.3% | -55.5% |
| #13 | Fatih Sanlitürk Ümraniyespor | 21-23 | 17.8% | 73.3% | -55.5% |
| #14 | Tunahan Şamdanlı Istanbulspor | 21-23 | 17.8% | 73.3% | -55.5% |
| #15 | Fahri Ay Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü | 21-23 | 17.8% | 73.3% | -55.5% |
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: 0 immediate targets, 4 standard acquisitions, 11 watch-list prospects, 0 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
No players in this category
WATCH LIST - High Upside
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 €200K. 0 undervalued, 2 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Erdem Çalık Eyüpspor | €125K | €250K | -1.00 | Good Value |
İsmail Zehir Alanyaspor | €125K | €250K | -0.17 | Fair Value |
Mustafa Erdilman Bodrum FK | €125K | €250K | -0.17 | Fair Value |
Tunahan Şamdanlı Istanbulspor | €150K | €250K | -0.13 | Fair Value |
Fatih Sanlitürk Ümraniyespor | €200K | €250K | -0.07 | Fair Value |
Fahri Ay Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü | €200K | €250K | -0.07 | Fair Value |
Enes Öğrüce Bodrum FK | €150K | €250K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Christ Inao Oulaï Trabzonspor | €23.0M | €250K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Renato Nhaga Galatasaray | €6.0M | €250K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
İzzet Çelik Alanyaspor | €250K | €250K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Hamza Akman Eyüpspor | €400K | €250K | +0.20 | Fair Value |
Karamba Gassama Gaziantep FK | €500K | €250K | +0.33 | Fair Value |
Flavio Paoletti Fatih Karagümrük | €900K | €250K | +0.87 | Above Market |
Muhamed Buljubasic Caykur Rizespor | €1.5M | €250K | +1.67 | Premium |
Joseph Nonge Kocaelispor | €2.0M | €250K | +2.33 | Premium |
Market Overview: Süper Lig Young Midfielders 2025-26
Our database tracks 15 Süper Lig Young Midfielders in the 2025-26 season, representing 12 clubs with a combined market value of €35.6M. The average market value for Süper Lig Young Midfielders is €2.4M, with the average age at 21 years old.
The most valuable young midfielder in the Süper Lig is Christ Inao Oulaï, worth €23.0M and playing for Trabzonspor at 20 years old. The top 5 Young Midfielders average €6.7M in market value, including Renato Nhaga and Joseph Nonge.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked young midfielder is Renato Nhaga (19 years, Galatasaray, €6.0M), while the oldest is Flavio Paoletti (23 years, Fatih Karagümrük, €900K). Research shows Young Midfielders typically peak at age 27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 12 Young Midfielders (80%) 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 Midfielders remains actively developing with emerging talent in the 2025-26 season.
How We Rank Süper Lig 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 Süper Lig 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 Süper Lig 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%)
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.
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 Süper Lig Young Midfielders in the 2025-26 season
Who are the most valuable Young Midfielders in the Süper Lig in 2025-26?
The most valuable young midfielder in the Süper Lig in 2025-26 is Christ Inao Oulaï, who is worth €23.0M and plays for Trabzonspor. The second most valuable is Renato Nhaga (€6.0M, Galatasaray), followed by Joseph Nonge (€2.0M, Kocaelispor). Our database tracks 15 Süper Lig Young Midfielders with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2025-26 season.
How are Süper Lig Young Midfielders ranked?
Süper Lig 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 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 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 Süper Lig?
Transfer fees for Süper Lig Young Midfielders vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young midfielder Christ Inao Oulaï (market value: €23.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €18.4M to €32.2M 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 Midfielders?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Süper Lig 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 Süper Lig young midfielder data come from?
Our Süper Lig 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 Süper Lig sources and updated monthly for the 2025-26 season to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.