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The pain of losing young talent for cheap is quite harsh in football. It does not happen every day that young players who play at the academies emulate their performances for the senior side and make space in the starting eleven. So when it does happen, it becomes important that timely opportunities be given to youngsters so that they adjust to the upgrade in level.
The young players themselves have the ambition to represent top clubs and become great professionals. Some choose to switch clubs early due to lack of playing time but some believe in their abilities and are passionate about representing their boyhood clubs for years to come.
These players will stay put and fight for a spot even if it may require a loan spell or two. This year we have seen many such players who, with their sheer merit, have convinced top clubs to extend their contracts. On that note, here are the five most promising youngsters who have committed their long-term future to top clubs:
#5 Armando Broja
Unlike many modern strikers who can drift to the wider side and even play as wingers, Chelsea youngster Armando Broja is a penalty-box predator. An out and out No.9, his tall frame is one that helps him impose himself in the attacking third and he is always up for a tussle with defenders.
Broja signed a five-year extension to his Chelsea contract before being loaned out to Southampton this season. He considers Brazilian Ronaldo his idol and has taken inspiration from his style of play. The 20-year-old can finish with both his feet and though his start at Saints was slow, he more than made up for it with his important goals.
His solitary goal against Leeds United helped the Saints register their first win of this Premier League campaign after seven games. In the 2-2 draw against Burnley he netted his second in the league. Proving himself against a physically intense opposition like Sean Dyche and co. surely highlights his value.
He stepped up for Albania in the big games against Hungary in World Cup qualifiers by netting the solitary winning goals in both the home and away games. When Chelsea shipped Tammy Abraham to AS Roma, they made it clear that they needed ready-made top-class strikers in their ranks right now.
A contract extension with Broja suggests they see some merit in the young striker and maybe two seasons from now he might be plying his trade for the Blues.
#4 Yéremy Pino
A Europa League winner at the age of 18, Yeremy Pino's stock has been on the rise since he burst onto the scene at Villarreal. The winger is one of Spain's most talented youngsters right now and deservedly earned his first call-up to the national side.
The youngster is a speed merchant who is direct and accurate with his deliveries inside the box. He has impressed with his close control, is an effective dribbler and is quick at running with the ball. Pino has a tendency to cut inside from the right side, and in a team that is more potent than Villarreal, he will be an even more dangerous proposition.
The 19-year-old has signed the longest deal of all those on the list. His contract will keep him at Villarreal till 2027 with a bumper release clause of €80 million. In seven starts this season in La Liga, the Spaniard has registered one goal and three assists.
#3 Emile Smith Rowe
Arsenal have turned to their recent Hale End Academy graduates to shoulder the responsibility of their young team. Emile Smith Rowe is one of the star performers in the Gunners squad and has been in great form recently. His playing style has been compared to former Arsenal great Robert Pires and the fans have nicknamed him 'Croydon De Bruyne'.
The 21-year-old is the primary source of creativity for Mikel Arteta's team, playing on the wings and as a No.10 with great effect. His ability to play at the half-turn and the urgency in his style of play have added a cutting edge to Arsenal's attack.
He has reserved his spot in the starting eleven with consistent match-winning performances this season. From being valued at €2.70m last season to his current €28m market value, Smith Rowe has deservedly earned his first England cap.
The attacking midfielder has played in 12 Premier League games this season and contributed with four goals and two assists. His new contract will keep him at the club until 2026. Aston Villa tried to price away the English international in the summer, but the north London club made it clear they won't sell him at any cost.
#2 Pedri
If there were any doubts left as to how great a player Pedri was at just 18, he cleared them all with his performances at Euro 2020. In a disappointing campaign for Barcelona, the only positive has been how good their young players have been. The Spaniard has become a sensation and will surely be one of the biggest stars in future.
Pedri's decision-making and his poise on the field are clear indicators that this kid plays way beyond his years. His positional sense is simply brilliant and he so often collects passes so effortlessly. He is the outlet for any Barcelona player looking to pass the ball.
The midfielder roams freely, moving all around the pitch and enabling the attacking players to play between the lines. The Spaniard seems to have so much time on the ball and he rarely ever panics. His distribution is precise and effortless. But in addition to being so good on the ball, his tireless workrate is an added bonus.
He recently signed a new deal with Barcelona that will keep him at the club until 2026. Barcelona have slapped an astonishing €1 billion release clause in Pedri's contract.
#1 Ansu Fati
We dare not say that Barcelona have found their replacement for Lionel Messi because there cannot be anyone like him. But the rightful heir to the throne sounds about right, and given it's someone from La Masia, it only adds to the excitement. In what is an exciting generation of young talent bursting onto the scene at Barcelona, Ansu Fati seems to be the crown jewel.
As far as jersey numbers go, the Catalans have already suggested that they believe the 19-year-old is fit to carry on their iconic No.10's legacy. Fati has already established a few impressive records to suggest he could be on his way to making it big.
The youngest player to score in the Champions League, the youngest to score a brace in La Liga and to score and assist in the same La Liga game are all to his name. Preferably a left-winger, the La Masia product can play as a centre-forward too.
His predatory eye for goal, nimble-feet dribbling and significant pace with the ball at his feet contributed to his excellence. The Catalan club have tied Fati with a contract that runs out in 2027. Like Pedri, Fati also has a release clause of €1 billion to ensure no other club even entertains the idea of snatching Barcelona's future star.
