Following the December update
Today, Transfermarkt has refreshed the market values for 827 players in Major League Soccer. As usual, the update spotlighted seasoned stars like Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF), Heung-min Son (LAFC), and Thomas Müller (Vancouver Whitecaps). While many fans still regard MLS as a “retirement league,” that perception is no longer entirely accurate.
With an average player age of 26, MLS is younger than LaLiga (27.3), Serie A (26.5), and the Premier League (26.1). The only European leagues that have a younger average are the Bundesliga (25.8) and Ligue 1 (25.3). This context leads us to evaluate some of the biggest talents currently playing in Major League Soccer. Below, we highlight the ten most valuable U21 players in MLS.
MLS: Ten Most Valuable U21 Players to Watch
Obed Vargas (20) – Seattle Sounders
Hailing from Anchorage, Alaska, this Mexican national team midfielder is considered one of MLS’s brightest prospects. Vargas made a significant impact during the FIFA Club World Cup last summer and performed excellently in the Leagues Cup final against Messi’s team, leading Seattle to a 3-0 victory. It’s only a matter of time before Vargas makes a move, with interest from Mexican clubs, though both he and the Sounders have set their sights on a European move.
Mateo Silvetti (19) – Inter Miami CF
Acquired for €4.2m from Messi’s youth club, Newell’s Old Boys, Silvetti made an immediate impression upon joining in August. With two goals and two assists over six MLS Cup Playoff matches, his market value surged to €6m in December. While Messi captures most of the attention at Inter Miami, the club has proven adept at identifying South American talents, and Silvetti could be the next to transition to Europe.
David Martínez (19) – LAFC
When LAFC signed this relatively unknown Venezuelan talent for €3.2m from Monagas SC, it raised eyebrows. Fast forward almost two years, and Martínez is now validating that investment with six goals and five assists in 36 matches. His quick and dynamic playing style, combined with his training alongside Son, positions him well for future success.
Owen Wolff (20) – Austin FC
Despite an overall challenging season for Austin, Wolff stood out as one of the team’s highlights. The son of former 1860 Munich midfielder Josh Wolff, Owen notched an impressive seven goals and 11 assists in 41 matches across competitions. His rise in market value from €3m to €4m reflects his potential and demand.
Cavan Sullivan (16) – Philadelphia Union
Is Cavan Sullivan the next big thing? At just 16, he received his first official market value of €3.5m in December, making him one of the top five most valuable players born in 2009. This valuation hints at a possible €4.2m transfer to Manchester City at 18, with Pep Guardiola showing a keen interest, alongside the German Football Federation eager to secure the dual-nationality talent.
Peyton Miller (18) – New England Revolution
A rising star in the Football Manager community, Peyton Miller is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the finest left-backs in MLS. His recent market value increase signifies the interest from European clubs, some of which are prepared to offer up to €10m for his services.
Kaick (20) – FC Dallas
After being signed for €3.7m from Grêmio to start the season, the Brazilian midfielder has lived up to expectations with three goals in 40 appearances across all competitions. His market value has risen to €2.5m, reflecting his performance and potential.
Luca Bombino (19) – San Diego FC
Having transitioned from being on loan from LAFC to a permanent signing through 2026, Bombino emerged as one of the standout players during his first season with the expansion club, helping them reach the Western Conference finals.
Gennadiy Synchuk (20) – CF Montréal
Is Synchuk’s time in Canada limited? Acquired for €3.4m from Metalist in Ukraine, he’s seen as one of Ukraine’s top talents. The strategy is to excel in MLS before heading to Serie A, where his owner, the Saputo family, also has control. This season, Synchuk achieved one goal and one assist in 19 matches for a struggling Montréal team.
Mitja Ilenič (20) – New York City FC
The Slovenian right-back has shown significant growth since moving to NYCFC from Domzale in 2023. Although he played fewer regular-season games than the previous year, his productivity improved, netting two goals and providing two assists this season. Ilenič aims for a standout 2026 campaign to facilitate a potential move back to Europe.
