515 updates
With the winter break approaching in Germany, Transfermarkt has revised the market values of 515 players in the 2. Bundesliga, marking a historic update for the league. Kennet Eichhorn, a 16-year-old prodigy from Hertha Berlin, has seen his market value soar to €20 million, reflecting an incredible €14 million increase and making him the most valuable player in the 2. Bundesliga. The market value rankings for this division are heavily populated by young talents, with Eichhorn leading the way.
Eichhorn has shattered numerous records this season, becoming the youngest player in 2. Bundesliga history, the youngest starter, and the youngest goalscorer in the DFB Pokal’s history. In terms of market values, he has set a new standard: previously, the highest mark was held by Nürnberg’s Stefanos Tzismas, who reached €22 million during the 2024/25 season while already signed by Brighton and loaned out. Eichhorn has achieved his remarkable valuation without a transfer move.
“Eichhorn is an exceptional talent,” stated Transfermarkt Market Value Coordinator Tobias Kröger. “Last summer, multiple Bundesliga clubs sought to recruit him when he was just 15. Now at 16, he is crucial for Hertha, attracting interest from top European clubs. The €20 million valuation underscores the buzz around him. Under head coach Stefan Leitl, he has become irreplaceable. Standing at 186 cm, Eichhorn combines physicality with excellent technique and decision-making. His new valuation aligns him with Bayern’s rising star Lennart Karl and established German national players like Deniz Undav, David Raum, and Nadiem Amiri (the Bundesliga update is set for Dec. 19).
Market values 2. Bundesliga: Onyeka, Ayhan, Aseko, and Seimen – players to monitor
Another promising young player to keep an eye on in the 2. Bundesliga is Francis Onyeka, an 18-year-old midfielder on loan at VfL Bochum from Bayer Leverkusen. He has made a significant impact with four goals and one assist in 13 appearances this season. “The 18-year-old’s technique is outstanding, and he has excelled for both Bochum and the youth national teams,” Kröger commented. “It will be exciting to see his next steps and if he gets a chance at Bayer Leverkusen.” With a market value increase from €1 million to €6 million, Onyeka is now among the top three most valuable players in Germany’s second tier.
Meanwhile, Schalke 04 appears on track to re-enter the Bundesliga, bolstered by the outstanding performances from defender Mertcan Ayhan. “At just 19, Ayhan is the latest talent emerging from the Knappenschmiede,” transfer market value administrator Julius Weißenstein noted. “Despite starting the season on the bench, he has recently become integral to the league’s top defense.” As a result, Ayhan’s market value rose by €3.6 million to €4 million, the largest increase for any Schalke player.
Other notable young talents include Dennis Seimen, a goalkeeper for Paderborn, and Hannover’s midfielder Noel Aseko. “It’s well-known that Dennis Seimen possesses top-level goalkeeping skills,” stated Paderborn head coach Ralf Kettemann. “He has stepped up as a regular starter in front of sizable crowds. It wasn’t guaranteed he would develop this way, so it’s impressive how he has lived up to high expectations.” One of the most promising goalkeepers in German football, Seimen’s market value increased dramatically from €3 million to €7 million, with expectations of him replacing Alexander Nübel next season.
Likewise, Aseko, who is also on loan from a top club, has been making waves at Hannover 96. The 20-year-old has been attracting attention from both Bundesliga and Premier League teams. “We’ve been monitoring Noel’s progress, always aware of his vast potential,” remarked Hannover CEO Marus Mann. “After facing some challenges last season, he has finally begun to showcase his abilities.” Aseko’s market value has risen by €3 million to €6 million.
Understanding Transfermarkt market values
Transfermarkt market values are derived from various pricing models. A significant aspect involves the Transfermarkt community, where members engage in discussions and evaluations of player market values. Generally, these values do not equate to transfer fees.
The aim is not to predict a price but to estimate a player’s expected value in a free market. Various individual transfer conditions and situational factors influence these market values. For further details, Transfermarkt does not utilize an algorithm (detailed market value definitions can be found here).
