Future Stars to Keep an Eye On at Euro U21: Chelsea’s Interest in Quenda and Rising Talents from Arsenal and Bayern

This year’s Under-21 Euros, taking place in Slovakia, promises to highlight remarkable talents poised to shape the future of European football. So, who are the young stars poised to shine in this tournament?

France/Bayern Munich, 20 Years Old, Striker

A dynamic and robust player, Tel has showcased his versatility, operating effectively as a striker, winger, or midfielder throughout his youth career. A product of the Paris FC academy, he transitioned to Bayern Munich in 2022 via Stade Rennes. With Bayern, he etched his name in the record books as the youngest goalscorer in the club’s history during a competitive match.

Last season, he further honed his skills with a loan spell at Tottenham, where he gained crucial experience in the Premier League. This Euro U21 tournament marks his debut at a major international level, having missed out on both the U20 World Cup and last year’s Olympic Games due to Bayern’s decision.

Germany/Stuttgart, 23, Forward

A product of Werder Bremen, this talented forward made his Bundesliga debut at just 17. He moved to Stuttgart last season, quickly becoming a pivotal part of the team. His contributions helped Stuttgart lift the DFB-Pokal, their first piece of silverware since 2007, while he also topped the club’s scoring charts.

Woltemade is known for his ability to lead the line as well as play on the wing. He is not only physically imposing but also is technically adept and possesses a keen understanding of the game. Just prior to the Euros, he made his senior debut for Germany, starting the match against Portugal.

Portugal/Sporting, 18 Years Old, Winger

An electrifying forward with exceptional skill, Quenda is adept in one-on-one scenarios and shows promise defensively. His intelligence on the pitch is impressive for a player of his youth. While he is among the youngest in this year’s Euros, he is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing talents to watch.

During the last season, Quenda made 34 league appearances as a 17-year-old for Sporting Lisbon, helping the club secure the Portuguese title. His performances have caught the eye of Europe’s elite, leading Chelsea to quickly activate his €52 million release clause. Thus, he will don the Chelsea jersey next summer.

Spain/Barcelona, 22 Years Old, Offensive Midfielder

A creative maestro with excellent technical ability and a sharp footballing brain, this midfielder began his career at Racing Santander, where he played a crucial role in their promotion to the Segunda Division. He signed with Barcelona in March 2022 and spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Girona, gaining valuable La Liga experience.

Upon returning to Camp Nou under coach Hansi Flick, he had standout moments, notably netting twice in a victory against Sevilla in October 2024. While his playing time has been limited, he has remained highly effective whenever he has taken to the field.

England/Arsenal, 18, Offensive Midfielder

An inventive playmaker known for his impeccable ball control and quick decision-making, he is one of the youngest participants in the tournament. Despite his tender age, he has already made his debuts in both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Breaking the record as the youngest player in Premier League history at just 15 years and 181 days in September 2022, he has since established himself as a regular for Arsenal. His 2024/25 season saw him shine in the first team, where his creativity and flair have drawn significant attention.

He scored his maiden league goal against Nottingham Forest in November and opened his Champions League account in January against Girona. Often likened to a young Messi, while an ambitious comparison, Nwaneri clearly possesses the potential to reach the upper echelons of world football.

Germany/Bayern Munich, 19 Years Old, Offensive Midfielder

This gifted attacking midfielder excels in technique, agility, and the ability to dictate the tempo of a match. His versatility allows him to operate as a number 10 or a false nine. He made his Bayern Munich debut back in January 2022 at just 16 years and 15 days, making him the youngest player in the club’s history as well as the second youngest in Bundesliga history.

In 2023/24, he gained further experience on loan at Elversberg in the second tier, scoring 6 goals in 28 appearances. The following year saw him active in the Bundesliga with Heidenheim, where he played 29 matches, contributing 3 goals and 2 assists. He is set to be a key figure in the strong German side at the European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia.

Slovakia/Feyenoord, 19 Years Old, Offensive Midfielder

A technically gifted midfielder known for his dribbling, creativity, and fearless approach in one-on-one situations. Sauer progressed through Slovan Bratislava before joining Feyenoord via MSK Zilina in 2022. He made his Eredivisie debut at 17, showcasing his remarkable talent.

Last season, on loan at NAC Breda, he established himself as one of the team’s standout players with 31 league appearances, netting 7 goals and providing 2 assists. He made his senior debut for the national team in March 2024 against Norway, becoming the youngest player in Slovak national team history. Just three months later, he earned a spot on the roster for Euro 2024 in Germany and is anticipated to be a prominent figure for Slovakia at the U21 championship.