Move over Aubameyang! Step aside Lukaku! Lacazette your transfer links are older than cassettes! Make way for a younger generation of black footballers who are ready to take over.
Age: 18
Position: Striker
Club: AS Monaco
Country: France
Where better to start than the most discussed 18-year-old in 2017? The Monégasque (he’s from Monaco) scored 26 goals in a title winning campaign, but it was his strikes in the Champions League that sent scouts into a frenzy.
The fact that he only made his debut in the knockout stage and scored against the likes of Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus make Mbappé’s reported £120 million price tag less outlandish.
Linked with: Practically everyone! Though Real Madrid and Arsenal are long-term admirers. Liverpool has declared interest.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUKtInPBJP4/?taken-by=k.mbappe29
Position: Fullback
Age: 22
Club: AS Monaco
Country: France
Like smartphones, the modern day fullback has evolved into a multifunctional asset for teams. With 11 assists and a portfolio of brilliant defensive work, Mendy is the poster boy of this evolution.
The left-back is another success story of Monaco’s policy to buy youngsters who’ve received their fundamental education at other clubs and are ready to compete in the first team.
Linked with: Manchester City and Liverpool
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUNe4uIAm3N/?taken-by=benmendy23
(Clown in the dressing room and Ligue 1 champion.)
Age: 22
Position: Midfielder
Club: RB Leipzig
Country: Guinea
The nature of RB Leipzig’s relationship to the Red Bull company has caused many in Germany to view them with suspicion, but the ownership can point at a second placed finish in their first Bundesliga season and the acquisition of Naby Keïta, an integral part of that success.
The man from Conakry has been likened to Andrés Iniesta due to his productive goal and assist returns. Expect the dynamic midfielder to dominate Sky Sport’s transfer waffle this summer.
Linked with: Liverpool and Arsenal
https://www.instagram.com/p/BR9AsYKBbQm/?taken-by=naby_keita_fan
(Keïta is a fully fledged international with Guinea)
Age: 21
Position: Central defender
Club: Ajax
Country: Colombia
A common sight at the Amsterdam Arena, is that of Sánchez sliding in to make goal saving tackles. The Colombian enjoyed a successful first season in Europe after snubbing Barcelona’s B team to play regular football with Ajax.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-YHjU6Xouk
The Catalonians are expected to come back for the former Atlético Nacional player who has his best years ahead of him.
Linked with: Barcelona and Chelsea
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIZMR3kjQNS/?taken-by=daosanchez13
(Sánchez conquered South America with Atlético Nacional and hopes to do the same in Europe)
Age: 22
Position: Midfielder
Club: Olympique Lyon
Country: France
Whoever lands the Lyon vice-captain this summer will acquire a rare species of midfielder who excels equally in the offensive and defensive phases. The Franco-Togolese prospect is a quick learner and never shies away from a challenge. Check out his performance against Juventus below to see what all the hype is about.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhznT6ES7Js
Linked with: Bayern Munich, Juventus and Chelsea
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPpwY3sg-uz/?taken-by=corentintolisso
(Leader: Tolisso has worn the captain’s armband on numerous occasions.)