WHILE SOME OF the luminaries of the game are set to light up Euro 2016 over the coming weeks, it’s also worth keeping an eye on the next generation of stars in France over the coming weeks.
A major tournament always provides players with an opportunity to put themselves in the shop window and this summer is no different with club managers no doubt set to keep a close eye on proceedings.
Here, we pick out 6 players who could catch the eye.
Kingsley Coman (France)
Coman in action against Scotland last week. AP / Press Association Images
AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images
It’s probably stretching it to say Kingsley Coman is still an emerging star, considering he played a pivotal role in Bayern Munich’s Champions League victory over Juventus earlier this season.
But, the 19-year-old winger remains a rookie on the international stage, with just three appearances for France, and this summer provides him with the chance to really announce himself on the big stage.
Bayern paid €7 million for him last year for an initial two-year loan deal and have the option to make his move permanent by handing a further €21 million over to Juventus.
Such is his promise, some quarters are already comparing him to Franck Ribery while there are definitely similarities between him and Anthony Martial and the partnership of Henry and Trezeguet in 1998.
Ante Coric (Croatia)
Coric is an exciting prospect. EMPICS Sport
EMPICS Sport
19-year-old Ante Coric is the only teenager in Croatia’s squad and he goes into the tournament as one of the most highly-rated young midfielders in Europe.
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The Dinamo Zagreb midfielder, who scored five goals and bagged six assists, last season has been linked with a move to the Premier League.
Liverpool and Tottenham are both reportedly tracking his progress but West Ham, and former Croatia manager Slaven Bilic, are said to be ready to launch a €10 million bid for his services.
If he can extend his good form into Euro 2016, there may be a few more clubs sniffing around Coric by the end of the month.
Leroy Sane (Germany)
Sane has been heavily linked with some of Europe's biggest clubs. AP / Press Association Images
AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images
Another young prodigy, Leroy Sane is on Chelsea’s radar with the Premier League club keeping a close eye on the 20-year-old winger.
His stunning individual piece of brilliance against Real Madrid last year was an indication of his raw talent and big things are expected of the German starlet this summer.
Chelsea have already sent scouts to watch Sane in action while Manchester City, Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid are all anticipated to make bids to Schalke during the transfer window.
His value of €45 million could soar if he can help Germany to back-to-back titles after their 2014 World Cup triumph.
Yannick Ferreira Carrasco (Belgium)
The Belgian scored in this year's Champions League final. Alessandra Tarantino
Alessandra Tarantino
You may recognise the name from this year’s Champions League final with Carrasco coming off the bench to score Atletico Madrid’s late equaliser – only for Diego Simeone’s side to lose out on penalties.
The Belgian winger is coming off the back a breakthrough season at club level and his performances haven’t gone unnoticed, with Arsenal keen to bring him to England.
The 22-year-old featured just twice during qualification so will find it difficult to force his way into Marc Wilmots’ star-studded side but he’s certainly one to keep an eye on as the tournament progresses.
Robbie Brady (Ireland)
It's a big tournament for Robbie Brady in more ways than one. PA Wire / Press Association Images
PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images
With Norwich City suffering relegation from the Premier League, the Dubliner must surely look for a move to a top-flight club once Ireland’s interest in the tournament is over.
Brady only joined Norwich last summer on a three-year deal but he showed more often than not this season that he belongs at the highest level and he has the perfect chance to attract potential employers in France.
Of course, his focus will solely be on helping Ireland but a strong individual showing in the group games, and perhaps beyond, would certainly put him in the shop window.
He wouldn’t demand anything near the transfer fee some of the other players on this list would but this is a big campaign for Brady as he looks for his next career move.
Joao Mario (Portugal)
Mario could be on his way to Man United this summer. Paulo Duarte
Paulo Duarte
Joao Mario has attracted the attention of Man United, Chelsea and PSG in recent weeks and his father has reportedly claimed he is ready to quit Sporting Lisbon if a big club come in for him.
Opportunities with Portugal have been limited with Nani and Ricardo Quaresma ahead of him in the pecking order but the 23-year-old is clearly highly valued within the set-up and has experience of international tournaments, having featured in last summer’s U21 European Championships.
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6 players who could play their way into a big-money move this summer
WHILE SOME OF the luminaries of the game are set to light up Euro 2016 over the coming weeks, it’s also worth keeping an eye on the next generation of stars in France over the coming weeks.
A major tournament always provides players with an opportunity to put themselves in the shop window and this summer is no different with club managers no doubt set to keep a close eye on proceedings.
Here, we pick out 6 players who could catch the eye.
Kingsley Coman (France)
It’s probably stretching it to say Kingsley Coman is still an emerging star, considering he played a pivotal role in Bayern Munich’s Champions League victory over Juventus earlier this season.
But, the 19-year-old winger remains a rookie on the international stage, with just three appearances for France, and this summer provides him with the chance to really announce himself on the big stage.
Bayern paid €7 million for him last year for an initial two-year loan deal and have the option to make his move permanent by handing a further €21 million over to Juventus.
Such is his promise, some quarters are already comparing him to Franck Ribery while there are definitely similarities between him and Anthony Martial and the partnership of Henry and Trezeguet in 1998.
Ante Coric (Croatia)
19-year-old Ante Coric is the only teenager in Croatia’s squad and he goes into the tournament as one of the most highly-rated young midfielders in Europe.
The Dinamo Zagreb midfielder, who scored five goals and bagged six assists, last season has been linked with a move to the Premier League.
Liverpool and Tottenham are both reportedly tracking his progress but West Ham, and former Croatia manager Slaven Bilic, are said to be ready to launch a €10 million bid for his services.
If he can extend his good form into Euro 2016, there may be a few more clubs sniffing around Coric by the end of the month.
Leroy Sane (Germany)
Another young prodigy, Leroy Sane is on Chelsea’s radar with the Premier League club keeping a close eye on the 20-year-old winger.
His stunning individual piece of brilliance against Real Madrid last year was an indication of his raw talent and big things are expected of the German starlet this summer.
Chelsea have already sent scouts to watch Sane in action while Manchester City, Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid are all anticipated to make bids to Schalke during the transfer window.
His value of €45 million could soar if he can help Germany to back-to-back titles after their 2014 World Cup triumph.
Yannick Ferreira Carrasco (Belgium)
You may recognise the name from this year’s Champions League final with Carrasco coming off the bench to score Atletico Madrid’s late equaliser – only for Diego Simeone’s side to lose out on penalties.
The Belgian winger is coming off the back a breakthrough season at club level and his performances haven’t gone unnoticed, with Arsenal keen to bring him to England.
The 22-year-old featured just twice during qualification so will find it difficult to force his way into Marc Wilmots’ star-studded side but he’s certainly one to keep an eye on as the tournament progresses.
Robbie Brady (Ireland)
With Norwich City suffering relegation from the Premier League, the Dubliner must surely look for a move to a top-flight club once Ireland’s interest in the tournament is over.
Brady only joined Norwich last summer on a three-year deal but he showed more often than not this season that he belongs at the highest level and he has the perfect chance to attract potential employers in France.
Of course, his focus will solely be on helping Ireland but a strong individual showing in the group games, and perhaps beyond, would certainly put him in the shop window.
He wouldn’t demand anything near the transfer fee some of the other players on this list would but this is a big campaign for Brady as he looks for his next career move.
Joao Mario (Portugal)
Joao Mario has attracted the attention of Man United, Chelsea and PSG in recent weeks and his father has reportedly claimed he is ready to quit Sporting Lisbon if a big club come in for him.
Opportunities with Portugal have been limited with Nani and Ricardo Quaresma ahead of him in the pecking order but the 23-year-old is clearly highly valued within the set-up and has experience of international tournaments, having featured in last summer’s U21 European Championships.
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