Francesco Camarda has joined Milan until 30 June 2027 with a very important contract for a boy of his age, who will earn 800 thousand euros a year. But what is the situation regarding the great talents of the best European leagues?
We took into consideration the best Under 18s who have already made the leap to the most important teams in Europe to understand how much clubs are willing to spend to keep these raw jewels from a safe future.
The most famous 16-year-old in the world right now is Lamine Yamal, eight months larger than Camarda. And like the Rossoneri, the Catalan also holds the record for the youngest debutant in his championship: one appearance in 2022/23, this year instead 50 appearances in all competitions which earned him a call up to the senior Spanish national team, becoming the youngest Furie Rosse rookie and youngest goalscorer. Barcelona recognizes him 800 thousand euros, plus 200 thousand bonuses. The release clause is incredible: 1 billion euros.
His teammate, Pau Cubarsi he is six months older than Yamal, 14 months older than Camarda. And that’s enough to get a much better salary: 1.9 million net until 2027. And a release clause of 500 million euros. The two Spaniards were included in Luis de la Fuente’s initial list for Euro 2024, but only Yamal remained in the final list.
Jorrel Hato turns 18 in March, Ajax defender. He is the third youngest player to make his debut with the Lancers, which occurred at 16 years and 335 days. Only Ryan Gravenberch and Clarence Seedorf are more precocious than him. Coach John van ‘t Schip even handed him the captain’s armband this season, making him the youngest Ajacide to have this honour. Last November 21st he made his debut for the Dutch senior team at the age of 17 years, 8 months and 14 days. Ajax pays him 520 thousand euros per year.
Leny Yoro turned 18 in November who this season has become the linchpin of Paulo Fonseca’s Lille defense. He is destined for a big European team and the French senior national team. Yet his basic salary to date is only 200 thousand euros. His contract expires in 2025. Also in Lille, another child prodigy worth mentioning: Ayyoub Bouaddi, five months older than Camarda. The midfielder has featured on 18 occasions this season. For him 140 thousand euros net until 2026.
Warren Zaire-Emery is probably the strongest 18-year-old in the world today. A key player in the Paris Saint-Germain midfield and called up by Deschamps for Euro 2024, last April he signed a contract worth 4.6 million per year until 2029. His previous contract was worth 140 thousand euros net.
Lewis Miley started against Milan on 13 December. In the match that brought the Rossoneri to the Europa League, the midfielder provided the assist for Joelinton’s momentary lead. 18 years old on May 1st, salary of 162 thousand euros.
We close with Endrick, who will turn 18 on July 21st. He already has 4 appearances and 2 goals for Brazil and has already been signed by Real Madrid. The European champions will pay him 2 million a year.
