The Daily Brief — June 23, 2026
20 players to watch today — South American steals, Premier League contract cliffs, teenage rising stars, and hidden gems from the Dutch second tier.
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🔥 Top Steals
Undervalued players with favorable contract situations — buy-low opportunities.
Bruno Ignacio Jáuregui Sáez — CM, 21, Union Espanola (Chilean Primera División)
OVR70
UV Score99
Market Value€970K – €1.6M
Contract2026 (6 months) ⚠️
Deal Score86
The number one steal in today's database. A 99 UV score means our model rates his actual quality as drastically higher than his market value. At 21, he is a Chilean central midfielder starting in a competitive top-flight league, available for under €1.6M with a contract expiring in six months. Union Espanola will struggle to demand anything close to fair value with his deal running down. For a Portuguese, Dutch, or Belgian side looking for a creative midfielder on a budget, this is the definition of a smart signing. The Chilean league has exported quality midfielders to Europe for years — Jáuregui Sáez has the profile to follow that path. **If he does not extend, a pre-contract in January costs zero.**
F. Coirolo — GK, 24, Atenas (Uruguayan Primera División)
OVR74
UV Score98
Market Value€310K – €510K
Contract2026 (6 months) ⚠️
Deal Score86
A 74 OVR goalkeeper for under €510K is absurd value. Coirolo is the highest-rated player on this steals list by OVR and he plays a premium position. Goalkeepers with a 74 rating at 24 are legitimate starter candidates in most mid-tier European leagues. Uruguayan football has a long tradition of producing top-class goalkeepers (Muslera, Rochet, Sosa), and the domestic market consistently undervalues them because the buying power of Uruguayan clubs is so limited. At €310K-€510K with six months left on his deal, Atenas have essentially zero leverage. **A Greek, Turkish, or even Championship club could land a starting GK for the price of a backup.**
R. Malanca — CB, 22, Huachipato (Chilean Primera División)
OVR71
UV Score98
Market Value€920K – €1.5M
Contract2026 (6 months) ⚠️
Deal Score86
A 22-year-old Argentine centre-back starting in Chile's top flight, rated 98 UV and available for under €1.5M. The combination of age, position scarcity (left-footed CBs are always in demand), and expiring contract makes Malanca one of the most actionable picks on the board. Argentine defenders in the Chilean league have historically been overlooked by European scouts, but the data says this player is performing at a level well above his price tag. Huachipato will be forced to sell cheaply or lose him for nothing. **Priority target for any Serie B or 2. Bundesliga side.**
Guilherme Madruga — CM, 25, Shandong Luneng (Chinese Super League)
OVR75
UV Score99
Market Value€490K – €800K
Contract2026 (6 months) ⚠️
Deal Score84
The highest OVR on the steals list at 75. A Brazilian central midfielder with Chinese Super League experience and a 99 UV score — and he is available for under €800K. The CSL's financial landscape has changed dramatically since the boom years, and clubs are increasingly willing to let players leave on free transfers rather than pay wages. Madruga's deal expires in six months. He is 25, entering his peak years, and has the technical foundation that Brazilian midfielders bring. **At this price, the downside is essentially zero.** A Liga MX, MLS, or Middle Eastern club could sign him tomorrow and immediately upgrade their midfield.
Filozofe Mabete — CB, 20, Swindon Town (League Two)
OVR70
UV Score99
Market Value€290K – €470K
Contract2027 (12 months)
Deal Score84
A 20-year-old English centre-back in League Two with a 99 UV score. Let that sink in. League Two is the fourth tier of English football, and our model is saying this player is performing at a level that dwarfs his valuation of under €470K. English players in the lower leagues are rarely scouted by continental clubs, which means the competition for Mabete's signature is minimal. A bold Championship or ambitious Scottish Premiership side could pick him up for a development fee and have a real prospect on their hands. The fact that Swindon are in League Two means the financial bar to make an offer is extremely low. **One of the most interesting defensive prospects in today's data.**
⏰ Expiring Watch
Contracts ending in 6-12 months — pre-contract and Bosman opportunities.
Geovany Tcherno Quenda — CM, 18, Sporting CP (Liga Portugal)
OVR84
UV Score45
Market Value€38.0M – €46.0M
Contract2027 (12 months)
Deal Score72
**The crown jewel of today's expiring list.** An 18-year-old with an 84 OVR at Sporting CP, one of the best development environments in world football. His scouting report shows 5 assists from 20 appearances this season with 77% passing accuracy and a creative output of 0.51 assists per 90. He is left-footed, 172cm, and plays as a right winger cutting inside — the modern blueprint. Sporting have produced Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani, and more recently Gyökeres and Inácio. Quenda is the next in that production line. His contract expires in 12 months, and while his €38-46M valuation reflects his real quality (UV 45 = fair value), the expiring contract gives buyers leverage. If Sporting do not extend, a pre-contract agreement in January 2027 would make this one of the signings of the decade. **Every major club in Europe should have a scout watching this player weekly.**
Y. Ayari — CM, 22, Brighton (Premier League)
OVR83
UV Score43
Market Value€31.5M – €38.5M
Contract2027 (12 months)
Deal Score72
A 22-year-old Swedish international playing Premier League football at Brighton with an 83 OVR and a contract entering its final 12 months. Brighton are famous for their recruitment and player trading model — they buy low, develop, and sell high. But with Ayari's contract running down, the power dynamic shifts. If no extension is signed by January, clubs can negotiate a pre-contract for summer 2027. Brighton's model typically avoids letting players reach this stage, which suggests either extension talks are ongoing or the player is open to leaving. For a club in the Bundesliga, La Liga, or Serie A looking for a proven Premier League midfielder, this is a rare opportunity to acquire one without a massive transfer fee.
António Silva — CB, 22, Benfica (Liga Portugal)
OVR81
UV Score43
Market Value€22.5M – €27.5M
Contract2027 (12 months)
Deal Score68
António Silva has been on the radar of top European clubs for two seasons. A 22-year-old Portuguese international centre-back at Benfica with an 81 OVR — this profile normally commands €40M+. The fact that his contract expires in 12 months creates a massive opportunity. Benfica are famous for selling players at peak value, but they cannot command a premium if the contract is running down. If no extension materializes before January 2027, Silva becomes available on a pre-contract for zero transfer fee. That would be one of the most significant Bosman transfers in recent memory for a defender.
H. Hackney — CM, 23, Middlesbrough (Championship)
OVR82
UV Score43
Market Value€29.0M – €35.0M
Contract2027 (12 months)
Deal Score65
A 23-year-old Scottish international midfielder at Middlesbrough with an 82 OVR and 12 months left on his deal. The Championship is a goldmine for Premier League and continental clubs seeking proven, physically robust midfielders, and Hackney fits that profile perfectly. Middlesbrough face a critical decision: extend him or sell this summer while they can still command a fee. Once January 2027 arrives, Hackney can sign a pre-contract with any club. The €29-35M valuation is steep for a Championship player, but on a free transfer, he becomes an extraordinary acquisition for any top-flight side.
📈 Rising Stars
Young talents with high undervaluation — emerging breakout candidates.
Kavian Rahmani — ST, 19, Melbourne City (A-League Men)
OVR71
UV Score99
Market Value€470K – €760K
Contract2027 (12 months)
Deal Score84
A 19-year-old Australian striker at Melbourne City, 178cm and 70kg, with a 99 UV score and a deal score of 84. The A-League has become a legitimate feeder league for European football — think of Jamie Maclaren's goal-scoring exploits, or the path trodden by players like Ajdin Hrustic and Garang Kuol. Rahmani's profile is that of a mobile, technical striker with room to grow physically. At under €760K, the financial risk is negligible for any European club. Melbourne City are part of the City Football Group network, which means Rahmani has been developed in a world-class academy system and has access to CFG's scouting infrastructure — a significant stamp of quality. **One of the best teenage striker prospects in today's data.**
J. Talvitie — CM, 20, NAC Breda (Eredivisie)
OVR71
UV Score99
Market Value€4.7M – €7.7M
Contract2026 ⚠️
Deal Score68
A 20-year-old Finnish midfielder playing in the Eredivisie — one of Europe's best development leagues. NAC Breda is a club with a strong track record of developing young players, and Talvitie's 99 UV score suggests he is significantly outperforming his environment. His contract has already expired (0 months left), which means he is available on a free transfer right now. That a player with this profile is sitting without a contract is remarkable. Valued at €4.7-7.7M, Talvitie is a ready-made acquisition for any club looking for an Eredivisie-proven midfielder at zero transfer cost. **Sign him before someone else realizes what is happening.**
O. Adewumi — ST, 20, Cercle Brugge (Belgian Pro League)
OVR70
UV Score99
Market Value€4.4M – €7.1M
Contract2026 ⚠️
Deal Score68
A 20-year-old Austrian striker at Cercle Brugge in the Belgian Pro League. The Belgian league is arguably the best development league in Europe for young attacking players — the high-scoring, open style of play creates a perfect showcase. Cercle Brugge specifically have become known for developing talent that moves to bigger leagues. Adewumi's 99 UV score combined with his contract situation (expired or expiring) makes him one of the most actionable prospects in today's briefing. A 70 OVR at 20 in the Belgian Pro League is a player on a strong development curve. **The kind of signing that looks like €15M in two years.**
A. Besio — ST, 21, Verl (3. Liga)
OVR77
UV Score99
Market Value€2.1M – €3.4M
Contract2026 ⚠️
Deal Score65
A 77 OVR striker at 21 years old in the German 3. Liga with a 99 UV score. That OVR is extraordinary for a 3. Liga player — it suggests Besio is performing at a level two tiers above where he currently plays. Swiss striker with a German football education, available on a free transfer with his contract expired. The 3. Liga has produced strikers who went on to play Bundesliga and even internationally (see: Niclas Füllkrug's journey through Germany's lower divisions). Besio's trajectory points upward sharply. **A 2. Bundesliga club should already be in negotiations.**
🌍 Hidden Gems
Low-profile leagues, high-quality players — the ones only local scouts know about.
F. Cibla — CM, 20, Debreceni VSC (NB I)
OVR72
UV Score99
Market Value€350K – €570K
Contract2027 (12 months)
Deal Score84
A 20-year-old Hungarian central midfielder with a 72 OVR in NB I and a 99 UV score. Hungarian football has undergone a renaissance in recent years — the national team's resurgence under Marco Rossi, RB Leipzig's dominance of the domestic league, and the emergence of players like Dominik Szoboszlai have put Hungarian talent on the map. And yet, players outside of the top Hungarian clubs (Ferencváros, RB Leipzig) still fly under the radar. Cibla at Debrecen is exactly that kind of player. A 72 OVR at 20 in a league that UEFA ranks around 15th-18th is a legitimate prospect. At €350-570K with 12 months on his deal, he is a low-cost acquisition with real upside. **A smart Austrian Bundesliga or Czech First League club should be making calls today.**
Luuk Verheij — CM, 20, VVV Venlo (Eerste Divisie)
OVR72
UV Score99
Market Value€380K – €620K
Contract2027 (12 months)
Deal Score83
The Dutch Eerste Divisie (second tier) is one of the most productive talent pipelines in European football. VVV Venlo specifically have a history of developing technical players who move up the Dutch pyramid or abroad. A 72 OVR at 20 years old in the Eerste Divisie with a 99 UV score is the profile of a player who is simply too good for his current level. Verheij is a central midfielder with the technical education that Dutch football guarantees — first touch, positional awareness, passing range. At under €620K, he is affordable for literally any professional club in Europe. **The Eredivisie itself should be scouting this player — he may already be ready for the step up.**
Tijn Joosten — CB, 19, VVV Venlo (Eerste Divisie)
OVR70
UV Score99
Market Value€290K – €480K
Contract2027 (12 months)
Deal Score83
VVV Venlo's second entry on today's list — a 19-year-old centre-back with a 99 UV score valued at under €480K. When one club has two players with 99 UV scores in the same age bracket, it suggests a deliberate development philosophy. Joosten is a full year younger than Verheij and plays a more premium position. Centre-backs with Dutch footballing education are among the most sought-after defensive commodities in the market. At 19 with a 70 OVR, his development arc is exactly where you want it — two to three percentage points of OVR growth per year would put him at a 76-78 by age 22, which is a sellable asset. **The definition of a hidden gem: a name nobody outside of Venlo knows today, but will in two years.**
Max Plath — CM, 20, FC Ingolstadt 04 (3. Liga)
OVR70
UV Score99
Market Value€850K – €1.4M
Contract2027 (12 months)
Deal Score84
A 20-year-old German central midfielder at FC Ingolstadt in the 3. Liga with a 99 UV score. The German football pyramid is the deepest in world football — a player who stands out in the 3. Liga is genuinely talented, because the athletic and tactical demands of German football's third tier are higher than many countries' first divisions. Plath's valuation of €850K-€1.4M reflects his real standing in German football, but the UV score suggests even that is an underestimate. With 12 months left on his deal, Ingolstadt will need to decide quickly: extend or cash in. A 2. Bundesliga club looking for a technically proficient, tactically disciplined German midfielder should have Plath at the top of their shortlist.
⚠️ Sell Signals
Players whose value may be peaking — consider selling while the price is high.
Mohamed Salah — RW, 33, Liverpool (Premier League)
OVR80
UV Score11
Market Value€20.0M – €24.0M
Contract2027 (12 months)
A UV score of 11 — one of the lowest in the entire database. At 33 years old with an 80 OVR, Salah is still a world-class player, but his market value is entirely based on his name and past performance, not his projected output. Liverpool are in a difficult position: his contract expires in 12 months, and extending a 33-year-old on elite wages is a risky commitment. If Liverpool do not extend, they risk losing a legendary player on a free. If they do extend, they lock in declining assets at peak cost. The market says Salah is worth €20-24M, but the UV model says that valuation overstates his future contribution by roughly 9x. **The hardest sell signal to act on, but the data is clear.**
Rodrigo Hernández Cascante (Rodri) — CM, 29, Manchester City (Premier League)
OVR85
UV Score16
Market Value€45.0M – €55.0M
Contract2027 (12 months)
Rodri at 29 with an 85 OVR is still one of the best midfielders in the world. But a UV score of 16 means the model sees significant overvaluation relative to expected future output. At 29, the physical decline is approaching — not next year, but the curve is starting. His contract expires in 12 months, which creates the same dilemma Liverpool face with Salah: extend at high wages for declining years, or let him walk. For Manchester City, the financial mathematics are stark: if they sell Rodri this summer for €40-50M, they reinvest in a younger midfielder. If they wait another year, they lose him for free. **Pep Guardiola does not make decisions based on UV scores, but the numbers suggest this is the optimal exit window.**
Bruno Fernandes — CAM, 31, Manchester United (Premier League)
OVR83
UV Score16
Market Value€31.5M – €38.5M
Contract2027 (12 months)
At 31, Bruno Fernandes has been the creative engine of Manchester United for five seasons. But a UV score of 16 indicates the model sees his market value as significantly inflated relative to his projected performance. His 83 OVR is still strong, but the trajectory at 31 is flat or declining. Manchester United face a critical decision: his contract expires in 12 months, and there have been persistent links with Saudi Arabia and other leagues. If United want to recoup any transfer fee, this summer is likely the last window. By January 2027, Fernandes can sign a pre-contract elsewhere. **The smart financial move is to sell now — but the sporting decision is far more complicated for a player of his stature.**
📊 Today’s Market Snapshot
- 11,198 players tracked across multiple leagues worldwide
- Top deal score: Bruno Ignacio Jáuregui Sáez and F. Coirolo (86 each)
- Highest UV scores: Multiple players at 99 — the model sees widespread undervaluation in South American and lower-tier European leagues
- League to watch: Chilean Primera División and Uruguayan Primera División — unusual concentration of undervalued talent with expiring contracts
- Hidden gem factory: VVV Venlo (Eerste Divisie) — two players aged 19-20 both scoring 99 UV
- Contract cliff season: Multiple Premier League stars entering the final 12 months of their deals, including Salah, Rodri, Bruno Fernandes, and Foden
Tomorrow’s briefing will feature updated deal scores, new contract data, and fresh rising/falling players. Subscribe via skouted.ai to get alerts.