Four Players That Earned Big-Money Moves After Stellar Displays at the UEFA U21 European Championships

Much of the spotlight in the footballing world this summer is firmly shining on the FIFA Club World Cup. However, in Europe, another tournament is taking place, and one that has been traditionally important over the years: the UEFA U21 European Championships. The continent's 16 best young sides have headed to Croatia and Slovakia in a bid to be crowned champions, and the action has gotten underway with a bang. 

England headed into the showdown as the reigning champions following their thrilling 1-0 victory against Spain two years ago, and online betting sites make them a contender to successfully retain their crown. Websites offering sports betting online currently make the Young Lions a 4/1 shot to reign supreme once again in a few weeks, the second shortest odds of anybody at the tournament, level with Spain. Germany is the only team priced shorter, with the bookies making them a 7/2 outright favorite. 

But it isn't just punters betting on the tournament's winner that can win big when it comes to the U21 Euro. If a player can string together several impressive performances, they will place themselves firmly in the shop window and perhaps secure themselves a money-spinning transfer. These four did exactly that. 

Isco

Isco was already an acclaimed talent before the 2013 U21 Euros. Having won the 2012 Golden Boy award and played a pivotal role in Malaga’s run to the Champions League quarter-finals earlier that year, the attacking midfielder was a mesmerizing prospect. However, it was his displays in Israel that prompted Real Madrid to move heaven and earth to beat Manchester City to his signature. 

At the 2013 tournament, Isco was integral to Spain’s triumph, scoring three goals and dazzling with his creativity. His exploits helped La Roja win the tournament, thumping Italy 4-2 in the final to claim the trophy for the second straight year. The former Valencia youngster was duly awarded the MVP award and solidified his status as arguably the most sought-after young talent on the planet. 

Following the Euros, both Real Madrid and Manchester City were desperate to secure his signature. Ultimately, it was Los Blancos that won out, and the young playmaker went on to become a central figure. Isco became the primary creator in the team that won a three-peat of Champions League titles under Zinedine Zidane, helping solidify their spot as one of the greatest teams ever assembled. 

Asier Illarramendi

A product of Real Sociedad’s academy, Asier Illarramendi also shone in 2013. Courtesy of his deep-lying playmaking abilities and because he came through the ranks in San Sebastien, the young midfielder was considered the next Xabi Alonso. At the U21 Euro in Israel, he backed up those complimentary comparisons. 

Illarramendi was labeled as Spain’s midfield general during the tournament, providing defensive stability and accurate passing that allowed Isco ahead of him to flourish. He, too, moved on to Real Madrid, and he commanded a loftier fee than his midfield teammate, who also headed to the Bernabeu. Unfortunately for him, though, he would have far less success in the capital. 

Although he faced challenges breaking into Madrid’s star-studded lineup, Illaramendi featured 90 times for Los Blancos across two years. Those appearances were mainly from the bench, but he did play a role in helping the club claim the vaunted La Decima in his maiden campaign, as well as the Copa Del Rey. In 2015, he returned to his boyhood club Real Sociedad, and he remained there until 2023.  

Juan Mata

Juan Mata was already flourishing at Valencia by the time the 2011 U21 Euros rolled around. However, it was his displays in Denmark that prompted Chelsea to splash the cash. The attacking midfielder was instrumental throughout the tournament, scoring twice as La Roja won the tournament. 

Chelsea duly forked out approximately £23.5m to secure his services shortly after the Euros, and he quickly became a fan favorite at Stamford Bridge. The Spanish midfielder was instrumental in helping the club win the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 2012, assisting Didier Drogba's equalizer in the final against Bayern Munich. He would secure back-to-back Player of the Season awards in West London before moving to rivals Manchester United. 

David De Gea

Speaking of Manchester United, that's the club that David De Gea joined after his scintillating efforts in 2011. The young goalkeeper had already nailed down a starting berth in the Atletico Madrid starting lineup ahead of the highly-rated Sergio Asenjo, but his displays in Denmark caught the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson. 

The iconic Scottish manager wanted De Gea to replace the retiring Edwin van der Sar, and he duly authorized the £18.9 million acquisition, making De Gea the second most expensive goalkeeper of all time. The future Spain number one immediately made an impact, helping the Red Devils win the Premier League title in his first season at Old Trafford. Throughout 12 years with the club, the Spanish shot-stopper made over 500 appearances, winning multiple trophies as well as personal accolades such as the Premier League Golden Glove.