Koeman and Xavi’s trust in Barcelona’s youth sees market value shoot up over €400 million

Former managers Ronald Koeman and Xavi both had difficult exits from their coaching roles, but their impact on the team has been significant and lasting. 

Both coaches turned to the youth squad when they needed to fill gaps due to injuries or players not performing well and this reliance has paid off, with players who made their first-team debuts under Koeman and Xavi now valued at over €400 million collectively.

Under Koeman’s leadership, players like Gavi and Alejandro Balde made their debuts. Gavi, now valued at €90 million, and Balde, valued at €40 million, are now key players for the team. 

Koeman also brought in Pedri from UD Las Palmas for €5 million plus add-ons, and he has become another success story. Pedri is now valued at €80 million.

Gifts from Koeman

Pedri quickly became an essential part of the team and earned his first international cap for Spain in March 2021. He has played in major tournaments like the 2021 Euro Cup, the Tokyo Olympics, and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. 

This summer, he participated in the 2024 Euro Cup in Germany but got injured after a tough tackle by Toni Kroos.

Meanwhile, Gavi and Balde followed similar paths. Gavi made his debut on September 14, 2021, in a Champions League match against Bayern Munich at 17 years old. 

Pedri, Gavi and Alejandro Balde debuted under Ronald Koeman. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

His intensity and commitment quickly proved his worth. Gavi is expected to return to the pitch at the end of the year after recovering from a serious injury sustained while playing for Spain. 

Balde, debuting on the same day as Gavi, gained the trust of the coaches by strengthening the left flank.

On came Xavi

Koeman’s departure led to the return of Xavi. In his first game, Xavi showed his commitment to youth by debuting Ilias Akhomach, now with Villarreal. 

Between November 2021 and May 2024, Xavi introduced 16 youth players to the first team. Those who remain at the club now have a combined market value of €201.3 million.

Lamine Yamal has seen the most significant rise in value, now worth €120 million. Xavi handed him his debuted on April 29, 2023, at just 15 years and 290 days old. 

Yamal has since been setting records, becoming the youngest player to win a European Championship at 17 years and 1 day old.

Other notable players include Fermin Lopez (€30 million), Pau Cubarsi, and Hector Fort (€10 million), who all made their marks last season. 

Other players to have debuted under Xavi, like Inaki Pena, Marc Casado, Aleix Garrido, and Angel Alarcon, have also increased in value.

Their market worth would be even higher with more first-team minutes, showing the potential and promise of the youth system at Barcelona.