A buyers guide for the summer transfer window often leads to Europe’s second-tier leagues, where hidden gems emerge year after year. From the Championship to 2. Bundesliga, LaLiga2, Ligue 2, and Serie B, these divisions have consistently produced top talents. For instance, RB Leipzig secured Yan Diomande from LaLiga2 side CD Leganés last season for €20m, and the Ivorian winger’s market value has since soared to €75m—the biggest increase since the start of the season for any player.
Another standout example is Christian Kofane, whom Leverkusen signed from LaLiga2 for just €5.25m; his current market value stands at €40m. Leverkusen also struck gold with Ibrahim Maza, signed from 2. Bundesliga club Hertha for €12m, and his value has skyrocketed by 233.3% to €40m. In the Premier League, Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi, a young French striker acquired from Lorient for €13m, has seen his market value climb to €40m.
Clearly, keeping an eye on Europe’s top second divisions pays off. However, finding bargains in the EFL Championship remains challenging due to the influx of Premier League money, leading to higher market values. Among the 62 players in these divisions valued at €10m or more, 50 ply their trade in the Championship. The 11 non-English players in that bracket include Yeremay Hernández (€25m; Deportivo La Coruña), Patrick Zabi (€20m; Stade Reims), Kennet Eichhorn (€20m; Hertha Berlin), Sergio Arribas (€15m; UD Almería), Lucas Stassin (€15m; AS Saint-Étienne), Abdoul Koné (€15m; Stade Reims), Mika Mármol (€10m; UD Las Palmas), Zuriko Davitashvili (€10m; Saint-Étienne), Mathys Detoubert (€10m; ESTAC Troyes), Francis Onyeka (€10m; VfL Bochum), and Dennis Seimen (€10m; Paderborn).
Based on insights from Transfermarkt Area Managers and contributors, we’ve highlighted one player from each league who could be on the move this summer—excluding those already committed to transfers, like Zabi (Paris FC) and Koné (RB Leipzig). The only player not featured in the top-value list is Issa Doumbia from Serie B side Venezia. Let’s start our journey there.
Issa Doumbia – Venezia FC (Market value: €8m)
Stefano Buonfino (Transfermarkt Content Manager Italy) said: “He already had a taste of Serie A in the 24/25 season and made a good impression despite the relegation. This year, he’s been simply sensational. He’s physically strong, good at taking the ball and gaining meters on the field, solid in defense, and he has also learned to be a threat going forward with good runs and intelligent decision-making.”
Stats – Season 25/26 – All competitions:
Games: 38
Goals: 10
Assists: 6
How likely is he to move on? “The likelihood of him moving this summer is very high; Venezia are unlikely to keep him. I regret that he’ll most likely move out of Italy—there’s a lot of talk about Portugal, and I reckon he’ll end up at one of the top three clubs there. If things go as they should, in a couple of years, Italian clubs won’t be able to afford him anymore. In my opinion, he’s the prototype of the modern midfielder; he’s got huge potential, and in Portugal, they do a brilliant job with young players.”
