Asian football continues to gain momentum on the global stage. The third round of the Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 not only shaped the path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup but also revealed a new generation of players capable of delivering immediate impact under pressure. At EFC, we’ve selected the 11 players highlighted by the AFC as “NEOM Future Stars” and analyzed their market value, international potential, and fit for European clubs.
11 Talents Selected by the AFC
| Player | Country | Age | Position | Club | Market Value (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zion Suzuki | Japan | 22 | Goalkeeper | Parma (Italy) | €20 M |
| Abdukodir Khusanov | Uzbekistan | 21 | Centre-back | Manchester City (England) | €35 M |
| Justin Hubner | Indonesia | 21 | Centre-back | Free agent (last: Cerezo/Wolves) | €300 k |
| Wang Yudong | China | 18 | Left winger | Zhejiang FC (China) | €1.5 M |
| Musab Al Juwayr | Saudi Arabia | 22 | Central midfielder | Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) | €4 M |
| Marselino Ferdinan | Indonesia | 20 | Attacking midfielder | Oxford United (England) | €300 k |
| Youssef Amyn | Iraq | 21 | Left winger | Al-Wehda (Saudi Arabia) | €600 k |
| Ibrahim Al Hassan | Qatar | 19 | Attacking midfielder | CD Calahorra B (Spain) | €150 k |
| Bae Jun-ho | South Korea | 21 | Attacking midfielder | Stoke City (England) | €1.5 M |
| Abbosbek Fayzullaev | Uzbekistan | 21 | Attacking midfielder | CSKA Moscow (Russia) | €8 M |
| Harib Abdalla | UAE | 22 | Left winger | Shabab Al-Ahli (UAE) | €2.5 M |
Key Insights for Clubs and Scouting Departments
- Proven performance in international competition:
All of them made decisive contributions to key matches. This validates their reliability under pressure. - Physical and technical maturity for their age:
Their profiles show readiness to adapt to highly competitive leagues. - Exposure in FIFA/continental tournaments:
Players like Fayzullaev and Khusanov show that Asia exports more than fast wingers – it now produces top goalkeepers, midfielders, and centre-backs. - Psychological resilience in pressure scenarios:
Last-minute goals, clutch penalties, and early senior debuts reflect elite mental strength. - Consistent minutes in professional leagues:
These players regularly feature in top-tier domestic or international competitions. - Early international experience:
Suzuki, Khusanov, and Fayzullaev have competed abroad since youth level, smoothing the path to European integration.
EFC Recommendations for European Clubs
- Market opportunity: Many of these players are still undervalued and are not yet in the spotlight of major European clubs.
- Commercial value added: Signing young Asian talent increases visibility and fan engagement in key markets.
- Structured integration: We recommend player pathways including reserve teams, loans in bridge leagues, and technical/cultural mentorships.
- Strategic partnerships with source clubs: Building long-term relationships with clubs in countries such as Indonesia, Uzbekistan, or South Korea opens early access to emerging players and improves negotiation timing.
Work with EFC
Are you a club, academy, or agency seeking to develop a pipeline of elite international talent?
EFC designs and implements scouting strategies tailored to your objectives, with a special focus on emerging Asian markets. From player monitoring to structured integration plans, we help you stay ahead.
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