Espanyol have opted to take a new direction ahead of their last 3 games. With a free season all but secured the board has sanctioned the departures of the veterans who have driven the side up to fourth.

Taking a look at what the long term future looks like, we dig into the young stars who will sport the shirts for seasons to come.

Marcos Leonardo 19 – The Brazilan sensation from Santos continues to perk the interest of some of the biggest clubs in world football. Already 86 rated in SM, and the Catalyst to the clubs run to this seasons youth cup final he is expected to be the teams focul point for many seasons to come.

Eliesse Ben Seghir 18 – Has burst onto the scene at Monaco this season, and is already been muttered as one of the best to make the breakthrough there. Captured quietly under the radar from Valencia, the Espanyol gaffer has stated right now a 94 rated player wouldn’t get him off Espanyol.

Arda Guler 18 – Like Leonardo he arrives for a big price, considering a 92 and 91 have gone the other way, its a massive show of faith that the manager believes he is special. Already an 80 rated player, but one others would love, he is a long term investment who will be allowed to grow in the background.

Mohamed El Arouch 18 – Returned to the club from Chelsea recently, and had since made his full debut for Lyon. Long regarded as the best player to come through their academy, he is seen as someone who will become more coveted during 2023. He is one to watch and another with a big future.

Anthony Elanga 20 – He has long been rated highly, but struggled for game time at Man Utd and needs that transfer but is still a boy. Likely to be part of next seasons youth team 2023 is a big year for him. A decent move in the summer could see his career really take off.

Dion Rankine 20 – He is not a household name yet, but the Chelsea youngster is banging on the door at Stamford bridge. They have had to work hard recently to tie him down to a new deal as a number lf rivals were trying to grab him. He is quick and versatile and one for all to watch.

Aaron Hickey 20 – already a valuable player and playing in the Premiership, his ability to play down the left or right makes him invaluable. Espanyol find them stocked with young full backs and it will be interesting to see if he stays as the first choice at the club as updates propel others into contention.

Kaide Gordon 18- has been injured all season with a pelvic injury, but is on the brink of a return to the Liverpool fold. He was an expensive teenager when signed from Derby and at 18 has plenty of time on his side to become a top player. Espanyol paid a lot to get him and will need to be patient to get a return on that investment.

David Kalokoh 17 – the ajax youngster is certainly getting rave reviews and has cost Espanyol four players. Thats some faith the manager has shown, in a player yet to play first team football. He is one he has tried to sign for ages and is thrilled to have him.

Julian Fernandez 18 – deemed as one of Argentina’s best young talents, the Velez Sarsfield versatile offensive player is already developing into a big player in his homeland. Seen as a long term investment, and an update due, he is expected to be pushing for a start in the youth cup next season.

Gustav Christensen 18 – is tearing it up at youth level with an astonishing 27 goals in 18 games this season from left wing. Liverpool are one of a number of clubs tracking him and it is hoped he starts to get more first team minutes in Denmark to inflate his rating.

Franca Wesley 19 – Has burst onto the scene at Flamengo and is expected to complete a real life move to Barcelona to become part of their first team. If that happens, then he is one of a number of players expected to push Hickey for a starting spot.

Arouna Sangante 20 – is a name for all to remember, currently an integral part of Le Havres water tight defence , who are expected to be promoted to the the top flight in french football. He has every chance of being a big star. He is part of the successful Espanyol youth team from this season and is expected to be pivotal again next season.

Fares Chaibi 20 – has been in outstanding form for Toulouse in France this season, his trickery and eye for goal had suitors queuing to capture him. Seen as very much part of the long term first team picture, he us expected to get another nice update.

Ivan Fresneda 18 – An exciting right back who nearly got a 25 million move to Arsenal in January. Other clubs like Man Utd also want him, so he is going to be another chasing Hickey down for first team football, sooner rather than later.

Q Hartman 21 – Feyenoord are on the verge of becoming Dutch champions and their rise to the top has conincided with the breakout of Hartman. His value and rating is set to rocket, and although young Abner is Espanyol’s first team left back at just 22, he could soon come under threat by Hartman’s emergence.

Daniliuc 21 – is a regurlar in Italy and his versatility will see him in and around the Espanyol first team for many seasons to come.

Ilic 21 – Another pocket rocket midfielder, and cute capture by Espanyol, he joins the engine room to add competition to Stiller, Smith – Rowe and Vieira. This is an area the club are now stacked with young players with big futures.

Thiago Almada 21 – went to the world cup and started the MLS season in great form. A move to Europe is on the cards now with it now being as when rather than if. He will be part of the first team and youth team next season and is a important capture for the club.

Pape Sarr 20 – another talented central midfielder who an 85 rating already. He is likeky to be part of the youth team set up, as not quite ready to be in the Espanyol first team picture. However he is deemed a long term investment and one who will add value next season.

Abde Ezzalzouli 21 – is already making an impression in spain and one Barcelona like. Deemed as someone who could really kick on at Espanyol, the manager is pleased to add him to the roster and see if he can boost himself next season which in turn sees a rating boost.

Ash Phillips 17 – returns to Espanyol and continues to be tracked by Englands elite. Part of blackburns promotion chasing team, he has the world at his feet.

Brandon Soppy 21 – another talented full back , he has struggled of late for minutes at Atalanta, however he has lots of time on his hands to be a good player.

Abiel Osorio 20 – leads velez’s attack, and although raw has potential to be a very good player. 2023 could be a big year for him.

Armando Broja 21 – an injury cruelly ended the Chelsea stars season, however the raw talent is there. The hope is he can make a full recovery, if he can, he could prove to be a real bargain and will forge an interesting youth team strike force with Leonardo