FC Salzburg’s next gen: Gloukh, Gourna-Douath, Konate, more

With a track record of recruiting established stars like Erling Haaland, Dayot Upamecano, Dominik Szoboszlai, Naby Keita, Sadio Mane, Karim Adeyemi, Brenden Aaronson and Benjamin Sesko, the talent turnover at Austrian club FC Salzburg seems to be endless.

The club, which has a partnership under the Red Bull umbrella with German giants RB Leipzig, has earned almost €500 million from player exits since 2018-19, according to Transfermarkt. Indeed, over the past five years, Salzburg have posted a net transfer profit of €272 million – although it should be noted that 'intra-network' transfers to Leipzig account for five players over that period. And when you consider that their record transfer is only €13 million, you can see how well run the club is.

Salzburg are considered one of the best in Europe when it comes to developing young players and earn many plaudits for their ability to do so year after year. But who are next in line to emerge from one of European football's most notorious talent-producing clubs?

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Usually placed behind the strikers in Salzburg's typical 4-3-1-2 formation, making himself elusive for opponents when choosing his spots between the lines, the Israeli international is a superb playmaker with a subtle touch and intelligent positioning skills.

While he still has room to improve in the defensive side of the game, Gloukh's ability to beat his opponents with the ball (he averages around three successful dribbles every 90 minutes) and his innate creativity (four assists in championship this season) make it difficult to read and it suggests the team has an advantage when playing against a low block.

His goals in Champions League matches against Benfica and Inter Milan showed he is ready to make an impact in an even stronger league.

Konaté recently won the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast, although he did not start any matches and was not involved at all beyond the group stage. However, he started his domestic season promisingly with eight goals before the end of the year.

The striker poses a significant threat to goal and is given a free roaming role up front. With plenty of pace, he is smart at timing his runs onto the shoulders of defenders and is difficult to pick off. If he hits the ball particularly well with his right foot, don't be surprised to see him shoot with his weaker foot as well.

Arriving last summer for a record fee of €13m from Saint-Etienne in Ligue 2, the defensive midfielder had a good start to his career at Salzburg.

Not only did the 20-year-old secure a starting place in midfield from day one, but he also successfully deputized as a central defender and was rewarded with a call-up to the French national team U21.

Tireless and hard-working in midfield, Gourna-Doutah is another player in French football who moves around the pitch and always seems to pop up close to the ball, intercepting passes and closing down opponents. Another distinctive feature of the midfielder's game is his long passing abilities, often spotting his teammates' runs with balls over the top.

Given his 6ft 3in frame, you would think Salzburg are molding the Croatia U21 international in the same mold as Haaland or Sesko.

Simic is the son of former AC Milan defender Dario, and his physique makes him a natural target to play on the ball, while he is skilled at using his body to outwork muscular defenders, or even pin his marker when he turns away. And, just like Sesko, his speed is also impressive once he hits his stride.

Expectations may have been too high after his 19-goal loan spell at FC Liefering (Salzburg's development side in the Austrian second division) last season, but with such a well-rounded number 9 profile, his breakthrough could come at any time. He hasn't found the net since October (14 games without a goal; four in total this season), but he has enough potential to suggest that he could soon get out of it.

The Bosnian international has been in superb form over the past two seasons. So much so that he has recently been linked with a move to every major European club in need of cover or an upgrade at right back: Barcelona, ​​Chelsea and Manchester United to name a few some.

Dedic's main strengths come from his relentless offensive presence. He can create chances via an overlap or his substantial goal threat from a mid-range shot, while he has the useful ability to play with both feet and is a good crosser (2.54 every 90 minutes this season). He also has excellent pace, which he can use to attack the space behind and take on opponents effectively from a standing position.

Yet he is also capable in the defensive phase of the game, winning just over half of his defensive duels, which is respectable for an attacking full-back.

Some other exciting FC Salzburg prospects:

Maurits Kjaergaard, 21 years old, CM

The stylish 6ft 4in left-footed midfielder – who usually features at number 8, but is also capable of deputizing as a full-back – is surely destined to join an elite European club soon. Blessed with keen vision, technique and the ability to deliver precise kicks, the Danish U21 international often uses his strong upper body to outrun opponents in midfield.

Petar Ratkov20 years old, CF

Another 6ft 4in centre-forward in the same mold as Sesko and Simic, Serbian star Ratkov has enjoyed a successful run recently – two goals in the last three league outings – in the team while Simic's goals have are dried up.

Samson Baidoo19 years old, CB

The athletic Austrian central defender is having his breakthrough season. Calm in possession and dominant in the air, he really stands out with his strong positioning skills.

Daouda Guindo, 21 years old, LB

Another graduate of Malian Salzburg academy (the same as Amadou Haidara), Guindo showed promise during his loan spell at Swiss club St. Gallen last season. Sitting in his defensive work (he wins around 60% of his defensive duels), the left back crosses the ball particularly well and likes to test the goalkeeper with a long shot.

Luka Sučić21 years old, CM

The playmaker had a breakout season two years ago, scoring nine league goals. Once stylishly compared to the legendary Luka Modric, the Croatia international may not have reached the expected levels, but he remains a hugely talented midfielder.