As the pinnacle of club football, the Champions League has historically been the center stage for superstars to leave their mark on Europe. This season is no exception, and the performances of many new players are sure to catch the attention of the big teams and make headlines. With the team already preparing for next season, here are five players who could continue their Champions League careers at some of Europe's top clubs.
Nkunku (RB Leipzig)
Frenchman Nkunku is arguably the best player in the Bundesliga right now, and he has led Leipzig to the top this season. Despite his side being eliminated in the group stage, the 22-year-old scored nine Champions League goals as a midfielder. His form made his debut for the French national team earlier this year, and he was reportedly highly recommended to Manchester United by former Leipzig boss Ronnick.
Darwin-Nunez (Benfica)
Benfica striker Darwin Nunez will undoubtedly be one of the favourites this summer, in part because of his six goals in Europe this season. The Uruguayan has excelled domestically, scoring 24 goals in 24 games to help the team reach the Champions League quarter-finals. In January, Benfica had already rejected multiple offers from the English club and there were rumours that the club would mark the 22-year-old for more than 100 million euros.
Danjuma (Villarreal)
Villarreal has been unexpected in this season's Champions League, largely thanks to Danjuma's goal. The Dutch winger scored six goals in this season's Champions League to help the team reach the semi-finals. Danjuma joined from Bournemouth last summer for 25 million euros, and for any suitor he means a big transfer fee.
Anthony (Ajax)
Brazilian striker Anthony has been a highly creative attacking threat to Ajax this season, having five assists in seven Champions League games before his side is eliminated. Since joining Ajax from São Paulo two years ago, the cunning winger has scored 22 goals in all competitions, three of them in the Champions League. The 22-year-old has made nine appearances for the Brazilian national team and is closely linked to a move to Manchester United, where he can be reunited with manager Eric Ten Haag.
Pedro Gonçalves (Sport of Portugal)
Pedro Gonçalves scored twice in consecutive games against Besiktas and Borussia Dortmund in the group stage, making him the first player since Cristiano Ronaldo to score two or more goals in a Champions League back-to-back match. The 23-year-old has scored 30 goals in two seasons at Sport portugal and can play an offensive midfielder or any side. Gonçalves has twice won the Portuguese Premier League Best Young Player award and has twice been called up by the Portuguese national team. Having spent a season with Wolves in 2017, Gonçalves has gotten better and better since then, which has made him a target for England teams this summer.