4 Budget Strikers For Europe’s Top-Five Leagues 2025/2026 (Stassin, Piccoli, Mosquera, Bertaccini) Scout Report – Recruitment Analysis

If we look at the latest transfer rumours, it seems that everyone is talking about the same strikers: Viktor Gyökeres, Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, and Nick Woltemade.

It all makes sense, given that those names are usually linked with the big clubs.

But its also interesting to see whats happening with the striker market outside of the big names.

We all know that big clubs arent the only ones who need strikers—medium, small, or weak clubs also need them.

Reports and rumours about it might not be making headlines, but a few European strikers could be of interest to clubs who dont have much cash or are looking to save on transfers.

This article wouldnt be specific to the younger ones either.

This list includes players who are currently at the top of their game in terms of age, so the market is pretty competitive.

Again, not every club focuses on the young or potential.

Sometimes, the one that fits into their budget is already over 23.

Theres nothing wrong with it, as long as the player matches their needs and style of play.

In the current market, there are many rumours about strikers who are being linked with big names.

Here are some budget-friendly strikers who could be an option for small or poor clubs in the top four European leagues.

Lucas Stassin Scout Report

Its interesting to see theres still no move for Lucas Stassin.

Reports said that West Ham United were interested in him, but the deal might still be a bit far off.

The situations a bit special, because Stassins side, Saint-Étienne, have been relegated to Ligue 2.

Stassin is just too good to play there, so it really makes sense that hell move to another club.

The report about West Ham said his price tag is around €19.5m, while Transfermarkt shows his market value is €18m.

That number is actually pretty reasonable, considering Stassin is only 20 years old and scored 12 goals and collected five assists in Ligue 1 last term.

The underlying numbers showed that Stassin underperformed his expected goals from last season, totalling 8.02.

His xG per 90 is just 0.36, too, which is lower than many of the top strikers in Ligue 1.

However, he loves to shoot from around the penalty spot, which makes it more likely that his shots will hit the target; his success rate is 59%.

I do think his decision-making could be better because sometimes he forces shots when the angle isnt quite right.

Hes got the potential to be a good striker, though.

When I watched his game, he showed that he can find the right moment to get past his marker, either with his pace or technique, and find the free space in the penalty area.

As a striker, the Belgian international often dropped to become a wall to receive progressive passes, then pass to nearby players to ensure his teams progression continued.

The former Anderlecht player also knows how to exploit the opponents press.

When he dropped, he knew he could make one opponent follow him, which would cause diso