In a sport where excellence can be directly proportional to financial muscle, spending big often comes with rewards. Clubs are not afraid of stretching their pockets if they believe the player will improve their squad. Everyone wants a prodigy in their club, for they come relatively cheaper than established stars, but if they click, they'd fetch exceptional returns. Here are seven of the highest-paid young footballers in the world right now who have shown a lot of promise. 

Jude Bellingham - Real Madrid 

At 21, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham earns an astounding wage of £336,124per week, which makes him the richest footballer in Europe. Bellingham justified his hefty price tag by scoring goals for fun and bailing the team out of its precarious position last season, but this season his impact has been minimal. 

Ryan Gravenberch – Liverpool 

Ryan Gravenberch, 21, has been a revelation for everyone, performing his duty in the midfield with a calm and composure that belies his age. He might not be the top goalscorer but has been the vital cog of Liverpool's midfield, having cemented his position in Arne Slot's squad. He is the highest-paid footballer aged below 23 in the Premier League, taking home a whopping £150,000 per week. 

Pedri - Barcelona 

Pedri has been the most skillful midfielder in the world for quite some time now, always bringing his A-game no matter whether he plays for club or country. Although he can easily switch clubs and command a much higher salary, the 21-year old is a thorough Barca faithful, where he earns £148,000 per week. 

Lenny Yoro - Manchester United 

Leny Yoro, the 18 year old French defender who is touted as one of the most promising defenders in the Premier League, is the second highest-paid U-21 footballer in the world, pocketing a weekly wage of £115,000 at Manchester United. He has been sidelined for four months but is expected to return to the main squad soon. 

Levi Colwill - Chelsea 

Levi Colwill,21, has shown flashes of brilliance under new Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca. He is gradually turning into the leader of Chelsea's defence, and his ball-playing ability is second to none among Chelsea defenders. He commands a weekly wage of £100,000. 

Carney Chukwuemeka - Chelsea 

Carney Chukwuemeka,21, is another Chelsea star on the list, and there's nothing to be surprised about. The club has always been known for throwing cash, and under the new ownership they went a step further. But a weekly wage of £100,000 is just about right for this dynamic Austrian midfielder who can also play on the wings. 

Rasmus Hojlund - Manchester United 

Rasmus Hojlund, 21, hasn't exactly taken the Premier League by storm, but he's slowly finding his feet in the high-paced, extremely frenetic league, and the signs have been pretty optimistic. Hojlund carries a deadly threat in front of goal, and once he gains a bit of experience, he has all the tenets that would make him a nightmare for any defenders. He earns £85,000 per week.