The Premier League 2026-27 season is upon us, and with it, a host of young talents are set to make their mark. From attacking midfielders to powerful strikers, this article takes a closer look at 20 youngsters who could impress this season, one from each Premier League club.
Arsenal - Max Dowman
Max Dowman, an attacking midfielder/forward, is a 16-year-old prodigy who made his mark last season. He became the youngest scorer in league history and made his first league start on the final day. With a taste of first-team action, Dowman is set to be more involved this season, both on the wing and as a number 10. Manager Mikel Arteta will protect him, but this season could be the time we see Dowman in the Arsenal first team on a regular basis.
Aston Villa - George Hemmings
George Hemmings, a midfielder, has been highly rated at Villa Park. He made his first-team debut last season and made four appearances for Unai Emery, including two in the Europa League. A strong start to pre-season, including a goal in the defeat by Real Sociedad, underlines the 19-year-old's potential.
Bournemouth - Veljko Milosavljevic
Veljko Milosavljevic, a centre-half, is already a Serbia international. He became the youngest Bournemouth player to start a Premier League match when he played against Brighton in September. Milosavljevic, who turned 19 on 28 June, featured in seven Premier League games last season, with the Cherries winning four and drawing one. However, a knee injury has kept him out since January.
Brentford - Kaye Furo
Kaye Furo, a 6ft 3in quick and powerful striker, joined Brentford in January for £8m from Club Brugge. He had played in the Champions League against Arsenal before moving to west London. Brentford boss Keith Andrews is excited about Furo's potential, and he is expected to play a significant role this season.
Brighton - Zadok Yohanna
Brighton have signed 19-year-old Nigerian right-winger Zadok Yohanna for £21.5m. He scored five goals and provided four assists in 18 appearances for Swedish club AIK Stockholm. Former Brighton midfielder Warren Aspinall believes Yohanna is a 'rough diamond' who could be polished up and sold on for big money.
Chelsea - Dastan Satpaev
Dastan Satpaev, a 17-year-old Kazakhstan striker, appears to be the most likely of Chelsea's young prospects to break through. He has received praise from new manager Xabi Alonso and already has Champions League experience. Satpaev is quick, powerful, and capable of finding the net regularly.
Coventry City - Kai Andrews
Kai Andrews, a central midfielder, made his Coventry City debut aged 17 at the start of the 2023 season. Now 19, he can also play on the left and featured 10 times for the Sky Blues last season. Andrews has been back in Coventry colours in pre-season and will be hoping to force his way into Frank Lampard's Premier League line-ups.
Crystal Palace - Joel Drakes-Thomas
Joel Drakes-Thomas, a winger/wing-back, made his senior debut aged 16 years and 192 days, producing a player-of-the-match performance. He turned 17 in June and signed his first professional contract with the Eagles in July. Drakes-Thomas has already made four senior appearances and will be hoping for many more in 2026-27.
Everton - Harrison Armstrong
Harrison Armstrong, a central midfielder, has been with Everton since the age of five. He established himself as a key member of the first team in the second half of last season. Armstrong made his Toffees Premier League debut early in the 2024-25 campaign and has played 16 times in the top flight. He can play either as a defensive midfielder or in a more advanced role.
Fulham - Jonah Kusi-Asare
Jonah Kusi-Asare, a 19-year-old forward, completed a £5m permanent move to Fulham in the summer. He joined on a five-year deal with an option for a further 12 months after playing 10 times for the Cottagers while on loan from Bayern Munich last season. Kusi-Asare is 6ft 5in and has represented Sweden at under-17, under-19, and under-21 levels.
Hull City - Calvin Okike
Calvin Okike, an 18-year-old Nigerian defender, signed his first professional contract in the summer, a two-year deal with the option of a third. He largely featured for the under-21s last season but was an unused substitute in a 2-0 win over Norwich City in the Championship. Okike will be looking to push on into the first team this campaign.
Ipswich Town - Luca Fletcher
Luca Fletcher, a 19-year-old striker, joined Ipswich Town on a permanent deal in the summer after a successful loan spell from Manchester City. He is yet to play a senior game but has been training with Ipswich's first team. Town's attacking options look limited, but Fletcher is expected to play a larger role this term.
Leeds United - Alfie Cresswell
Alfie Cresswell, a 19-year-old midfielder, is the third member of his family to make his senior debut for Leeds. His dad Richard was a striker for the Whites from 2005 to 2007, and older brother Charlie has represented the England Under-21s. Cresswell is the captain of the under-21s and will be hoping to make his senior debut this season.
Liverpool - Trey Nyoni
Trey Nyoni, a 19-year-old midfielder, was considered one of the players who could play in the first team under Arne Slot. He has been one of the standouts of Liverpool's pre-season. Nyoni's confidence and ability to hold his own against opponents have impressed new manager Andoni Iraola.
Manchester City - Ryan McAidoo
Ryan McAidoo, an 18-year-old winger, scored on his first-team debut in the FA Cup last season. He may thrive in Enzo Maresca's system if given the opportunity. McAidoo was a livewire in the friendly against Inter Milan, and the manager was suitably impressed.
Manchester United - Shea Lacey
Shea Lacey, a forward, was on the fringes of the first team towards the end of Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United. He has been one of United's best players in pre-season, scoring a hat-trick on Premier League 2 duty. Lacey is expected to be introduced from the bench.
Newcastle - Sam Alabi
Sam Alabi, a 17-year-old midfielder, signed his first professional contract in July. He has his sights set on a senior debut for Newcastle this season. Alabi has already captained England at youth level and will be hoping to make his mark.
Nottingham Forest - Azae Bonnick
Azae Bonnick, a midfielder, is a rising star in Forest's academy. He scored 39 goals and provided 14 assists, playing up an age group for the under-16s last season. Bonnick has also earned a call-up to the England Under-15s.
Sunderland - Chris Rigg
Chris Rigg, an English midfielder, is closing in on 100 appearances for the Sunderland first team. He played an integral part in helping the Black Cats get into the Premier League and made the step-up impressively, starting 11 Premier League matches.
Tottenham - Luca Williams-Barnett
Luca Williams-Barnett, a 17-year-old attacker, has been described by Spurs manager Roberto de Zerbi as a 'precious diamond'. Quick, skilful, and always looking to get a shot away, the forward is playing as though he wants to break into the first team immediately.
