FULL LIST: Top 20 Premier League young talents to watch in 2026/27
August 14, 2026 10:04 am
The 2026/27 Premier League season is set to provide a platform for a new generation of young footballers seeking to establish themselves at the highest level.
From academy graduates to promising new signings, several teenagers and young players have been identified as potential breakout stars who could make a significant impact for their respective clubs this season.
Among the players attracting attention are Nigerian youngsters Zadok Yohanna of Brighton and Hove Albion and Calvin Okike of Hull City.
Football writer Sam Cunningham identified one potential breakout player at each Premier League club, highlighting the qualities and opportunities that could help them enjoy a breakthrough campaign.
Below is the full list of the 20 young talents to watch, as listed by the Premier League on X on Thursday
1. Max Dowman – Arsenal, 16, attacking midfielder
Dowman is regarded as one of the most exciting young players of his generation. He broke several age records last season, including becoming the youngest player to feature in the UEFA Champions League and the youngest scorer in the Premier League.
1. Brian Madjo – Aston Villa, 17, striker
Signed from Metz in January, Madjo has impressed during pre-season. The powerful striker scored five goals, including a goal against UEFA Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup.
1. Veljko Milosavljevic – Bournemouth, 19, centre-back
The Serbian defender could benefit from the departure of Marcos Senesi to Tottenham Hotspur. Milosavljevic has already made seven Premier League appearances and has also represented Serbia.
1. Kaye Furo – Brentford, 19, forward
Furo, a prolific scorer at youth level, joined Brentford from Club Brugge in January. The 6ft 3in forward is considered a major prospect by the club.
1. Zadok Yohanna – Brighton and Hove Albion, 19, forward
The Nigerian joined Brighton from AIK this summer after impressing in Sweden. Yohanna was among the Swedish top flight’s leading players for dribbles and take-ons and could be another exciting attacking prospect for Brighton.
1. Reggie Watson – Chelsea, 16, defensive midfielder
Watson impressed Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso during pre-season. The tall midfielder is composed on the ball and has already been part of Chelsea youth sides that won major domestic honours.
1. George Shepherd – Coventry City, 17, midfielder
A local product, Shepherd impressed head coach Frank Lampard with his performances and work ethic. He trained with the first team last season and was included in matchday squads.
1. Joel Drakes-Thomas – Crystal Palace, 17, forward
Drakes-Thomas became Crystal Palace’s youngest Premier League and UEFA Conference League player last season. He also made his first senior start in the FA Cup.
1. Harrison Armstrong – Everton, 19, midfielder
Armstrong has already made 16 appearances across the last two seasons and is pushing for a more prominent role in Everton’s first team.
1. Jonah Kusi-Asare – Fulham, 19, forward
The 6ft 5in forward impressed while playing for Fulham’s Under-21s and made 10 first-team appearances on loan from Bayern Munich last season. Fulham subsequently made his move permanent.
1. Calvin Okike – Hull City, 18, defender
The Nigerian defender, who can operate at left-back or centre-back, was Hull’s academy player of the year for 2025/26. He also gained experience with Hartlepool United during a loan spell.
1. Luca Fletcher – Ipswich Town, 19, forward
Fletcher came through Manchester City’s academy and spent last season on loan at Ipswich, where he scored six goals in Premier League 2. His progress has attracted the attention of Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil.
1. Alfie Cresswell – Leeds United, 19, midfielder
Cresswell captained Leeds’ Under-21s last season and has moved closer to the senior team. He is the son of former Leeds player Richard Cresswell and brother of Charlie Cresswell.
1. Rio Ngumoha – Liverpool, 17, winger
Ngumoha announced himself with a dramatic Premier League debut winner against Newcastle United. He made 29 first-team appearances last season and also received his England debut.
1. Ryan McAidoo – Manchester City, 18, winger
McAidoo scored five goals and provided seven assists in Premier League 2 last season. His performances have earned praise from new Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca.
1. JJ Gabriel – Manchester United, 15, forward
Gabriel became involved with the first team shortly after turning 15 and impressed during pre-season. He scored more than 20 goals last season and was named Under-18 Premier League Player of the Season.
1. Park Seung-soo – Newcastle United, 19, winger
The South Korean winger averaged 4.7 dribbles per 90 minutes in Premier League 2 last season. His direct style could earn him opportunities in Newcastle’s first team.
1. Kalum Thompson – Nottingham Forest, 17, winger
Thompson was named Forest’s scholar of the year after an impressive campaign. Despite his age, he featured for the club’s Under-21s and recorded six goal involvements in Premier League 2.
1. Chris Rigg – Sunderland, 19, midfielder
Rigg is expected to play an important role for Sunderland as they enter their second consecutive Premier League season and prepare for European football. He made 18 Premier League appearances last season.
1. Luca Williams-Barnett – Tottenham Hotspur, 17, attacking midfielder/forward
Williams-Barnett has impressed during Tottenham’s pre-season campaign. Manager Roberto De Zerbi has described him as a “precious diamond” after the teenager made his senior debut in the EFL Cup last season.
With several of these players already having first-team experience, the 2026/27 campaign could provide the stage for them to move from promising prospects to established Premier League stars.
Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
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