Premier League youngsters to watch in 2026-27: One rising star from every club

The Premier League returns for the 2026-27 season with reigning champions Arsenal beginning their title defence against newly promoted Coventry City on Friday, 21 August.

Every campaign sees a new generation of talent given the chance to shine, with clubs across the division continuing to place faith in their academies and emerging prospects.

From teenagers already making their first-team breakthrough to exciting talents waiting for their opportunity, we have picked one youngster from every Premier League club who could make their mark this season.

Arsenal – Max Dowman (attacking midfielder/forward)

It feels unusual to describe a player who has already scored in the Premier League as a youngster waiting to enjoy his breakthrough season, but Max Dowman is still only 16 years old.

The Arsenal academy product made history last season by becoming the youngest player to score in Premier League history, while he also made his first league start on the final day of the campaign.

Dowman featured six times in the top flight during 2025-26 and has already shown why he is considered one of the brightest talents at the Emirates Stadium. He continued his impressive form in pre-season by finding the net in a friendly victory over Girona.

Able to operate on the wing or as a number 10, Dowman is expected to be managed carefully by Mikel Arteta, but this could be the season where he becomes a more regular member of the first-team squad.

Aston Villa – George Hemmings (midfielder)

George Hemmings has been regarded as one of the most exciting talents to emerge from Aston Villa’s academy in recent years.

The midfielder made his senior debut away at Arsenal last season and went on to make four first-team appearances under Unai Emery, including two outings in the Europa League.

The 19-year-old has impressed during pre-season, scoring in Villa’s defeat to Real Sociedad, and will hope to build on those early opportunities as he looks to establish himself in Emery’s plans.

Bournemouth – Veljko Milosavljevic (defender)

Veljko Milosavljevic has already gained valuable experience despite still being just 19 years old.

The Serbia international became the youngest Bournemouth player to start a Premier League match when he featured against Brighton in September and went on to make seven league appearances during the 2025-26 campaign.

The centre-back helped the Cherries to four victories and one draw in those games, but his progress was interrupted by a knee injury which ruled him out from January onwards.

Standing at 6ft 4in, Milosavljevic arrived from Red Star Belgrade in September 2025 for an initial £13m and will be hoping to continue his development at the Vitality Stadium.

Brentford – Kaye Furo (striker)

Brentford invested £8m to bring Belgian forward Kaye Furo to west London from Club Brugge in January, with the club viewing him as a long-term attacking option.

The 6ft 3in striker combines pace and power, and had already gained Champions League experience before making the move to the Bees.

Brentford head coach Keith Andrews was excited by the signing, saying: “Kaye is someone we have tracked for a while that we are really excited about bringing to the club.

“His attributes are ones I like and feel we can develop within the environment we have created. I have no doubt he will be a big player for us.”

Furo made his Premier League debut as a late substitute in a 3-0 win over West Ham in May and will now look to play a bigger role in 2026-27.

Brighton – Zadok Yohanna (winger)

Brighton have built a reputation for identifying and developing young talent, and Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna is the latest prospect expected to excite supporters at the Amex.

The Seagulls completed a £21.5m deal to sign the 19-year-old from Swedish side AIK Stockholm, where he recorded five goals and four assists in 18 appearances.

Former Brighton midfielder Warren Aspinall believes supporters have reason to be optimistic about the teenager.

“It’s a little bit of a scalp because two other big clubs in England were chasing him in Chelsea and Newcastle, so they got ahead of them which is very good,” he said.

“It might be the right price and the going rate for an up-and-coming, good player.

“Have we got another diamond to polish up? That’s what we’re looking for – these rough diamonds to polish up and sell on for big money.”

Chelsea – Dastan Satpaev (forward)

Chelsea have no shortage of young talent, but Kazakhstan international Dastan Satpaev appears to be one of the prospects closest to making an impact.

The 17-year-old striker has already earned praise from new manager Xabi Alonso and impressed during pre-season, scoring with a powerful near-post finish against Western Sydney Wanderers.

Quick, strong and capable in front of goal, Satpaev already has Champions League experience and has earned nine senior caps for Kazakhstan since 2025.

Midfielders Landon Emenalo, Reggie Walsh, Reggie Watson and Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli are also among the other academy players to watch.

Coventry City – Kai Andrews (midfielder)

Kai Andrews has been part of Coventry City’s first-team picture since making his senior debut as a 17-year-old in 2023.

The versatile midfielder, who can also play on the left, made 10 appearances for the Sky Blues last season before spending the second half of the campaign on loan at Hibernian.

During his time in Scotland, Andrews scored his first senior goal in a 2-1 win over Celtic and has already earned three caps for Wales.

Back with Coventry during pre-season, the 19-year-old will be looking to catch the eye of manager Frank Lampard ahead of the club’s first Premier League season.

Crystal Palace – Joel Drakes-Thomas (winger/wing-back)

Crystal Palace’s successful European campaign gave several academy players the chance to impress, with Joel Drakes-Thomas among those who took their opportunity.

The teenager made his senior debut at just 16 years and 192 days old against Finnish side KuPS, producing a player-of-the-match display in the 2-2 draw.

Two days later, he became Palace’s youngest-ever Premier League player when he featured against Leeds.

The versatile winger or wing-back, who joined Palace at the age of six, signed his first professional contract in July and has already made four senior appearances.

Everton – Harrison Armstrong (midfielder)

Harrison Armstrong has been with Everton since he was five years old and has gradually established himself as part of the first-team squad.

The central midfielder made his Premier League debut early in the 2024-25 season and has since featured 16 times in the competition, alongside loan spells with Derby County and Preston North End.

His performances earned him Everton’s young player of the season award, while he has also represented England at Under-19 level.

Everton manager David Moyes praised the youngster earlier this year, saying: “He’s not looked out of place in the Premier League. That’s the biggest compliment I could give Harrison.”

Fulham – Jonah Kusi-Asare (forward)

Jonah Kusi-Asare is expected to play a bigger role for Fulham after completing a permanent £5m move from Bayern Munich this summer.

The Swedish forward spent last season on loan at Craven Cottage, making 10 appearances before joining permanently on a five-year deal with an option for a further 12 months.

Standing at 6ft 5in, the 19-year-old has represented Sweden at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level and made seven substitute appearances in the Premier League last season.

With Raul Jimenez departing for Wolves, Kusi-Asare could now have the opportunity to become a more regular attacking option.

Hull City – Calvin Okike (defender)

Eighteen-year-old defender Calvin Okike is one of Hull City’s most promising academy prospects.

The Nigerian signed his first professional contract this summer and spent much of last season featuring for the Under-21s, while also enjoying a loan spell with National League side Hartlepool United.

He scored within a minute of making his senior debut and impressed during pre-season victories over Konyaspor and Caykur Rizespor.

After being named Hull’s academy player of the year for 2025-26, Okike will be aiming to continue his progress.

Ipswich Town – Luca Fletcher (winger/forward)

Luca Fletcher is hoping to take the next step after turning a successful loan spell into a permanent move to Ipswich Town this summer.

The 19-year-old forward joined from Manchester City after impressing in the Premier League 2, where he scored six goals and helped City reach the FA Youth Cup final in consecutive seasons.

An England Under-17 international, Fletcher is yet to make his senior debut but has been training with Ipswich’s first team and has caught the attention of new manager Gary O’Neil.

With Ipswich looking for more attacking options following promotion back to the Premier League, Fletcher could be given opportunities to make his mark.

Leeds United – Alfie Cresswell (midfielder)

Alfie Cresswell could continue a family tradition when he makes his senior debut for Leeds United.

The 19-year-old midfielder would become the third member of his family to represent the club, following his father Richard, who played for the Whites between 2005 and 2007, and older brother Charlie, who made 14 appearances before moving to Toulouse.

Cresswell captained Leeds’ Under-21 side last season and was named among the substitutes for the club’s final two Premier League matches of 2025-26.

He featured during Leeds’ pre-season tour of the United States, including appearances against Wrexham and Sunderland, and a first-team breakthrough could be close.

Liverpool – Trey Nyoni (midfielder)

After Rio Ngumoha enjoyed his breakthrough season last year, attention could now turn towards Trey Nyoni as another Liverpool youngster ready to make an impact.

The 19-year-old midfielder impressed during pre-season and was previously viewed as a player capable of pushing into the first team under Arne Slot.

New manager Andoni Iraola has been encouraged by Nyoni’s confidence in possession.

“Even when he [Trey] has one opponent quite close, he asks for that ball and he’s confident, he doesn’t rush. For me, that is very valuable,” Iraola said.

His performances over the summer have strengthened his case for more opportunities in the first team.

Manchester City – Ryan McAidoo (winger)

Ryan McAidoo announced himself on the senior stage last season by scoring on his FA Cup debut.

The 18-year-old winger made two appearances in the competition and has impressed during pre-season, particularly against Inter Milan where he came close to scoring the winner.

Manager Enzo Maresca was impressed by McAidoo’s ability and said the youngster is the type of winger he “loves”.

A decision will be made on whether McAidoo remains with the first team or heads out on loan to continue his development.

Midfielders Divine Mukasa and Floyd Samba are also among City’s emerging talents to watch.

Manchester United – Shea Lacey (forward)

Shea Lacey has been one of Manchester United’s standout performers during pre-season and appears ready to challenge for more first-team involvement.

The forward impressed towards the end of Ruben Amorim’s reign and immediately caught the eye after his departure, before later being sent off against Brighton in the FA Cup.

He also scored a hat-trick for Manchester United’s Under-21s and continued his form into the summer, producing an excellent display against Atletico Madrid.

Best operating from the right before cutting inside, Lacey could become a regular option off the bench this season.

Newcastle United – Sam Alabi (midfielder)

Sam Alabi only signed his first professional contract in July, but the 17-year-old midfielder already has his sights set on senior football.

The dynamic midfielder was included on the bench several times last season after impressing during first-team training and holding his own against senior players.

A shin injury ended his campaign prematurely in January, but former manager Eddie Howe backed him to have a bright future.

Alabi has already captained England at youth level and remains one of Newcastle’s most exciting academy prospects.

Nottingham Forest – Azae Bonnick (midfielder)

Azae Bonnick is one of the brightest talents emerging from Nottingham Forest’s academy.

The midfielder enjoyed an outstanding season at youth level, scoring 39 goals and providing 14 assists while playing up an age group for the Under-16s.

He also earned recognition from England after receiving an Under-15 call-up and made his Under-18 debut against Sunderland shortly after turning 15.

Sunderland – Chris Rigg (midfielder)

Chris Rigg may only be 19, but he is already closing in on 100 appearances for Sunderland.

The midfielder played a crucial role in helping the Black Cats secure promotion, making 42 league appearances in 2024-25 and starting the play-off final victory over Sheffield United.

He adapted well to Premier League football last season, starting 11 matches and making seven further appearances from the bench.

With Sunderland also competing in the Europa League this season, Rigg is expected to play a key role.

Tottenham Hotspur – Luca Williams-Barnett (forward)

Luca Williams-Barnett has already caught the attention of Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi, who described the teenager as a “precious diamond”.

The 17-year-old forward has impressed throughout pre-season with his pace, skill and confidence in front of goal.

One of his standout moments came when he confidently converted a Panenka penalty during Tottenham’s shootout win over Sydney FC.

Centre-back Malachi Hardy, 18, is another youngster who has earned praise from De Zerbi after impressing during the 2-1 victory over Chelsea.

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