With the new Premier League campaign fast approaching Arsenal host newly promoted Coventry City on August 21, here’s a breakout youngster from each of the 20 clubs who could make their mark in 2026-27.
Arsenal — Max Dowman. The 16-year-old became the youngest goal-scorer in Premier League history against Everton in March and made his first league start on the final day of last season. After six league appearances, he’s set for a bigger role under Mikel Arteta this term, having already scored in a pre-season friendly against Girona.
Aston Villa — George Hemmings. The 19-year-old midfielder, regarded as the standout of Villa’s recent academy graduates, made his debut at Arsenal last season and went on to make four first-team appearances under Unai Emery. A strong pre-season, including a goal against Real Sociedad, has boosted expectations.
Bournemouth — Veljko Milosavljevic. The Serbia international centre-back became Bournemouth’s youngest-ever Premier League starter last September and featured seven times as the Cherries won four of those matches. A knee injury has kept the 19-year-old sidelined since January, but he’ll be looking to rebuild momentum after his £13m move from Red Star Belgrade.
Brentford — Kaye Furo. Signed from Club Brugge for £8m in January, the Belgian striker had already faced Arsenal in the Champions League before his move. He made his Premier League debut as a late substitute in a 3-0 win over West Ham in May, and manager Keith Andrews has spoken highly of his potential.
Brighton — Zadok Yohanna. The Nigerian winger, 19, joined for £21.5m from Swedish club AIK Stockholm after netting five goals and four assists in 18 appearances there. He reportedly beat Chelsea and Newcastle to the signing, with former Brighton midfielder Warren Aspinall calling it a smart piece of business.
Chelsea — Dastan Satpaev. The 17-year-old Kazakhstan striker has impressed new manager Xabi Alonso and opened the scoring against Western Sydney Wanderers in pre-season. Already capped nine times for his country, he’s viewed as the Blues’ most likely academy product to break through this season.
Coventry City — Kai Andrews. The 19-year-old Wales international midfielder made his Coventry debut at 17 and returns after loan spells at Motherwell and Hibernian, where he scored his first senior goal against Celtic in February. He’ll be pushing for game time under Frank Lampard.
Crystal Palace — Joel Drakes-Thomas. The 17-year-old right wing-back shone during Palace’s Conference League-winning run, becoming the club’s youngest-ever Premier League player after standout performances against KuPS and Leeds. He signed his first professional deal in July.
Everton — Harrison Armstrong. A boyhood Everton player, the 19-year-old midfielder established himself in the first team last season, making 16 top-flight appearances after loan spells at Derby and Preston. He was named the club’s young player of the season and has drawn praise from manager David Moyes.
Fulham — Jonah Kusi-Asare. The Swedish forward completed a permanent £5m move from Bayern Munich this summer after a productive loan spell at Craven Cottage. With top scorer Raul Jimenez having left for Wolves, the 19-year-old is expected to take on a bigger attacking role.
Hull City — Calvin Okike. The 18-year-old Nigerian defender signed his first professional deal this summer following a loan spell at Hartlepool United, where he scored on his senior debut. Named academy player of the year, he’s featured in pre-season friendlies against Turkish sides Konyaspor and Caykur Rizespor.
Ipswich Town — Luca Fletcher. The 19-year-old striker joined permanently after a successful loan from Manchester City, where he reached back-to-back FA Youth Cup finals. He’s yet to make a senior appearance but has impressed new boss Gary O’Neil in training.
Leeds United — Alfie Cresswell. The 19-year-old midfielder, following in the footsteps of his father Richard and brother Charlie, captains Leeds’ under-21s and was included in the club’s US tour squad, featuring against Wrexham and Sunderland.
Liverpool — Trey Nyoni. The 19-year-old midfielder has stood out in pre-season and could see more minutes under new manager Andoni Iraola, who has praised his composure on the ball.
Manchester City — Ryan McAidoo. The 18-year-old winger scored on his FA Cup debut last season and caught the eye against Inter Milan in pre-season, drawing praise from manager Enzo Maresca. City will decide whether to keep him in the first-team fold or send him out on loan.
Manchester United — Shea Lacey. The forward featured on the fringes late last season and has been one of United’s standout pre-season performers, notably unsettling Atletico Madrid’s defense in a friendly in Stockholm.
Newcastle United — Sam Alabi. The 17-year-old midfielder signed his first professional contract in July and is targeting a senior debut this season, having recovered from a shin injury that ended his campaign early last term.
Nottingham Forest — Azae Bonnick. A rising academy talent, the midfielder scored 39 goals and provided 14 assists playing above his age group last season and has already earned an England Under-15s call-up.
Sunderland — Chris Rigg. The 19-year-old midfielder is closing in on 100 first-team appearances and played a key role in Sunderland’s promotion, including the Play-Off final win at Wembley. He made 11 Premier League starts last season and is now a regular for England Under-19s.
Tottenham Hotspur — Luca Williams-Barnett. The 17-year-old forward, praised by manager Roberto de Zerbi, has impressed across Spurs’ pre-season friendlies and confidently converted a Panenka penalty in a shootout win over Sydney FC.
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