Check Out These 20 Young Stars to Watch in the 2026/27 Premier League

The 2026/27 Premier League season is about to showcase a new wave of young footballers eager to make their mark. From academy talents to fresh signings, many teenagers and young players are set to shine this season.

Among those catching the eye are Nigerian players Zadok Yohanna from Brighton and Hove Albion and Calvin Okike from Hull City.

Football writer Sam Cunningham picked one potential breakout player from each Premier League club. He highlighted the skills and chances that could help these young stars step into the spotlight.

Here’s the complete list of the 20 young talents to keep an eye on, as shared by the Premier League on X last Thursday.

1. Max Dowman, Arsenal, 16, attacking midfielder

Dowman is seen as one of the most exciting young talents today. Last season, he broke several age records, including being the youngest player to play in the UEFA Champions League and the youngest scorer in the Premier League.

1. Brian Madjo, Aston Villa, 17, striker

Madjo joined from Metz in January and has made a strong impression during pre-season. The strong striker netted five goals, including one against UEFA Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup.

1. Veljko Milosavljevic, Bournemouth, 19, centre-back

The Serbian defender stands to gain from Marcos Senesi's move to Tottenham Hotspur. Milosavljevic has already played seven matches in the Premier League and has represented Serbia.

1. Kaye Furo, Brentford, 19, forward

Furo, a strong scorer at youth level, moved to Brentford from Club Brugge in January. The 6ft 3in forward is seen as a big 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 ranked among the top players in Sweden for dribbles and take-ons, making him an exciting attacking option for Brighton.

1. Reggie Watson, Chelsea, 16, defensive midfielder

Watson caught the eye of Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso during pre-season. The tall midfielder is calm with the ball and has already been part of Chelsea youth teams that won big domestic trophies.

1. George Shepherd, Coventry City, 17, midfielder

Shepherd, a local talent, impressed coach Frank Lampard with his hard work and performances. He trained with the first team last season and was included in matchday squads.

1. Joel Drakes-Thomas, Crystal Palace, 17, forward

Drakes-Thomas made history as Crystal Palace’s youngest player in the Premier League and UEFA Conference League last season. He also made his first senior start in the FA Cup.

1. Harrison Armstrong, Everton, 19, midfielder

Armstrong has already played 16 matches in the last two seasons and is aiming for a bigger role in Everton’s first team.

1. Jonah Kusi-Asare, Fulham, 19, forward

The 6ft 5in forward shone while playing for Fulham’s Under-21s and made 10 first-team appearances on loan from Bayern Munich last season. Fulham made his transfer permanent afterward.

1. Calvin Okike, Hull City, 18, defender

The Nigerian defender, capable of playing left-back or centre-back, was named Hull’s academy player of the year for 2025/26. He also gained valuable experience on loan at Hartlepool United.

1. Luca Fletcher, Ipswich Town, 19, forward

Fletcher came through the Manchester City academy and spent last season on loan at Ipswich, scoring six goals in Premier League 2. His performances have grabbed the attention of Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil.

1. Alfie Cresswell, Leeds United, 19, midfielder

Cresswell captained Leeds’ Under-21s last season and is getting 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 made an impact with a dramatic winner on his Premier League debut against Newcastle United. He played 29 times for the first team last season and also earned his England debut.

1. Ryan McAidoo, Manchester City, 18, winger

McAidoo netted five goals and provided seven assists in Premier League 2 last season. His performances have drawn praise from new Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca.

1. JJ Gabriel, Manchester United, 15, forward

Gabriel joined the first team shortly after turning 15 and impressed during pre-season. He scored over 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 playing style could earn him chances in Newcastle’s first team.

1. Kalum Thompson, Nottingham Forest, 17, winger

Thompson was named Forest’s scholar of the year after an impressive season. Despite his youth, he played 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 be a key player for Sunderland as they enter their second straight Premier League season and prepare for European football. He made 18 appearances in the Premier League last season.

1. Luca Williams-Barnett, Tottenham Hotspur, 17, attacking midfielder/forward

Williams-Barnett has shone during Tottenham’s pre-season. Manager Roberto De Zerbi called him a “precious diamond” after the teenager made his senior debut in the EFL Cup last season.

Many of these players already have first-team experience. The 2026/27 season could be their chance to go from promising talents to established Premier League stars.