Top Strikers to Watch for the Premier League Golden Boot

Erling Haaland will start the 2026-27 Premier League season as the leading candidate for the Golden Boot. But other top forwards in the league are ready to give the Manchester City striker a run for his money.

Haaland scored 27 league goals last season. He has won the Golden Boot three times in his four seasons in the Premier League. He is the clear favorite as the new season kicks off.

Here are some of the main contenders based on a list from BBC Sport on Tuesday.

Erling Haaland, Manchester City
Haaland is still the man everyone is chasing. His scoring record in England has been amazing. He aims to win the Golden Boot for the fourth time.

A new coach, Enzo Maresca, might change some tactics at City. But Haaland is still expected to be their top scorer.

Alexander Isak, Liverpool
Isak is one of the strongest challengers to Haaland. The Liverpool striker has already shown he can score a lot in the Premier League. He is expected to play a big role in his team's attack.

His form and fitness will be crucial after dealing with injuries last season.

Igor Thiago, Brentford
Thiago made a name for himself last season, scoring 22 Premier League goals. He finished second to Haaland.

The Brazilian now faces pressure to prove that last season's success was not just a fluke.

Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal
Gyokeres netted 14 league goals in his first Premier League season with Arsenal.

With a full season of English football experience, the Swedish player hopes to improve on that and challenge for the Golden Boot.

Joao Pedro, Chelsea
Joao Pedro is another contender after scoring 15 league goals last season.

The Chelsea forward could thrive in an attacking setup under Xabi Alonso. He will aim to boost his goal numbers this season.

Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa
Watkins has been a reliable scorer for Aston Villa. He scored 12 league goals last season and needs to improve significantly to be in the Golden Boot race.

Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United
Sesko could be a dark horse if he keeps up his good scoring form all season.

The Manchester United striker has the skills and finishing touch to have a big season. More consistency could put him among the league’s top scorers.

Others to watch
Players like Dominic Solanke, Antoine Semenyo, and Morgan Gibbs-White could also join the race if they have strong seasons. Recent rankings show several potential challengers to Haaland.

With Haaland aiming for another Golden Boot and many forwards capable of scoring 20 or more goals, the fight for the Premier League’s top-scorer award will be one of the key highlights of the 2026-27 season.