Meet 20 Premier League young talents to watch in 2026/27, including Nigeria’s Zadok Yohanna and Calvin Okike and several teenage prospects

The 2026/27 Premier League season begins with a fresh generation of young players ready to test themselves at the highest level, with academy graduates and emerging signings expected to compete for first-team opportunities across all 20 clubs.

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Among the prospects attracting particular attention are Nigerian youngsters Zadok Yohanna of Brighton & Hove Albion and Calvin Okike of Hull City, alongside teenage players already beginning to make their presence felt at some of England’s biggest clubs.

A selection compiled by football writer Sam Cunningham and highlighted by the Premier League identifies one young player from each club who could enjoy a breakthrough campaign.

Here is the full list of the 20 players to watch.

1. Max Dowman, Arsenal, 16, attacking midfielder

Dowman is already regarded as one of the most exciting young players in English football.

The Arsenal academy product broke several age records last season, including becoming the youngest player to feature in the UEFA Champions League and the youngest scorer in Premier League history.

2. Brian Madjo, Aston Villa, 17, striker

Madjo joined Aston Villa from Metz in January and has made a strong impression during pre-season.

The powerful forward scored five goals, including against Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup.

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

The Serbian defender could receive increased opportunities following Marcos Senesi’s move to Tottenham Hotspur. Milosavljevic already has seven Premier League appearances to his name and has also represented Serbia at international level.

4. Kaye Furo, Brentford, 19, forward

Furo joined Brentford from Club Brugge in January after establishing himself as a prolific scorer at youth level. Standing at 6ft 3in, the forward possesses a physical presence that Brentford believe could translate into senior football.

5. Zadok Yohanna, Brighton & Hove Albion, 19, forward

Nigerian forward Yohanna joined Brighton from AIK this summer after an impressive spell in Sweden. He ranked among the Swedish top flight’s leading players for dribbles and successful take-ons, qualities that could make him an exciting addition to Brighton’s attack.

6. Reggie Watson, Chelsea, 16, defensive midfielder

Watson caught the attention of Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso during pre-season.

The tall midfielder is comfortable in possession and has already featured in Chelsea youth teams that won major domestic honours.

7. George Shepherd, Coventry City, 17, midfielder

A product of Coventry’s academy, Shepherd impressed manager Frank Lampard with his attitude and performances. He trained with the first team last season and was included in several matchday squads.

8. 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, giving him valuable experience ahead of the new campaign.

9. Harrison Armstrong, Everton, 19, midfielder

Armstrong has already made 16 appearances across the past two seasons and is pushing for a more prominent role at Everton.

The midfielder’s growing first-team experience could help him establish himself more firmly this season.

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

The 6ft 5in forward impressed during his time with Fulham’s Under-21 side and made 10 first-team appearances while on loan from Bayern Munich last season.

Fulham subsequently made his move permanent, giving him a clearer pathway to senior football.

11. Calvin Okike, Hull City, 18, defender

Nigerian defender Okike can operate at both left-back and centre-back. He was named Hull City’s academy player of the year for 2025/26 and gained further senior experience during a loan spell with Hartlepool United.

12. Luca Fletcher, Ipswich Town, 19, forward

Fletcher came through Manchester City’s academy before spending last season on loan at Ipswich.

He scored six goals in Premier League 2 and has attracted the attention of Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil, who could give the youngster opportunities this season.

13. Alfie Cresswell, Leeds United, 19, midfielder

Cresswell captained Leeds’ Under-21 side last season and is now moving closer to the senior squad.

He comes from a footballing family, with his father Richard Cresswell having previously played for Leeds, while his brother Charlie Cresswell is also a professional footballer.

14. Rio Ngumoha, Liverpool, 17, winger

Ngumoha announced himself on the Premier League stage with a dramatic debut winner against Newcastle United. He made 29 first-team appearances last season and has also earned recognition at international level with England.

15. Ryan McAidoo, Manchester City, 18, winger

McAidoo enjoyed an impressive Premier League 2 campaign last season, scoring five goals and providing seven assists. His performances have attracted praise from Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca as he looks to push towards regular first-team involvement.

16. JJ Gabriel, Manchester United, 15, forward

Gabriel is the youngest player on the list but has already attracted considerable attention. He became involved with Manchester United’s first-team environment shortly after turning 15 and impressed during pre-season.

Gabriel scored more than 20 goals last season and was named Under-18 Premier League Player of the Season.

17. 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 approach and willingness to take on defenders could give him a route into Newcastle’s senior side.

18. Kalum Thompson, Nottingham Forest, 17, winger

Thompson was named Nottingham Forest’s scholar of the year after an impressive campaign. Despite being only 17, he featured for the club’s Under-21 side and recorded six goal involvements in Premier League 2.

19. Chris Rigg, Sunderland, 19, midfielder

Rigg is expected to play an increasingly important role for Sunderland as the club enters its second successive Premier League season. He made 18 league appearances last season and will now have the added challenge of European football.

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

Williams-Barnett has been one of Tottenham’s most promising young players during pre-season.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi has described the teenager as a “precious diamond” after Williams-Barnett made his senior debut in the EFL Cup last season.

The list reflects the increasingly important role young players are playing across the Premier League.

Several of the 20 prospects already have senior experience, while others are approaching their first sustained opportunity at the highest level.

For Nigerian football, the progress of Zadok Yohanna and Calvin Okike will be particularly worth following.

Both players have earned recognition after promising spells in youth and senior football, and the new season could provide an important opportunity to establish themselves in England.

The 2026/27 campaign could ultimately determine which of these promising youngsters make the difficult transition from prospect to first-team regular.

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For some, that breakthrough may come gradually. For others, the opportunity could arrive sooner than expected.