1 Young Gun From Every EPL Team to Have a Breakout Season
There are some real superstars emerging in the Premier League
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The Premier League has become a breeding ground for young talent, with more teenagers and U21 players breaking into first-team football than ever before.
Ahead of the 2026/27 season, there is a standout young player at every Premier League club who could take a major step forward. Some have already established themselves at senior level, while others are waiting for their opportunity to make the jump from academy football.
Here is the best U21 player at every Premier League club who could be set for a huge season.
Bournemouth — Ben Gannon-Doak
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Ben Gannon-Doak looks set to be one of Bournemouth's most exciting young attacking options this season.
The Scottish winger spent last season developing his game with Bournemouth, and registering one assist last season in the Premier League. His biggest strengths are his explosive acceleration, dribbling and willingness to take defenders on.
At just 20, Gannon-Doak still has plenty of room to develop. With Bournemouth now preparing for European football, increased squad rotation could give him plenty of opportunities to establish himself as a regular first-team player.
2026/27 prediction: A breakout year as a dangerous rotation option on the wing.
Arsenal — Max Dowman
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Max Dowman might be the most exciting young player on this entire list.
The Arsenal teenager enjoyed a remarkable 2025/26 campaign, becoming the youngest player to win a Premier League game, score in the Premier League, start a league match and feature in the Champions League. He made 13 senior appearances last season and has already continued to impress during pre-season.
Dowman possesses exceptional close control, dribbling ability and confidence for a player so young. He can operate as an attacking midfielder or from the right wing and has already shown he is comfortable playing against senior opposition.
Arsenal will need to manage his minutes carefully, but another season of rapid development could see Dowman become a genuine first-team contributor.
2026/27 prediction: More Premier League starts and a serious breakthrough at senior level.
Aston Villa — Brian Madjo
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Brian Madjo has gone from an intriguing prospect to one of the most talked-about teenagers in English football in a matter of weeks.
The 17-year-old striker joined Aston Villa from Metz for around £10 million and was eventually cleared to play after Villa successfully appealed FIFA's initial decision to block his registration. He then announced himself in spectacular fashion, scoring against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup and becoming the youngest-ever scorer in the competition.
Standing around 6ft 4in, Madjo combines enormous physical strength with surprisingly good movement and finishing. He also scored four times during pre-season before his competitive debut.
With Aston Villa looking for attacking options behind Ollie Watkins, Madjo could receive far more opportunities than most 17-year-olds.
2026/27 prediction: One of the breakout teenagers of the Premier League.
Brentford — Jannik Schuster
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Jannik Schuster is an exciting addition to Brentford's young defensive group.
The Austrian centre-back joined Brentford from Red Bull Salzburg in the summer and arrives with a reputation as a composed, physically imposing defender. At 6ft 2in, Schuster has the size to compete in the Premier League while also possessing the versatility to play in defensive midfield.
Brentford have developed a reputation for giving young players opportunities, and Schuster could be another example of that recruitment strategy paying off.
His ability to play out from the back and his physical presence make him an interesting player to watch.
2026/27 prediction: Breaks into Brentford's first-team rotation and becomes a regular starter by the second half of the season.
Brighton — Luka Vuskovic
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Luka Vuskovic is one of the most highly-rated young defenders in European football and could be ready to make his Premier League impact with Brighton.
The 19-year-old Croatian centre-back stands at around 6ft 4in and combines his physical presence with excellent technical ability. His development in Germany last season gave him valuable experience playing senior football before his move to Brighton.
Vuskovic is particularly impressive in possession and is capable of carrying the ball forward from defence, while his height makes him a major threat from set pieces.
Brighton have repeatedly shown a willingness to trust young players, making the club an ideal environment for Vuskovic.
2026/27 prediction: Establishes himself as one of the Premier League's most exciting young centre-backs.
Chelsea — Estevao
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Estevao is arguably Chelsea's most naturally gifted young attacker.
The Brazilian winger made 22 Premier League appearances in 2025/26, scoring twice and providing two assists, despite starting just 11 games.
Those numbers don't tell the full story. Estevao's left foot, dribbling ability and creativity make him a constant threat from the right wing, while his experience in Brazil and at international level has given him a maturity beyond his age.
With another season of adaptation to English football under his belt, the expectation will be for his output to rise significantly, especially with rumours that Pedro Neto could leave.
2026/27 prediction: Double figures for goals and assists across all competitions, and is a regular starter.
Coventry City — Caleb Yirenkyi
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Caleb Yirenkyi is a player who could benefit enormously from Coventry City's return to the Premier League.
The Ghanaian midfielder is already physically equipped for senior football while his versatility allows him to contribute in several midfield roles.
Yirenkyi's biggest challenge will be adapting to the intensity and technical quality of Premier League football. Coventry's promotion provides him with the perfect opportunity to make that next step.
If he can establish himself in the first-team squad, his combination of athleticism and defensive work could make him a valuable player for Coventry's survival campaign.
2026/27 prediction: Becomes a regular starter and key part of a potential survival push.
Crystal Palace — Jaydee Canvot
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Jaydee Canvot has already shown that he can handle Premier League football.
The French defender made 20 Premier League appearances last season, while also making a further number of appearances across other competitions.
At 6ft 2in, Canvot has excellent physical attributes and is capable of playing across the defensive line. Palace have already trusted him regularly, and another year of development could see him become a permanent fixture in the starting XI after the departure of Maxence Lacroix.
His versatility could prove particularly valuable over a long season.
2026/27 prediction: Moves from promising youngster to established Premier League defender.
Everton — Adam Aznou
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Adam Aznou brings plenty of pedigree to Everton's young squad.
The Moroccan full-back came through Bayern Munich's academy and has already experienced senior football in Germany and Spain before joining Everton. He is a technically gifted left-back who likes to push forward and contribute in attacking areas.
Aznou is still waiting for his sustained Premier League opportunity, but at just 20 he has already accumulated valuable experience at several high levels of European football.
Everton could provide him with the consistent first-team football needed to finally fulfil his potential.
2026/27 prediction: Pushes for a starting role at left-back.
Fulham — Luca de Fougerolles
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Luca de Fougerolles is one of Canada's most promising young defenders and could be ready for a bigger role at Fulham.
The 20-year-old centre-back has already gained valuable senior and international experience, including involvement with Canada's World Cup setup. He combines physical aggression with a willingness to defend on the front foot.
The Times recently identified de Fougerolles as one of the young Premier League players to watch, highlighting his strength and maturity as a defender.
With more opportunities likely to arrive, this could be the season where he establishes himself as a genuine Premier League option.
2026/27 prediction: Breaks into Fulham's regular defensive rotation.
Hull City — Lucas Herrington
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Lucas Herrington could be one of the biggest breakout stories of the season.
The 18-year-old Australian centre-back joined newly promoted Hull City from Colorado Rapids in a record-breaking $33 million Australian transfer, making him the most expensive Australian footballer ever.
Herrington's reputation exploded during the 2026 World Cup, where he became the youngest Australian to start a World Cup match. He had already made his Socceroos debut before the tournament and impressed with his composure and physicality against international opposition.
Now he gets the chance to test himself against Premier League attackers every week.
2026/27 prediction: Becomes one of the most talked-about young defenders in the Premier League.
Ipswich Town — Sindre Walle Egeli
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Sindre Walle Egeli is an exciting Norwegian winger with plenty of attacking potential.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a productive 2025/26 Championship campaign, recording four goals and one assist last season.
Egeli is naturally left-footed and usually operates from the right wing, giving him the opportunity to cut inside and create chances. His pace and directness make him particularly dangerous in transition.
Ipswich's return to the Premier League gives Egeli a huge opportunity to prove that his Championship form can translate to the top level.
2026/27 prediction: Becomes one of Ipswich's main attacking outlets off the bench.
Leeds United — Alfie Cresswell
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Alfie Cresswell is a highly-rated young midfielder who could make his presence felt at Leeds.
Cresswell has developed through Leeds' academy and possesses the physical profile needed to compete at senior level. His ability to read the game and play out from the back makes him particularly suited to a possession-based approach.
Cresswell's challenge will be earning consistent minutes in a competitive Leeds side, but his development has continued to attract attention and he is now at the stage where first-team opportunities could accelerate his progress.
2026/27 prediction: Makes his Premier League breakthrough and becomes a regular squad option.
Liverpool — Rio Ngumoha
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Rio Ngumoha is already a piece of Liverpool history and arguably has already broken out as a player.
The 17-year-old winger became Liverpool's youngest-ever scorer after scoring against Newcastle, before later becoming the club's youngest player to score a Premier League goal at Anfield against Fulham.
Ngumoha made 19 Premier League appearances and scored twice during 2025/26, earning a place on the PFA Young Player of the Year shortlist.
His explosiveness, close control and ability to beat defenders one-on-one make him one of the most exciting attacking prospects at Anfield.
With Liverpool's squad undergoing significant changes, Ngumoha could be handed an even greater role.
2026/27 prediction: Establishes himself as a genuine first-team winger.
Manchester City — Ryan McAidoo
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Ryan McAidoo could be one of Manchester City's next academy graduates to make the jump into the first team.
The 18-year-old winger enjoyed an excellent 2025/26 campaign for City's U21 side, recording five goals and seven assists in just 1,028 minutes, while boasting an impressive FotMob rating of 7.73.
McAidoo is a direct and creative attacker who can operate from the wing and has already earned attention for his finishing and ability to create chances.
With Manchester City constantly searching for the next academy star, this could be the season McAidoo starts getting meaningful first-team minutes.
2026/27 prediction: Makes his Premier League debut and becomes a regular cup option.
Manchester United — Shea Lacey
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Shea Lacey is one of the most technically gifted players to come through Manchester United's academy in recent years.
The attacking midfielder has long been regarded as a special talent, with his close control, creativity and ability to manipulate defenders standing out from a young age.
Lacey also impressed during Manchester United's pre-season, scoring against Rosenborg after a brilliant individual move and showing the confidence to take responsibility in the final third.
The big question is whether he can stay fit and translate that talent into consistent senior football. If he does, United could have another academy star on their hands.
2026/27 prediction: Makes his Premier League breakthrough and becomes a fan favourite.
Newcastle United — Bazoumana Toure
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Bazoumana Touré is one of the most intriguing young attacking players in Newcastle's squad.
The Ivory Coast international is a naturally explosive left winger who combines pace, direct running and one-on-one ability. Born in 2006, Toure is already experienced at senior level and has earned international recognition with the Ivory Coast.
Newcastle have lost a number of key players so there's significant pressure for him to hit the ground running, but Toure's raw attacking ability gives him a chance to impress this season.
2026/27 prediction: Makes an impact as a high-energy attacking starter.
Nottingham Forest — Abdoulaye Agbejoye
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Abdoulaye Agbejoye is arguably the biggest wildcard on this list.
Although not officially signed, the 18-year-old Nigerian striker has attracted attention from clubs across Europe after an impressive spell in Nigerian youth football. Standing at around 6ft 5in, Agbejoye combines enormous physical presence with explosive pace and a strong goalscoring record.
Forest are reportedly interested in developing him as a long-term project, potentially using a loan move to give him senior European experience.
If the move materialises and his development continues at the expected rate, Agbejoye could become a serious prospect for the future.
2026/27 prediction: A season of development that puts him firmly on the radar.
Sunderland — Tymur Tutierov
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Tymur Tutierov is one of the young players Sunderland will hope can make the step up alongside the club's return to the Premier League.
The Ukrainian forward has impressed this preseason with his movement and attacking instincts and offers Sunderland a different profile in the final third.
At this stage of his development, regular senior minutes will be crucial. Sunderland's promotion provides an opportunity for Tutierov to experience the highest level of English football and learn from playing against some of Europe's best defenders.
2026/27 prediction: Makes an impact from the bench and gradually earns more opportunities.
Tottenham Hotspur — Mathys Tel
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Mathys Tel is perhaps the safest pick on this list when it comes to proven top-level ability.
The French forward has already experienced Bundesliga, Champions League and international football despite being only 21. His versatility is one of his biggest strengths, with Tel capable of playing through the middle or from either flank.
After moving to Tottenham, the next challenge is turning his enormous potential into consistent Premier League production. His pace, power and finishing make him perfectly suited to a high-intensity attacking system.
With more regular starts, Tel could finally put together the breakout campaign many have expected from him.
2026/27 prediction: Becomes Tottenham's first-choice striker
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