From Arsenal's Dowman to Spurs' Williams-Barnett: Kids to watch at every club
KID TO WATCH: Arsenal's Max Dowman warms up before the pre-season friendly against Real Betis at the Aviva Stadium. Pic: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile.
The World Cup should benefit a number of young stars looking to make their mark.
Players returning late from international duty means first-team managers turn to the academy to bulk out pre-season squads.
Here we run through one from each team looking to make their mark for their respective teams in the 2026/27 Premier League season.
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Max Dowman only turned 16 on New Year’s Eve, yet has already been handed first-team minutes by head coach Mikel Arteta. The teenager bagged his first senior goal in a home win over Everton back in March. Arsenal fans will hope to see more of the youngster this season.
Aston Villa signed Brian Madjo back in January, parting with €12m to bring the 17-year-old to Villa Park. London-born Madjo was initially ineligible to play competitively for the Villans as FIFA rules state an international transfer cannot take place before a player turns 18 owing to his Luxembourg outings. Villa, though, won their appeal, meaning they can unleash the 6ft4in teen.
Another who featured sporadically in the Premier League last season, Veljko Milosavljevic joined Bournemouth from Red Star Belgrade last year for £13m. It was a gamble by the Cherries, but one that is expected to pay off handsomely. Antonio Silva’s arrival may ease Marcos Senesi’s departure, but the 19-year-old should still see in an increase in minutes owing to Bournemouth’s European qualification.
Signed from Club Brugge in January, Kaye Furo penned a five-and-a-half-year deal at the Gtech Community Stadium at the turn of the year. Big things are expected of the 6ft3in striker in west London. A Belgium youth international regular, Furo will hope he can build upon his league debut in the win over West Ham back in May with a more prominent role.
In Harry Howell, Brighton feel they have a gem on their hands. The 18-year-old has been likened to Spanish maestros Juan Mata and David Silva. No wonder supporters are eager to see the teenage forward in action this season. Brighton’s European qualification should, hopefully, result in more minutes.
Shumaira Mheuka made history last February when he became the youngest player to start for Chelsea in European competition. The Blues plucked the striker from Brighton back in 2022, and they feel they have a gem on their hands. Indeed, the teenage striker is clinical in the box yet shows a willingness to bring others into play.
Caleb Yirenkyi made headlines for all the right reasons at the 2026 World Cup as the 20-year-old scored Ghana’s 95th-minute winner against Panama. The young midfielder joined Coventry from Danish side Nordsjælland for a club-record €25m earlier this month. Tidy in possession, he’s an exciting addition to the Sky Blues.
Joel Drakes-Thomas first caught the eye during Crystal Palace’s UEFA Conference League win over KuPS. It was a huge show of faith by then-Palace boss Oliver Glasner to hand the 16-year-old a competitive debut. And having signed a first professional contract at Selhurst Park, big things are expected of the versatile right-sider.
David Moyes is aware of Braiden Graham. The Northern Irish youngster has already made a handful of the Scot’s first-team Everton squads. The next step, then, is regular minutes. Graham is an all-action forward, renowned for his pace, defensive work-rate and predatory instincts. The 18-year-old would certainly aid an Everton side that scored 47 league goals last season.
Canada were rocked by the absence of Moise Bambito for the 2026 World Cup. However, they needn’t have worried. Luc De Fougerolles put in a series of displays that belied the centre-back’s tender years. Issa Diop’s Ipswich move should pave the way for the 20-year-old to become a mainstay for Alphonse Areola’s men.
Hull bolstered their midfield with the addition of Norwegian Jens Hjerto-Dahl recently. At 6ft4in, Hjerto-Dahl is an intimidating presence in the middle of the park. The 20-year-old is incredibly press resistant, which is key for a Tigers side back in the Premier League, and, perhaps crucially, a set-piece threat.
Having joined Ipswich on loan last year, Luca Fletcher’s move was made permanent this summer. Fletcher scored six times in Premier League 2 last season and while he’s yet to make a senior appearance for the Tractor Boys, he is on the cusp of a first-team debut. The teenage forward has reportedly impressed Gary O’Neill in pre-season, so a first league appearance isn’t far off.
Daniel Farke’s preference for a three-man backline could benefit 18-year-old left-back Jayden Lienou. The teenager is considered one of the club’s brightest prospects. Comfortable at left-back and centre-back, Farke could utilise Lienou on the left side of the three-man defence or at wing-back. And having already made the first-team matchday squad, he could well become a regular feature this season.
Liverpool have already brought in one left winger this summer, trumping Newcastle to Victor Munoz. Fans are hoping that doesn’t stunt Rio Ngumoha’s development. The English wideman proved a handful for Premier League defences last season. A real breakout campaign is expected.
Manchester City may yet sanction Savinho’s exit. They already have a replacement for the Brazilian on the books. Ryan McAidoo is renowned for his dribbling ability, and has previously revealed he looked to teammate Jeremy Doku to improve this aspect to his game. The 18-year-old is the archetypal, modern-day inverted winger who cuts in from the right onto his left. The explosive forward could well become a mainstay in Enzo Maresca’s squad.
Arguably the most promising young talent on the Manchester United books. JJ Gabriel is yet to sign professional terms at Old Trafford, but is eligible to make his top-flight debut as he turns 16 in October. Having shone in pre-season, it’s only a matter of time before the talented teen is tormenting Premier League defences.
Sam Alabi made the Newcastle matchday squad for their Champions League meeting with Marseille last season. While he didn’t feature, the experience will have served the midfielder well. The 17-year-old’s best qualities are his dribbling and passing ability. As such, the teen’s been likened to former Manchester United man Paul Pogba.
Kalum Thompson moved to Nottingham Forest last year. He only turned 17 last September, yet spent the bulk of the season with the U21s. It speaks volumes of the teenager’s talent already. Unsurprisingly, he won the club’s Scholar of the Year award as the wing-wizard in the making showcased his immense potential.
Finn Geragusian is considered one of Sunderland’s brightest academy prospects. At 6ft2in, the 18-year-old is a handy attacking outlet at youth level. Bulk up, and he could prove the Black Cats’ next homegrown hero. With pace to burn and a keen eye for goal, head coach Regis Le Bris may turn to Geragusian as a Brian Brobbey successor before long.
Tottenham have made a substantial amount on youth team sales this summer. One player who won’t be leaving anytime soon, however, is attacker Luca Williams-Barnett. The 17-year-old has caught the eye of head coach Roberto De Zerbi during pre-season. Willams-Barnett made his first senior appearance last season. Expect plenty more in 2026/27.
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