The young U21 talents to watch in the Premier League

Premier League's young talents are back for a new season, with promising profiles ready to shine. Among them, a Manchester United striker could break a historic record, while Brighton is banking on a Swede who has become the club's most expensive player in history.

Arsenal is banking on Marli Salmon, a 16-year-old central defender who has transitioned from attack to defense. His ball-playing ability and game-reading skills make him a key player for the Gunners. At Aston Villa, Brian Madjo, 17, is emerging as a physical and technical striker capable of playing as a pivot or target man. He has already scored four goals in pre-season and could benefit from the absence of the first-choice striker. At Bournemouth, Malcom Dacosta, 18, stands out for his imposing height for a defensive midfielder. His stamina and long-passing quality make him an asset for Marco Rose. Brentford is relying on Benjamin Fredrick, 21, a quick and aggressive defender who has already been capped by the Nigerian national team and is ready to make his Premier League debut. Brighton is counting on Zadok Yohanna, a 19-year-old Nigerian offensive midfielder signed for €25 million. His dribbling and playmaking ability make him a key player for the Seagulls. Chelsea is banking on Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, a 16-year-old central midfielder who is already a Youth League starter and was included in the Asian pre-season squad by Xabi Alonso. Manchester City is relying on Jeremy Monga, a 17-year-old left-footed striker capable of dribbling in one-on-one situations. He already holds records for precocity in the Championship and could quickly establish himself. Manchester United is banking on J.J. Gabriel, a 15-year-old versatile striker who could break the record for the youngest player in the club’s history. Liverpool is counting on Trey Nyoni, a 19-year-old central midfielder who impressed during the American pre-season. His tactical intelligence and passing quality make him a serious candidate for a starting role. Tottenham is relying on Luca Williams-Barnett, a 17-year-old offensive midfielder capable of playing as a number 10 or inverted winger, who has already started in the Carabao Cup. Newcastle is banking on Sean Steur, an 18-year-old versatile midfielder signed for €27 million. His technical ease and ability to play with both feet make him an asset in the Magpies’ rebuild. Nottingham Forest is counting on Zach Abbott, a 20-year-old central defender who has already started in the FA Cup and Europa League and could benefit from Oliver Glasner’s three-at-the-back system. Sunderland is relying on Timur Tutierov, a 21-year-old versatile attacker who extended his contract after a successful pre-season. He could play a key role in the Black Cats’ attack. Ipswich is banking on Sindre Walle Egeli, a 20-year-old right winger with a precise left foot, signed for £17.5 million. Other names to watch include Carlo Yirenkyi (Coventry), Joél Drakes-Thomas (Crystal Palace), Braiden Graham (Everton), César Palacios (Fulham), Jens Hjertø-Dahl (Hull City), Alfie Cresswell (Leeds) and Sean Steur (Newcastle). Each of these players could leave their mark on the 2026-2027 season. To find out how geopolitical tensions could impact the World Cup, check out our article on blocked US visas for Iran. Additionally, several players could change clubs after the World Cup, as detailed in our feature on 16 players targeted for major transfers.