The New Generation: Young Prospects That Will Maintain The Premier League Brand
The Premier League has a global following. The world’s most popular sports competition has enjoyed incredible growth over the decades, yet there are challenges that still need to be met to continue that growth. Looming above the clubs right now is the specter of financial fair play rules, something that may hamper a team’s ability to secure the biggest transfers. Even this summer, we have seen some clubs rein in their transfer spending or, like Chelsea, look for ways to circumvent spending rules.
Yet, there are many reasons to be hopeful, not least the fact that some of the best youngsters in the world play in the Premier League. Many clubs have chosen to go on the path of development rather than build teams through expensive transfers alone. Right now, for example, Manchester United has three of the top ten ranked “golden boys” in world football. Man City have two, meaning five of the top ten prospects in world football are based in the Premier League.
For some, watching the next generation of talent emerge is a preference to proven talent. While sides contain proven quality, there is arguably nothing more exciting than watching the next batch of youngsters adapt with ease to top-flight football. Thankfully, for fans of the Premier League’s famous clubs, there promises to be a range of top prospects who could make even more of a name for themselves this season.
So, without further ado, below is a look at some top prospects who could make even more of an impression in the Premier League this season and maintain the league’s dominance for years to come:
Kobbie Mainoo is expected to develop further this season
The new era is underway at Manchester United, and Kobbie Mainoo is a player who is likely to be at the forefront of it. A team with an abundance of quality in it now, fans everywhere will select United players in their fantasy football teams and back Mainoo and his teammates throughout the season. UK Premier League fans don’t really focus on stats in the same way that US sports fans do. There are, for example, no statistical betting markets in the same manner as you will find NFL player props. Yet, everyone seems obsessed with Mainoo’s statistics on social media. He’s such a gifted talent, and he rarely seems to lose the ball (Mainoo’s possession stats were a talking point across Euro 2024). A star in the making, Kobbie Mainoo is expected to kick even further on in a campaign that could see Erik ten Hag’s mount a title charge. He also has Alejandro Garnacho and Leny Yoro to grow alongside him, as well as Amad Diallo and Chido Obi-Martin. Like the 1990s, the next great United team might be built on youth.
Harvey Elliott could feature more for Arne Slot
Jurgen Klopp’s departure will certainly take some getting used to, but Liverpool could evolve further under their new manager, Arne Slot. A player who could benefit from the Dutchman’s arrival, Harvey Elliott was widely seen as a pivotal super-sub for Klopp’s Reds. Now, though, the 21-year-old could have the real breakthrough season that he’s more than capable of having. Elliott hasn’t really had a sustained run in the Liverpool team yet but the Englishman’s natural ability suggests that he’s more than likely to get more minutes this campaign. Elliott is versatile and can slot in almost anywhere in the midfield area of the pitch; he handles the ball well under pressure, he has an eye for a pass, and he has been known to pop up with some important goals during his time at Anfield. Harvey Elliott is far from the finished article, but we could see him evolve further under Liverpool’s new coach this season. He’s certainly one to watch.
Fans everywhere are raving about Adam Wharton
Even fans who don’t support Crystal Palace have noticed the emergence of Adam Wharton. Signed from Championship side Blackburn Rovers for an initial fee of £18 million, potentially rising to £22 million, Wharton is mature beyond his years and has the potential to be a regular in the England team in the near future. In fact, many fans wanted Wharton to play in the Euros, but Gareth Southgate decided against it, and Wharton warmed the bench. The 20-year-old’s time will certainly come, though, with the Palace defensive midfield player possessing everything needed to reach the very top of the game. Wharton is calm and composed on the ball, he has exceptional football intelligence, he isn’t afraid to do the ugly stuff, and his passing ability is another strength to his game. Should Oliver Glasner’s Eagles have a successful season, then you can almost guarantee that Adam Wharton will be at the heart of it.
Savinho is definitely one to watch
Just how much Savinho will feature for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side this season remains to be seen, but the Brazilian winger arrives in England after tearing up Spanish football. City’s first summer signing, Savinho scored nine goals and provided ten assists on loan at Girona last season and was one of the brightest sparks in Spanish football. Now, with a move to City sealed, the skilful winger could torment Premier League defences this season. Aged just 20, the former Atlético Mineiro prodigy has the world at his feet and could easily be one of the competition’s most exciting young professionals this season. He has joined at Manchester City by Rico Lewis, a player who could become a mainstay in England’s defence for years to come.
Evan Ferguson will be hungry to impress
After being in and out of Brighton’s team last season, mainly due to persistent injury issues, Evan Ferguson will be keen to remind everyone of his qualities this season. With a new manager in the shape of Fabian Hurzeler to impress, the Irish international forward could build on his breakthrough 2022/23 season, where he scored ten goals in all competitions. It’s easy to forget that Ferguson is still only 19 years old and he has more than enough in his game to become a world-class operator in the future. From being a huge physical presence to having excellent feet for a big man, Ferguson could be in the goals once again under Hurzeler.
Other top prospects to watch in the Premier League this season include Oscar Bobb (Manchester City), Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Leny Yoro (Manchester United), Conor Bradley (Liverpool), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton), Jhon Duran (Aston Villa), and Jarell Quansah (Liverpool).
