Every Premier League season brings a new batch of young players ready to step up, and 2025/26 is no different. With several teenagers already proving themselves last season, this season could be their breakout moment.
Here’s a look at some of the most promising names across the league—players already catching attention from fans.
Summary:
- Ethan Nwaneri, Mikey Moore, and Archie Gray are leading the youth surge in North London after impressive 2024/25 campaigns.
- Man City’s Oscar Bobb, Vitor Reis, and Claudio Echeverri are in line for bigger roles this season despite recent injuries or late arrivals.
- Adam Wharton helped Crystal Palace win the FA Cup and could become a midfield mainstay, while Ferdi Kadioglu and Igor Thiago aim to rebound from injuries.
Building momentum in North London
Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) was everywhere last season. At just 17, he clocked 29 appearances across all competitions, scoring 9 goals and earning his place in the first team. He became Arsenal’s youngest-ever scorer in the Carabao Cup and their second-youngest in the league. With 4 goals and 2 assists in the Premier League alone, the teenager shows potential.
His fast integration into the senior squad and goal contributions position him as a player of interest for EPL betting markets, particularly in terms of young player performance and future goal tallies.
Mikey Moore (Tottenham Hotspur) is still working his way in. The 17-year-old winger made 10 Premier League appearances—mostly off the bench—but managed to score once in the Europa League. Expect more minutes this season as Spurs continue to rotate their attacking options.
Archie Gray (Tottenham Hotspur), who arrived from Leeds last summer, has already made himself useful across the pitch. Whether in midfield or defense, Gray was a consistent presence with 46 appearances in 2024/25. He also helped England retain the UEFA Under-21 Championship, featuring in three matches in Bratislava.
Chelsea and Man City’s next wave
Shumaira “Shim” Mheuka (Chelsea) may only have one Premier League appearance to his name, but the 17-year-old forward is clearly on Chelsea’s radar. He became the club’s youngest-ever starter in European competition and was named their Scholar of the Year for 2024/25. A loan spell could be next, or maybe he forces his way into Mauricio Pochettino’s squad plans.
Oscar Bobb (Manchester City) had a rough year with injuries—a broken leg in August followed by a hamstring issue in April—but he’s still highly rated. The Norwegian winger scored his first league goal back in January 2024 and returned just in time for the FIFA Club World Cup in June.
Vitor Reis (Manchester City) joined from Palmeiras in January 2025 and looks like one to watch. The 18-year-old center-back had already made 22 senior appearances in Brazil and earned a spot in the Troféu Mesa Redonda Team of the Year. With Guardiola now working him into the squad, his development will be closely followed.
Claudio Echeverri (Manchester City) arrived in the same window and saw minutes in both the FA Cup final and the Premier League. A minor ankle injury kept him out for a few weeks this summer, but the Argentine midfielder could play a bigger role this year, especially with City juggling multiple competitions.
Elsewhere in the Premier League
Igor Thiago (Brentford) had a frustrating start. Limited by a meniscus tear and later a knee injury, the Brazilian forward has only 7 league appearances. Brentford fans will hope for better luck this time around.
Sven Botman (Newcastle United) continues to struggle with fitness. After another injury-hit season—just 8 appearances—he’ll be desperate to stay fit and reclaim a regular spot in Newcastle’s back line.
Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) was one of the Eagles’ smartest signings in recent years. Joining in February 2024, the 20-year-old defensive midfielder helped the club win its first-ever FA Cup and earned a call-up to England’s Euro 2024 squad. He’s already become a key piece in Oliver Glasner’s setup.
Ferdi Kadioglu (Brighton & Hove Albion) didn’t get much game time after toe surgery sidelined him for most of the year. He’s finally back in training this July and could bring versatility to Brighton’s backline this season.
Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United) had another stop-start year with injuries but made a strong comeback to start the FA Cup final win over Manchester City. When fully fit, he remains one of United’s most reliable defenders.
