We are here with our pick of the top 5 wonderkid young players to watch out for before the '26-'27 Premier League season. With EPL clubs deep into their pre-season preparations, supporters are getting their first glimpse of the stars who could define the upcoming campaign. While established names continue to dominate the headlines, several academy prospects are beginning to steal the spotlight with eye-catching performances in training camps and friendly matches.
Some have already travelled with senior squads, while others are pushing hard for first-team opportunities ahead of the new season. If any of these youngsters exceed expectations during pre-season, they could begin their Premier League journey in spectacular fashion when the new campaign kicks off on 21 August. Here are five wonderkids every football fan should keep a close eye on.
1. Josh Abe (Liverpool)
Liverpool has built a reputation for nurturing elite young talent, and Josh Abe is rapidly becoming one of the academy's brightest prospects. The youngster has impressed coaches with his technical quality, composure in possession, and willingness to take responsibility in high-pressure situations.
Abe's versatility also makes him an exciting option for Liverpool's coaching staff. Whether operating in midfield or further forward, he possesses the intelligence to link play while contributing creatively in the final third. His confidence on the ball and mature decision-making have already generated plenty of excitement among supporters.
Should he continue to shine during pre-season, Abe could earn valuable minutes in domestic cup competitions before potentially forcing his way into Premier League matchday squads later in the season.
2. Marli Salmon (Arsenal)
Arsenal's academy continues to produce outstanding young players, and Marli Salmon looks destined to become the next graduate to make an impact. Comfortable as both a center-back and right-back, Salmon has already earned praise for his maturity, athleticism, and defensive awareness despite his young age. He has already made history as one of Arsenal's youngest senior players, underlining just how highly the club rates his potential.
With Arsenal balancing domestic and European commitments, opportunities for talented youngsters could arrive sooner than expected. Salmon's calm distribution from the back, combined with his physical presence and positional intelligence, makes him an ideal modern defender.
If he continues to impress throughout pre-season, don't be surprised if Mikel Arteta rewards him with further first-team involvement during the 2026-27 campaign.
3. Sean Steur (Newcastle United)
Sean Steur joined Newcastle United from Ajax in a £23 million ($31 million) move after making his breakthrough with the Dutch club's first team last season. Blessed with excellent vision, technical ability, and composure in midfield, Steur has consistently demonstrated the qualities required to control matches beyond his years.
Steur's ability to dictate possession while contributing defensively gives him an all-round midfield profile that modern managers value highly.
As pre-season progresses, strong performances could see him earn additional opportunities alongside Newcastle's senior stars. Even if regular Premier League minutes don't arrive immediately, Steur appears well positioned to become an important figure in the club's long-term project.
4. Landon Emenalo (Chelsea)
Chelsea's academy remains one of the finest in English football, and Landon Emenalo has quickly become one of its standout prospects. The versatile midfielder combines technical quality with excellent athleticism, making him capable of influencing matches in several different roles. He has also featured prominently in Chelsea's early pre-season plans, highlighting the club's confidence in his development.
Emenalo possesses impressive ball-carrying ability, intelligent movement, and the confidence to operate under pressure. Those attributes have helped him stand out throughout youth football and earned him valuable exposure with the senior squad.
Chelsea have never been afraid to trust exceptional young talent, and if Emenalo continues progressing at his current rate, he could become another academy success story at Stamford Bridge.
5. JJ Gabriel (Manchester United)
Few academy players have generated as much excitement this summer as Manchester United sensation JJ Gabriel. Widely regarded as one of England's most gifted teenagers, Gabriel has been making headlines after earning inclusion in United's senior pre-season squad. His remarkable goal-scoring record at the youth level, combined with his fearless style of play, has made him one of the country's most talked-about prospects.
Comfortable taking on defenders, creating chances, or finishing moves himself, Gabriel possesses the flair and confidence associated with elite attacking talents. His performances have already attracted significant attention across Europe, further highlighting the enormous expectations surrounding his future.
Should he seize his opportunity during pre-season, Gabriel could become the latest Manchester United academy graduate to capture the imagination of supporters and establish himself as one of the Premier League's breakout stars.
Final Thoughts
Every Premier League season introduces a new generation of emerging talent, and the 2026-27 campaign looks no different. Josh Abe, Marli Salmon, Sean Steur, Landon Emenalo, and JJ Gabriel all possess the ability to make significant strides over the coming months.
Pre-season often serves as the perfect platform for young footballers to prove they belong at the highest level. If these wonderkids continue their impressive development and take advantage of the opportunities that come their way, fans could be witnessing the very beginning of five exciting Premier League careers that have the potential to develop into future superstardom.
