BBC Sport commentators identify 13 breakout stars for 2026-27 Premier League season
From Newcastle United’s Steur to Coventry City’s Yirenkyi, the list highlights academy graduates, international prospects, and recent transfers expected to shape the 2026-27 season.
BBC Sport TV and radio commentators have identified 13 players they believe are poised to become breakout stars in the upcoming Premier League campaign. The selection highlights a mix of new signings, academy graduates, and young talents from clubs including Newcastle United, Coventry City, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Brighton, Manchester City, and Manchester United.
Newcastle United have signed 18-year-old Dutch centre-midfielder Steur from Ajax in a deal potentially worth up to £23m, before Eddie Howe’s departure. Coventry City have made a club-record signing of 20-year-old Ghanaian midfielder Yirenkyi from FC Nordsjaelland for approximately £25m. Spanish defender Mingueza has joined Crystal Palace on a free transfer after his contract with Celta Vigo expired.
Aston Villa have signed 17-year-old English striker Madjo for just over £10m; he recently switched international allegiance to England and scored on his competitive debut against PSG. Brighton have signed 19-year-old Croatian centre-back Vuskovic from Tottenham, who had a standout loan spell at Hamburg. Manchester City have recruited 18-year-old English winger McAidoo from Chelsea’s academy.
Manchester United’s 19-year-old forward Shea Lacey has featured prominently in pre-season and is expected to see more first-team action under Michael Carrick. Liverpool have signed 19-year-old English central midfielder Nyoni from Leicester City, who has impressed new manager Arne Slot during pre-season. Newcastle United have also signed 19-year-old Swiss midfielder/forward Johan Manzambi from Freiburg following his performance at the World Cup.
The list also features 19-year-old Australian centre-back Herrington, who played for the Colorado Rapids in MLS, and 19-year-old Ivorian left-winger Toure, who joined Newcastle United from Hoffenheim. The selections reflect a focus on recent transfers and emerging international prospects ahead of the new campaign.
