10 young prospects to watch in the 2026-27 Premier League preseason: from United's "Messi" to Liverpool's new star

The new Premier League season kicks off on August 21st, and preseason is already underway. With the players who reached the World Cup qualifiers enjoying belated holidays, managers are forced to give opportunities to younger players.

Last summer, Max Dowman and Rio Ngumoha impressed in preseason with Arsenal and Liverpool, respectively, and ended up getting first-team minutes. Who can follow in their footsteps this year?

1. JJ Gabriel (Manchester United) — the "little Messi"

The name that generates the most buzz. Nicknamed "Little Messi" in United's youth academy, Gabriel was the star of the U18s: 23 goals in as many league games and named Player of the Season. He can play as a striker or winger and has one of the highest ceilings in the academy in decades.

Carrick will include him in the European tour—Dublin, Gothenburg, Wrocław—and he is expected to get significant playing time. He is only 15 years old and is already an England under-17 international.

2. Josh Abe (Liverpool) — the new 16-year-old sensation

Abe joins Liverpool's US tour. Last season, at just 15, he was already training with Arne Slot's first team. He scored eight goals and provided three assists in 10 games for the U18s before suffering an injury.

He's a left-footed winger who operates from the right. With Salah's departure and Victor Munoz's late arrival after the World Cup with Spain, Abe will have opportunities to impress.

3. Landon Emenalo (Chelsea) — the director's son

The son of former Chelsea sporting director Michael Emenalo, Landon is a midfielder who can also play left-back. His comfort on the ball sets him apart, and Xabi Alonso, who wants to give him playing time, will include him in the squad for the tour of Australia and Asia.

He will be joined by names like Reggie Walsh, Shim Mheuka and Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, all of whom are aiming for great things at Stamford Bridge.

4. Brian Madjo (Aston Villa) — Luxembourg's Lukaku

At 16, Madjo was a starter in Ligue 1 with Metz. Villa paid €10 million for him in January, but FIFA blocked his registration due to regulations on the transfer of minors. He has already scored two goals in a friendly against Walsall.

Physically imposing (1,94 m), he is compared to Romelu Lukaku. If the Court of Arbitration for Sport rules in his favor, he could make his competitive debut this season.

5. Sean Steur (Newcastle) — the brains of Ajax

He arrived at Newcastle from Ajax for £23 million after breaking into the Dutch club's first team. Just 18 years old, a central midfielder with sublime passing. With Tonali and possibly Bruno Guimarães leaving, Steur will see plenty of playing time in the English preseason.

6. Stephen Mfuni (Manchester City) — the left-footed centre-back

He debuted for City in January and shone on loan at Watford before getting injured. Left-footed, with excellent reading of the ball and comfortable playing out from the back. Maresca will give him chances on the Asian tour while the World Cup players rest.

7. Marli Salmon (Arsenal) — the versatile defender

He already made four appearances for Arsenal's first team last season. He can play at right-back or centre-back, his preferred position. With Saliba still on holiday and White and Timber recovering from injuries, Salmon could see plenty of action.

8-10. Williams-Barnett, Yohanna and Graham

Luca Williams-Barnett (Tottenham) is an 18-year-old attacking midfielder who has already made his debut and impressed against MK Dons. Zadok Yohanna joined Brighton from Swedish side AIK for £21,5 million; he possesses the speed and dribbling skills to trouble defenses. And Braiden Graham , of Everton, scored 25 goals in 34 appearances for youth teams and has already made his senior debut for Northern Ireland.

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