Five young Premier League players to watch in 2025/26 | OneFootball

Every Premier League season, several young players break into the first-team picture to become household names. We’ve picked out five prospects who could make the leap in 2025/26.

Max Dowman – Arsenal

Arsenal’s worst-kept secret is out after Max Dowman shone during the club’s pre-season tour. Declan Rice has labelled Dowman as the ‘the best 15-year-old in the country’ and it’s difficult to disagree.

The teenager looked right at home with the seniors this summer, winning a penalty during one surging run against Newcastle United.

Dowman first appeared for Arsenal’s u-18 side aged just 13 and scored 15 goals in 15 games for that age group last season. Mikel Arteta will take a cautious approach with the attacking midfielder but he’s already knocking on the door.

Justin Devenny – Crystal Palace

A veteran on this list at just 21, Justin Devenny could be primed for his coming-of-age campaign. The midfielder made four league starts last season for Crystal Palace and is edging closer to a regular role.

Devenny, who was playing for Airdrieonians in the Scottish League One as recently as 2022/23, has shown little fear when called upon and an exciting cameo in the Community Shield has caught the attention. He flashed a late effort just wide in search of a winner, before stepping up to emphatically convert the decisive kick in the shootout win over Liverpool.

Rio Ngumoha – Liverpool

Chelsea were furious when Liverpool snapped up Rio Ngumoha from their academy in 2024 and it’s easy to see why. Ngumoha became the youngest player to start a first-team game in the club’s history against Accrington in January and shone on the pre-season tour.

The 16-year-old scored excellent goals in clashes with Yokohoma and Athletic Club, while also adding two assists in his first four appearances. Luis Diaz’s sale to Bayern Munich could open up an avenue for minutes this season, with Ngumoha set to provide cover for Cody Gakpo at left-wing.

Ethan Williams – Manchester United

Ethan Williams has impressed Ruben Amorim this summer with the teenager taken on tour.

The 19-year-old made 17 appearances on loan at Cheltenham Town last season and proving too good for academy level. A last-minute inclusion on the US tour, he scored during the Premier League Summer Series win over Bournemouth.

“It’s mad, I can’t believe it,” he said after finding the net.

“It still hasn’t really sunk in, to be honest.

“It’s a a dream come true and I’m so happy right now. I’m thinking about all the moments, all the hard work I’ve been through. You know, I feel so blessed and so happy to be given this opportunity. To score, it’s mad. I can’t even explain how I am feeling, to be honest.”

Harry Howell – Brighton

Harry Howell could be the next Brighton academy option to break into the first team. Howell became the club’s youngest-ever Premier League player in May and the 17-year-old has been labelled a ‘special player’ by Fabian Hurzeler.

A standout for the u-21 team last season, Howell hopes to follow in the footsteps of cousin Jack Hinshelwood in becoming a regular in the Seagulls side.

Read – Every new Premier League kit ahead of the 2025/26 season so far

See more – The five favourites to win the 2025/26 Premier League Golden Boot

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