JJ Gabriel, Geovany Quenda, Brian Madjo and the top 20 NXGN stars aiming to make their Premier League breakthrough this season

The son of a former Chelsea transfer chief and labelled "a very good footballer" by John Terry, Landon Emenalo has a lot of buzz about him as he nears his professional breakthrough.

The 18-year-old midfielder initially joined the club’s Under-8s when his father, Michael, was part of the club. When the director traded Chelsea for Monaco, his son switched academies, too, but returned a couple of years later.

He was fast-tracked through the youth setup, being called up to train with the first team at the age of 16 by then-coach Mauricio Pochettino.

The England U19 international has not yet made his professional debut, but has been a success at youth level, becoming a regular for the U21s at just 17 and featuring in the UEFA Youth League.

"I feel like I’ve really developed this season by gaining experience against different sides," Emenalo said earlier this year. "It’s been a good challenge mentally, but also physically on my body. Playing in a busy schedule prepares us for senior football and the demands that come with it. Every game you learn something that helps you develop and progress further. We reflect, work on those reflections in training and now the focus is fully on the next one."

A versatile midfielder who has occasionally been used at left-back, Emenalo has been an unused substitute in Premier League and European games on three occasions. Still untested but raring to go, he will be hoping to make a tremendous leap in his development under new manager Xabi Alonso this season, although a loan to Celtic might come first.

It took just 17 minutes of playing time for Tyler Fletcher to earn a place at the World Cup. The midfielder made his Man Utd debut as a stoppage time substitute in February before being given another run out in the final game of the season against Brighton.

Seeing the opportunity to give the youngster some international experience, Steve Clarke named him in Scotland’s World Cup squad. While he played in the pre-tournament friendlies, he was an unused substitute for the group games against Haiti, Morocco and Brazil.

The midfielder was hardly an unknown quantity around Old Trafford by then, though. Since joining United’s academy from fierce rivals Manchester City in 2014 alongside his twin brother Jack, he enjoyed a steady rise. It was Ruben Amorim who initially named them in a Premier League matchday squad for the first time in December last year. He appeared more frequently on the bench over the course of the season while starring for the Under 21s.

Controlling the game from the centre of the park with his passing vision and execution, his style resembles that of his Red Devils and Scotland legend father. After winning United’s Reserve Player of the Season award and fresh off his World Cup adventure, the youngster has looked sharp in pre-season.

"He’s had an eventful three or four months, really," Michael Carrick said after his second-half display in the friendly against Wrexham. "He had a couple of weeks off [after the World Cup]. He didn’t want long off.

"He wanted to get back into it, and again, I think he stepped into the game and took that responsibility. He led the team in the second half really well."

As his steady progress continues, Fletcher will be hoping it catapults him into a bigger part of Carrick’s midfield reformation.

Dubbed 'Kid Messi', JJ Gabriel is one of the most highly-anticipated young forwards in United’s ranks.

He has been so prolific in the U18s Premier League that it is hard to believe he is still just 15 years old. With 23 goals in as many games, it was no surprise he won the U18 Premier League Player of the Season.

His rapid progress prompted United to fast-track his path to the senior side, integrating him into first-team training sessions under Ruben Amorim over a year ago. He then made his unofficial senior debut in a pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid earlier this month, becoming the youngest player ever to feature for the United first team.

European heavyweights like Barcelona have already attempted to turn his head, but United have worked hard to map out a clear Old Trafford pathway for the teenager, who previously had spells in the Arsenal and Chelsea academies.

Turning 16 in October, he is already eligible to play in the Premier League this season. While Carrick will be careful to protect the precocious youngster, many are expecting Gabriel to make history as the club's youngest-ever Premier League debutant sooner rather than later.

"We want him to go up there and thrive," U18s boss Darren Fletcher told The Athletic in May. "We need to get him in the position to do that, and even if he doesn’t, that’s not the end of the world. We always need to be careful. They need to experience that, but it’s making sure it’s at the right time, and understanding why and what the needs are.

"Once you get thrown in there, you’re judged very, very quickly, rightly or wrongly. It’s important that we do right by his development. JJ’s more than capable to go in, as are a lot of our young players."

Since his Real Salt Lake City debut at the age of 16, Zavier Gozo has blossomed into one of the US' most promising young stars. The 19-year-old secured a dream move to Crystal Palace this summer in a £13m ($18m) deal after lighting up MLS.

The winger's dynamic style is defined by his blistering speed and his unpredictable footwork on the ball, making him tough to handle for defenders.

"I would describe myself as a dynamic player. I like to run in behind but I also like to run with the ball, dribble, shoot and score goals," he said after joining Palace.

The Utah native scored six goals and registered four assists in just 16 games for Real Salt Lake during the 2026 campaign. That fine form saw him called up for the MLS All-Stars and placed him on USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino's radar, though he is yet to make the senior squad.

Palace have built a reputation for turning raw-but-physical players into prime attackers, making Selhurst Park the perfect place for his first move away from his homeland. "I'm excited by the people and the project they have going on here," he said. "I'm interested to see how they can develop me and obviously help me get to where I want to be."

George Hemmings’ star at Aston Villa has been on the rise since his arrival in early 2024. While he only made four brief appearances across the Premier League and Europa League last season, he played the full 90 minutes as Unai Emery’s side started the current campaign with the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain.

The 19-year-old midfielder's swift rise at Villa Park stems from his remarkable composure and technical ability. Naturally two-footed, Hemmings possesses the versatility to pull the strings from deep, drive from box-to-box, or threaten defences far upfield with his pressing.

Emery appears to rate him highly. After helping the academy side to FA Youth Cup glory and starring throughout Villa's pre-season tour, he has been deemed unsellable, so a big role this campaign may be on the cards for Hemmings.

Hull City’s new signing Lucas Herrington is already a bit of a globetrotter. At just 18 years old, he is already playing on his third continent after moving to the Premier League in a deal worth a reported £17m ($23m).

His meteoric rise began at Brisbane Roar before moving to the Colorado Rapids earlier this year. He quickly established himself as a top, ball-playing defender in the United States, earning a start in the MLS All-Star Game and a call-up to Australia’s senior squad. He then became the youngest Socceroo to start a World Cup match.

Despite drawing serious interest from the likes of Barcelona and Liverpool, Herrington decided to join Hull with the aim of gaining first-team experience immediately. The move saw the centre-back become the most expensive Australian player in history and a record sale for an MLS defender. Having already made his unofficial debut in a goalless pre-season draw, the teenager is hoping he gets the chance to earn his place in the starting XI.

Shea Lacey is another academy standout on the fast-track to first-team stardom at United, especially after seemingly stepping things up in pre-season under Carrick.

The attacker has grabbed headlines in recent weeks. He scored in a rout of Rosenborg, won a penalty against Atletico Madrid and played the full 90 minutes against PSG.

With his low centre of gravity and close control, Lacey operates primarily on the right wing but can be utilised across the attack. His dribbling and ability to cut inside onto his left foot have left many impressed, including former United assistant coach Rene Meulensteen, who says his technique and bravery may be precisely what Carrick's team need.

Having already trained with Thomas Tuchel’s England squad last October and starred at youth level, the 19-year-old is on the right path.

Brian Madjo was worth the wait for Aston Villa.

Even though he signed in January, a FIFA investigation prevented him from making his debut in English football last season. It wasn’t until August that he was finally given a baptism of fire in the UEFA Super Cup against PSG.

He had a tremendous impact. Even before he blasted the equalising goal into the net, he had been a thorn in the Champions League winners' side, missing three chances.

It has been quite a ride for the 17-year-old. He has already represented Luxembourg but has since switched allegiance to England after a bright few appearances for Metz in France.

Villa fans are raving about him, understandably so, but Emery may take a careful approach when it comes to exposing him to Premier League football.

After eight years in the Newcastle academy, Mason Miley may be ready for his Magpies debut. The younger brother of Lewis, he signed his first professional contract this summer.

Primarily deployed as a defensive midfielder, Miley is a versatile talent capable of filling in at right-back. He made his U18s debut at just 15 and seamlessly transitioned to the U21 squad late last season, making his first start in a derby draw against Sunderland.

This summer, he pounced on the opportunity to impress new boss Matthias Jaissle. Miley has been quality during pre-season, and Jaissle was quick to praise the youngster's after the recent match against Bayer Leverkusen.

"I was really happy. Mason did an amazing job, a young lad, suffering cramps, we mentioned it in the locker room that this is the attitude we need," he said. "Suffering until the end until the tank is empty, great attitude so I am really happy for him."

Due to his defensive ability and calming presence on the ball, the youngest Miley looks destined to add to his family’s growing legacy at St. James' Park.

Veljko Milosavljevic has quickly established himself as one of Europe's most exciting defensive prospects. Having spent his earlier years playing as a defensive midfielder, the towering 19-year-old centre-back has advanced technical ability for a player of his age and position.

Bournemouth won the race for his signature in September 2025, bringing him to the Premier League in a deal worth £13m. Playing seven matches under previous coach Andoni Iraola, his ability in possession and in the air have made him a good fit for the Cherries.

Known for his smart play and physical prowess, the defender looks well-equipped for the Premier League. If his current trajectory is any indicator, Milosavljevic is one to watch.

After breaking records at Leicester, Jeremy Monga has arrived at Manchester City ready for a bigger breakthrough. The 17-year-old was the centre of a fierce bidding war, eventually snubbing Arsenal to head north.

Monga's ascent began at the Foxes, where he made his Premier League debut at just 15 years and 271 days. He further enhanced his status as one of the brightest talents around the following season when he became the youngest scorer in Championship history, breaking a record set by Jude Bellingham.

His exploits caught the attention of the Gunners, who came close to securing his signature before City successfully hijacked the deal. Having briefly worked with Monga during his tenure at Leicester, new City boss Enzo Maresca convinced the youngster that the Etihad club was the ideal place to continue his career.

"[It] was very strong because it was very close to me going there," he said of Arsenal’s interest. "Very close. The main decision was probably the pathway and the club itself. They've been so successful that it was a no-brainer when City calls. I feel like to me personally I see myself at City more."

A rapid and skilful winger who models his game after Eden Hazard, Monga has already impressed this summer, so the teenage sensation may be perfectly positioned to become the next breakout star in the blue half of Manchester.

After joining from Chelsea's academy in 2024, Ryan McAidoo has rapidly risen through the ranks at Man City. The 18-year-old has just been officially promoted to the first-team squad for the coming season.

He first caught attention last season under Pep Guardiola, making his debut with an FA Cup goal against Exeter. New head coach Maresca quickly made it clear that he wants him to hang around Manchester, despite loan interest this summer.

McAidoo was electric during the opening pre-season friendly against Inter. Despite suffering a minor shoulder injury that forced him to miss the Community Shield, Maresca reiterated that he wants the teenager learning from City's older, more established stars, claiming "the best for him is to stay with us".

"We have been speaking with the club about Ryan and since day one he is that kind of winger I love," Maresca said. "Very aggressive one v one, always trying, making the right decision. But he is young and he needs the right path."

Central midfielder Trey Nyoni has gone from a fringe player to a standout performer in Liverpool's pre-season preparations.

The 19-year-old's development stalled last term after making an impression shortly after his 2023 move from Leicester.

Andoni Iraola's arrival has revived his prospects after it was widely expected he would be sent on loan, however. Iraola scrapped those plans, showing faith in the youngster by promoting him to a first-team role.

The physically resilient England youth international has seamlessly made the jump to the senior squad, and Liverpool U21s coach Jay Spearing recently backed up the notion he is a good fit for the new manager's style.

"Since the day he's come in, he plays well above his years," he said. "Even at this stage now in pre-season, for me, in my opinion only, people obviously might think that's wrong, but I thought he was Liverpool's best player in pre-season.

"I think he really showcased what he was about [on tour]. Without going too much [into it], we had a real good chat at the end of last year, over the summer."

He added: "[We said] it was a huge opportunity for him going into this window, this pre-season, with the players being at the World Cup, to really knuckle down and show the manager. We knew he'd show what he was all about. For me, his best position as a No.6. His passing range, his vision, his aggression, his pressing forward – which the manager wants."

Geovany Quenda has built a solid reputation despite his age.

Chelsea secured the Portuguese wonderkid's signature last year in a deal worth around £40m, allowing him to spend one final season developing at Sporting CP. Now, the 19-year-old is officially a Blue, taking the number 23 shirt and ready to light up the Premier League.

Quenda broke into the Lisbon giants' first team at 17, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo's record as the club's youngest scorer. A dynamic, explosive player with Champions League experience, he is expected to be a lively addition as Chelsea begin life under Xabi Alonso.

The teenager is already making an impact, impressing with his direct style during pre-season. If his early performances are anything to go by, Alonso may have found a useful weapon for his rebuild at Stamford Bridge.

Marli Salmon is widely considered the next best thing to emerge from the Arsenal academy. A modern, ball-playing and versatile defender, he has shown he can operate comfortably as both a right and left-sided centre-back in pre-season.

The step up to senior football has not been a problem, leading to a commanding performance against Serie A side Como where the 16-year-old showcased his exceptional reading of the game.

Salmon plays with a maturity beyond his years. He is calm in possession and an aggressive tackler who looks capable of blossoming in Mikel Arteta's system. After his impact during the Gunners' pre-season preparations, he could muscle his way into a few Premier League appearances this season, especially with William Saliba out injured.

Newcastle are somewhat lucky to have snapped up Sean Steur. The midfielder looked set to sign a new contract at Ajax just a few months ago, having eased through the Dutch side’s famous academy. However, negotiations turned sour amid a big shake-up in Amsterdam and the Magpies swooped in to wrap up a £23m ($31m) deal.

He made a few impressive performances in the Eredivisie last season, including a fine goal against fierce rivals Feyenoord, and he cites Pedri and Vitinha among the players he models his game after.

"I have a particularly vivid image of Pedri," he said. "I really love watching him; he is truly my favourite player. His composure, his intelligence, getting out of tight spaces. It looks so easy when he does it; it is simply a joy to watch."

Brighton shattered their club record to splash out £46m ($63m) for 19-year-old Luka Vuskovic, securing his signature on a five-year deal from Tottenham.

He initially joined Spurs from Hajduk Split, but it was his loan spell with Hamburg last season that caught the attention of Europe's top teams. In the Bundesliga, the towering defender scored six goals in 28 appearances. His performances earned him the league's Rookie of the Season award and a place in the Team of the Season.

The Croatia international arrives at Brighton tasked with replacing Jan Paul van Hecke and played the full 90 minutes of their Conference League qualifier against Tromso. With his extraordinary aerial strength and penchant for contributing at the other end, he appears to have the complete skillset to shine for the Seagulls. Coach Fabian Hurzeler has urged patience as he adapts to English football, but with his physical presence, Vuskovic could turn out to be a brilliant signing.

Luca Williams-Barnett has long been regarded as a crown jewel in Spurs’ academy. After starring for the U18s as a 15-year-old, he was soon dominating in the Premier League 2 and eventually making his senior bow.

Versatile and strong, he is blessed with good close control, and is comfortable drifting through the middle or operating as a left winger.

Former Spurs manager Tim Sherwood recently championed the teenager on Sky Sports, insisting that despite his youth, Williams-Barnett possesses the technical ability and natural confidence to make a genuine impact in the first-team squad.

"I think he deserves the opportunity to play. I think he's as good as, even though he's not played at the level, but he's got the swagger, he's got the ability enough to play in that team," he said.

"I'm not saying he can play every single week, but I certainly think, like Max Dowman, who we talked about last year, he can play 10-15 games. I think Luca Williams-Barnett will be the one to watch."

Those claims were substantiated when the creative youngster with an eye for goal came off the bench to score against Hoffenheim.

A pacy and tricky winger who likes to terrorise full-backs, Zadok Yohanna has been on a rapid rise. He spent a year with Swedish side AIK and managed only 18 appearances, but it was enough to convince Brighton to splash out €28m to sign him.

Always looking to cut inside onto his left side, he possesses a sharp shooting technique and a keen eye for playing penetrating balls into the penalty area.

Brighton are confident the Nigerian is a good fit for the kind of winger they hope to take to the next level and sell on for a healthy profit. Newcastle and Chelsea had already been tracking him, but a good debut season in the Premier League will raise his profile even further.

"I'm looking forward to working with Zadok," coach Hurzeler said. "Having seen his games and his attributes, he is a player that can impact games in the final third.

"He's still young and will need time to adapt to the club and Premier League, but he's an exciting player to watch and he brings the kind of creativity we know our fans will enjoy. He’s dynamic, has pace and likes to take players on. His attributes and ability will be a real addition to our attacking options."