With the 23/24 Premier League season ending, eyes are slowly moving towards next season. There will be major changes in the 90 days from the end of the season to the start of the next. This can be managers, players and squads. This post will include players in the academy who could make the step up to the first team and could be involved in Gameweek 1.
Arsenal – Myles Lewis-Skelly – CDM/CM
Myles Lewis-Skelly has all of the tools to become one of the best ever at Hale End Academy. The 2006-born defensive midfielder is one of the best prospects at his age and is more than ready for his senior debut. After being fast-tracked through both the Under 18s and Under 21s, the first team is waiting for the England U18 international. Having already made the squad for Champions League and Premier League games, he is knocking on the door for a debut. When the debut arrives, it will be interesting to see where Arteta plays him. Lewis-Skelly could either be played next to Declan Rice or even in the inverted full-back position, replicating Zinchenko.
Aston Villa – Lamare Bogarde – CB/CDM
Every time Bogarde has stepped on the pitch for the youth sides at Aston Villa, he has looked a step above. Bogarde, operating mainly as a centre-back, can also play in midfield. Unai Emery has already told the Netherlands U20 that with patience he will get his chance which he quoted. This is the season he certainly deserves to get his chance and is ready for his Premier League debut.
“The boss has told me I have to wait for my chances. He said they will come, so it’s more a long-term view. I’m not rushing anything.”
Bogarde – LiveSport
Bournemouth – Callan McKenna – GK
In February 2024, Bournemouth made an astute piece of business by signing young Scottish goalkeeper Callan McKenna. Making his Queens Park debut at just 16, McKenna chose Bournemouth over clubs like Brighton and Manchester United. Bournemouth have a proven track record of developing young goalkeepers from their academy and with the situation between Neto and Travers unclear, McKenna could be next. Compared to a young Aaron Ramsdale, McKenna could see himself as Bournemouth’s number 2 or even number 1 next season.
Brentford – Paris Maghoma – CM
After spending the past season on loan at League One’s Bolton Wanderers, Maghoma is in with a shout for a spot in the Brentford squad next season. The way he glides past players whilst also having the composure to make the correct decision in the final third is special. He is a player that Brentford have been missing in their midfield since they lost Christian Eriksen in 2022. In pre-season, Maghoma should be allowed to show what he has which could lead to him being one of Brentford’s key men next season.
Brighton and Hove Albion – Carl Rushworth – GK
Carl Rushworth is a player who is destined for the Premier League. After ticking off League One and League Two, Rushworth has now ticked off the Championship with a successful season out on loan with Swansea City. Manager Luke Williams even said he is Premier League quality. With Jason Steele being linked with a move away, this opens the door for Rushworth to become Brighton’s number 2. Although at first, he will be the backup to Verbruggen, Rushworth will definitely be challenging for the number 1 shirt.
Chelsea – Omari Hutchinson – LW/RW
It is almost 100% clear that Omari Hutchinson will be a Premier League player next season. The main question is will he be playing for Chelsea or Ipswich? After a successful spell with the Championship runners-up, Chelsea should allow him to show the quality he has. Out of all of Chelsea’s youngsters, Hutchinson has one of the highest ceilings and could go to the very top. This is due to his X-factor ability and his ability to create something out of nothing. Operating on the flanks, he could be given a start in the left-wing spot, although he will have competition from Mudryk and Sterling.
Crystal Palace – Danny Imray – RWB/RB
Imray is an attacking right-wing-back who would fit perfectly into Oliver Glasner’s system as a backup for Munoz. Constantly creating chances, Imray would give Glasner an extra element of stability on the right-hand side as he is more than an adequate backup and would thrive when given the chance to show what he has in the first team.
Everton – Martin Sherif – CF
Although Sherif has been hit with injuries this past season, he could still make the step up to Everton’s first team this summer. Standing at 6’1 at just 17 years old, Sherif is a big physical number 9, who has the build to bully centre-backs, and should be given pre-season to showcase his talents. With Everton having struggles the past season with goal-scoring at the number 9 position, Sherif could fix that and become a serious option for the Toffees.
Fulham – Luke Harris – AM
Using a loan at Exeter this past season as a major learning curve, Luke Harris could become a member of Fulham’s first-team squad this coming season. Harris is a player who loves to carry the ball forward and make runs from deep. At only 19-years-old, his understanding of the game and his ability to win second balls is seriously impressive and these traits could see him become a regular at Fulham.
Ipswich Town – Emmanuel Okunowo – CM/CDM
Most definitely the least-known player on this list, Okunowo has really impressed for Ipswich’s youth sides this season. Touted as a young Paul Pogba by Ipswich fans, Okunowo has the size, pace and skill to break through this coming season. He is a player who covers lots of ground and wins first and second balls with ease. He is for sure one to watch and will definitely have a future with the Tractor Boys.
Leicester City – Will Alves – AM/LW/RW
After coming back from a horrific ACL injury which happened in the academy games vs Wolves, Alves has still showed his undeniable quality in the minutes he played this past season. Alves, who has mainly played as an attacking midfielder in his youth, can also play on the wings. This gives him the versatility to be utilised in Leicester’s return to the Premier League.
Liverpool – Kaide Gordon – RW/LW
After coming back from a long-term injury, Kaide Gordon is looking like the prospect he was touted to be. If Gordon can stay injury-free this pre-season, he will become a real option for new Liverpool manager Arne Slot. This is due to the Dutch manager utilising wing play as part of his philosophy. Rewarded with a new contract last week, Gordon could be a gameweek 1 option for Liverpool.
Luton Town – John McAtee – SS/CF
Although Luton are more then likely going to be relegated, at the time of writing they are still up so they will be included in this list. John McAtee is the oldest player on this list at 24, but has yet to receive a senior appearance for the Hatters. Signed from Grimsby in 2022, McAtee has been out on loan in the two seasons but his most recent spell at Barnsley has give Luton fans some hope. Operating as a 9 or 10, McAtee has shown excellent hold-up skills and finishing skills. With Carlton Morris having suitors in the Premier League, McAtee can make the step up to the Championship and be his replacement.
Manchester City – Tomas Galvez – LB
It has become a recurring theme for Manchester City to promote a youth product at the start of every season. For instance, Oscar Bobb in 23/24. Galvez is a strong contender to be that player for the 24/25 season. Having already made his debut for the Finnish national team, Galvez has a real chance at making it far at Man City. Galvez is an attacking full-back who loves to get forward and cause disruption. Promoting Galvez to be the first team would give Guardiola an option that he currently does not have in any other player.
Manchester United – Finley McAllister – CDM
In addition to winning the U18 PL, Manchester United have an abundance of talent at every level in their academy. One of the standouts is young defensive midfielder, Finley McAllister. When watching him play, you would not think he is 17 due to the way he makes everything look so effortless. He is an extremely versatile player who has an outstanding work ethic. That is the main reason he could make his debut next season. Due to his positional nature, McAllister can also play at centre-back and centre-midfield. This could make him the perfect player to have on the bench for emergencies where he can showcase his talent.
Newcastle United – Alfie Harrison – AM
After moving from Manchester City in February 2024, Harrison is a true talent. After impressing in both Man City’s and Newcastle’s academy, there is already talk that he will be taken on Newcastle’s pre-season tour to Australia. With minutes on this tour, Harrison will 100% make a brilliant case as to why he should be in the first team. He can drive the ball forward and his ball-striking ability is at a top level.
Tottenham Hotspur – Lucas Bergvall – CM
Although Lucas Bergvall has not played for Tottenham’s academy squad, he deserves to be included in this list. This is due to the sheer talent and quality he has. His size and awareness will help him succeed when he arrives in the Premier League. He is currently playing senior football for Djurgardens in the Allsvenskan which has helped his development massively. One of the best talents in Sweden, he will more than certainly be fast-tracked into Ange’s squad.
West Ham United – George Earthy – LW/RW/AM
Just scoring his first Premier League goal last week, the best is yet to come for George Earthy. The instinct he showed for his goal has shown West Ham fans that they have someone special in their ranks. His movement on and off the ball is like he is a professional. West Ham fans are even calling for him to start their final game of the season vs Man City. Earthy needs game time at this level and by promoting him to the first team, he will develop at a fast pace. Earthy has all the tools to become as good as their last big academy graduate, Declan Rice.
Wolverhampton Wanderers – Noha Lemina – LW
The brother of Mario, Noha Lemina is a talent who is currently on loan from PSG. However, with an option to buy, it is expected that Wolves will pull the trigger and sign the Gabonese winger on a permanent deal. When playing for the PSG academy, he has looked a step above. At just £1m, signing Noha on a permanent deal is a no-risk investment.
“A France under-17 international who, like his brother, is eligible to represent Gabon, Lemina joins on loan for the remainder of the season, with the club holding an option of a permanent move in the summer.”
Wolverhampton Wanderers
In conclusion, these are just some of the very few players who could make an impact in the Premier League next season after playing academy level. With surprise debutants happening every year, what is one player you can see becoming a regular next season?
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
Source : The Next Generation of the Premier League’s Academy Players
