8 wonderkids to shine in Premier League including £40m star and Brazilian ace
The new Premier League season is almost upon us - and that could be good news for the next generation looking to make their mark.
While big names like Erling Haaland, Mo Salah and Marcus Rashford will look to pick up where they left off last season, a new campaign also gives youngsters the opportunity to make a name for themselves. It is no secret how hard it is to go from the academy to one of the largest stages in football - but it does happen.
And pre-season has seen a handful of young prospects shine, with this season offering a stage for the emergence of new faces. Here, Mirror Football picks out eight starlets to look out for...
Tino Livramento – 20 (Set to move to Newcastle from Southampton)
Livramento came through the Chelsea academy like many other young Premier League talents before him. He made a big move to Southampton in August 2021 and immediately earned recognition as a reliable full-back. It looked as though he would be a regular starter in the Saints' first-team, but a devastating injury meant he missed the majority of last season.
However, he still caught the eye of many big clubs - but it seems as though Newcastle are the ones to snatch up this talent in a £40m move. His blistering pace, outstanding skill and agility will help him become an important player under Eddie Howe.
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Tino Livramento is closing in on a move to Newcastle (Getty Images)Ethan Nwaneri - 16 (Arsenal)
Last season saw this outstanding talent make history by being the youngest ever player to make a Premier League appearance at just 15 years and 181 days old. His dribbling and ability to easily beat defenders caught the eye of big teams such as Chelsea and Manchester City, who were keen to sign the teenager.
However it is Arsenal who have secured him on a two-year scholarship deal. He will eventually be able to sign a professional contract when he turns 17 in March 2024, which will give him the security and confidence to hopefully kick on under Mikel Arteta this season.
Cameron Archer – 21 (Aston Villa)
England U21s star Cameron Archer is another one to look out for this season. He has great ball control, and is able to cause huge trouble for defenders. He also has an amazing eye for goalscoring and notched 11 goals in 20 games during his loan spell at Middlesborough last season.
It remains to be seen if Unai Emery will give him first-team chances this season but it is understood Premier League rivals are keen on taking him on loan. Nevertheless, he'll be looking to make his mark wherever he plies his trade this season.
Cameron Archer in action during Aston Villa's pre-season tour (AP)Matheus Franca – 19 (Crystal Palace)
The Brazilian forward is Crystal Palace ’s newest signing this season with Roy Hodgson looking to fill the shoes of Wilfried Zaha, who has joined Turkish giants Galatasaray. The youngster arrives from Flamingo where he showed impressive ability and pace during his appearances for the first team. With Hodgson already boasting Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise in his attack, Franca could slot in and add to an already-exciting Eagles strike force.
James Trafford – 20 (Burnley)
The newly-promoted side have signed promising goalkeeping talent James Trafford from Manchester City. He will be hoping to make his Premier League debut this season after spending the two previous seasons on loan at Accrington Stanley and Bolton.
The 20-year-old impressed at the U21 Euros this year as he kept six clean sheets and played an important part in helping them lift the trophy.. He will compete with Burnley's current regular, Arijanet Muric, for a spot in the first team but, with Vincent Kompany in charge, he's certainly set for a bright future.
James Trafford helped England U21s secure Euro glory this summer (Getty Images)Rico Lewis – 18 (Manchester City)
Rico Lewis managed to break through into the first team last season and seemed to gain the trust of head coach Pep Guardiola immediately. He is a technical right-back and isn’t afraid to move into midfield when he gets the chance. He has so far shone in pre-season; particularly against Bayern Munich. Indeed, with Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo facing uncertain futures at City, Lewis has a chance of further cementing his place in the first-team.
Evan Ferguson – 18 (Brighton)
The young striker broke into the Brighton first-team last season - and hasn't looked back. He instantly impressed with his confidence in front of goal. He scored his first Premier League goal against Arsenal in their New Year’s day fixture and the went on to score his second in a 4-1 away win at Everton. His talent caught the eyes of top clubs like Manchester United, who looked into signing the player this season - but he has committed his future to Brighton. It will be a big year for this up-and-coming star.
Evan Ferguson has become a key player for Brighton (Getty Images)Stefan Bajcetic – 18 (Liverpool)
This Spanish wonderkid made his breakthrough into the first team last season and scored his first Premier League goal in December. He clearly impressed Jurgen Klopp and went on to start in their Champions League game against Real Madrid.
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His rise at Liverpool has been rapid and he seems to be a very special talent. Unfortunately an injury put and abrupt end to his season - and he'll be hoping to kick on this season with Klopp overseeing a huge overhaul to his midfield this summer.
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