The 34 most exciting Premier League wonderkids in 2024/25

After a scintillating season where the Premier League title race is going down to the wire, we take a look at the best wonderkids in the English top flight.

We're looking at players who have the potential to break through into their respective club's first teams and become a household name in the 2024/25 Premier League season.

The 23/24 season saw several wonderkids come to the fore, with the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Lewis Miley, and Evan Ferguson emerging first-team regulars.

We've selected the best young players in the Premier League and ranked them based on their potential to break through and become first-team regulars season.

Perhaps influenced by the Premier League's Profit & Sustainability Rules, which saw the quietest January transfer on record, clubs are promoting more and more academy graduates into their first-team squads.

We review the best wonderkids in the Premier League who may emerge in the 24/25 season as potential starters for their clubs.

The rules: We've imposed some rules on our Premier League wonderkid list in that all players must be 20 or under before the start of the season on Saturday 17th August 2024. In other words, they must be born after 18th August 2004.

34. Alfie Harrison (Newcastle United)

Aflie Harrison is a very talented midfielder who spent the majority of his youth career at Manchester City, until Newcastle United made a move for the youngster.

Now a big part of the Newcastle academy, Harrison already put in some very impressive performances in the PL2, and is now expected to be handed some first-team minutes in the 2024/25 season.

33. Ashley Phillips (Spurs)

Born on 26 June 2005, Ashley Phillips emerged through the Curzon Ashton Football Club academy, this youngster was picked up by Blackburn Rovers' academy at age 12.

Having made his full senior debut for Blackburn in 2022 under manager Jon Dahl Tomasson, the young centre-back was scouted and signed by Spurs in the 2023 summer transfer window.

After an impressive half-season loan with Championship side Plymouth Argyle, the wonderkid from Salford could be set to feature in Ange Postecoglou's senior squad for the Premier League 2024/25 season.

32. Leo Castledine (Chelsea)

The England under-19 international has been hotly tipped within the Chelsea academy to go on to great things.

Leo Castledine is influenced by Mason Mount and Jack Grealish, and when you watch the youngster, you can see why.

He possesses the on-the-ball prowess of Jack Grealish, and the positional-awareness and off-the-ball attributes of Mason Mount, make him a big prospect to watch out for in 2024/25.

31. Finley McAllister (Manchester United)

This England U17 international midfielder has been catching the attention of coaches of Erik Ten Hag's Manchester United first team.

The youngster is developing well, and with Kobbie Mainoo breaking through to the first team, the Premier League 2024/25 season could be the year that Finley McAllister gets his time to shine at Old Trafford.

30. Spike Brits (Manchester City)

Heralded as one of the best young goalkeepers in the English Premier League, Thorsten Spike Brits is another wonderkid acquired by City's academy.

Having signed from Wimbledon in June 2023, the young goalkeeper is set to follow in the footsteps of keepers like James Trafford.

With Stefan Ortega rumoured to move on in the summer, there could be an opportunity for this 16-year-old to get some minutes in the League Cup in the 2024/25 season.

29. Will Lankshear (Spurs)

Another centre-forward rising the ranks of Spurs' academy, wonderkid Will Lankshear joined Tottenham from Sheffield United for a reported £2 million fee in 2022.

Unlike playmaking forward Jamie Donley, Will Lankshear is a no-nonsense centre-forward known for his poaching ability.

Having scored 3 in 5 games for England's under-19s, this youngster is one to watch.

28. Lewis Koumas (Liverpool)

Son of Jason Koumas, Lewis Koumas is a versatile forward who can play across the front line and has an eye for goal.

Having scored on his full senior debut in the FA Cup for Liverpool at Anfield against Southampton in February 2024.

Lewis Koumas is one of Liverpool's most exciting young players, and will be one to watch during the Premier League 2024/25 season under Liverpool's new manager, Arne Slot.

27. Brayden Clarke (Arsenal)

Having only just made the move to Arsenal's Academy from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Brayden Clarke has already made a big impression with the Arsenal U18s.

Whilst he may not be ready for first-team football, this young wonderkid defender has all the attributes to shine in this league. And it's only a matter of time before he makes his senior Premier League debut for Arsenal.

26. Ben Broggio (Aston Villa)

Likened by members of Aston Villa's coaching staff to their former £100m player Jack Grealish, Ben Broggio is an attacking midfielder with the flair of a winger.

He’s playing two years above his age group and has scored three times for the under-18s this season. Broggio is one to watch out for in the Premier League in 2024/25.

25. Jamie Donley (Spurs)

The Northern Ireland-born forward has enjoyed an impressive season in Spurs' youth team this season, tops the table for the most assists in the PL2 with 9, and is 2nd for assists per 90 minutes.

The left-footed centre-forward has drawn comparisons to Harry Kane for his ability to drop deep and create chances for team-mates.

In our opinion, Jamie Donley could end up playing in midfield as he develops, as he possesses the engine and the technique that could be compared to Steven Gerrard.

24. Luka Lynch (Aston Villa)

Aston Villa have one of the most prolific academies around, and 17-year-old Luka Lynch is another hot prospect who is exciting the coaching staff at Aston Villa.

This tricky winger is a force one-on-one and has the speed and skills to break through into the Aston Villa squad in 2024/25.

Whilst he may not become a regular starter this year, Villa's Luka Lynch could become a great option for Unai Emery off the bench to add dynamism and unpredictability into a game.

23. Claudio Echeverri (Manchester City - loan at River Plate)

Man City wonderkid Claudio Echeverri has been enjoying praise in his homeland of Argentina due to his performances for River Plate of late.

Many of them are inevitably comparing him to Lionel Messi due to his low centre of gravity, his technical ability and his physique, however, Echeverri is very much his own player.

It's not clear at this stage whether or not Manchester City will fast-track the youngster to the Etihad, or keep him at River Plate for another season which is looking like the most likely option, but regardless, Echeverri is one wonderkid who we believe will become a household name of all Premier League fans in 2024/25 if given the right amount of game time.

22. Jayden Danns (Liverpool)

Jayden Danns is a Liverpool academy graduate who, until recently, was relatively unknown to Liverpool fans.

After suffering from the hereditary disease, Osgood-Schlatter, which is common in highly active 14-22-year-olds, Danns had to miss out on some crucial time on the field for Liverpool's U-16.

Now, two years on, Danns' career is back on track, with the parting Jürgen Klopp rewarding the young forward with vital Premier League minutes.

Danns, a versatile attacker, has been prolific in the U-18 Premier League and the PL2.

Under the guidance of Arne Slot next season at Liverpool, Jayden Danns has all the attributes to develop and be handed more Premier League minutes by a manager who is renowned for developing young players.

Jayden Danns is one of the most exciting young Liverpool players to watch out for next season in the Premier League.

21. Omari Kellyman (Chelsea)

Omari Kellyman is an attacking midfielder who has represented both England and Northern Ireland at the youth level.

Omari Kellyman bagged 7 goals in the Premier League 2 last season, and after signing for The Blues from Aston Villa in June 2024 on a six-year deal, he will be one to watch in Enzo Maresca's new-look Chelsea.

20. Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City)

Nico O'Reilly is already a capped international with England aged only 19.

He possesses all the attributes to thrive in Pep Guardiola's gruelling possession-based system.

Nico O'Reilly is great in possession, is a technically perfect passer of the ball, and brings a lot of natural flair to his game. O'Reilly could follow in the footsteps of Oscar Bobb by breaking into the Manchester City squad in the 2024/25 season.

He has already impressed Pep Guardiola in pre-season during their 2-2 draw with Barcelona in the United States.

19. Zach Abbott (Nottingham Forest)

Zach Abbott is a 17-year-old centre-back who has been playing above his age level throughout his time in Nottingham Forest's academy.

Former manager Steve Cooper heralded Abbott as a potential future leader in Forest's back line.

Zach Abbott has impressed in the PL2, and has bagged the most minutes for a 17-year-old in the division.

Abbott is one to watch out for, regardless of Nottingham Forest's Premier League status in the 2024/25 season.

18. Ben Doak (Liverpool)

Scotland are producing some great young talents at the moment, and Liverpool's young Scottish winger, Ben Doak, is one wonderkid who has been on the minds of Football Manager players for several years now.

Doak possesses pace, technical prowess and aggression that can make him a Liverpool regular this season.

Injuries will be the only thing holding this young Scottish wonderkid back, having sat on the sidelines this season due to several injuries.

But Ben Doak, health-permitting, could be set for his breakthrough season in 2024/25.

17. Lewis Hall (Newcastle United)

Lewis Hall should already be a name familiar with the eagle-eyed Premier League fans amongst you, this Chelsea Acamedy prospect broke through into the Chelsea first team at the back end of the 22/23 season.

The left-back caught the attention of Newcastle's then Sporting Director Dan Ashworth, and after arriving at Newcastle United on loan from Chelsea with an obligation to buy, the youngster has had a tough season under Eddie Howe gaining only a handful of starts.

However, recent performances by wonderkid Lewis Hall have got the Geordies talking about how important this youngster could be for them next season if given the right amount of playing time.

16. Chido Obi-Martin (Arsenal)

Chidozie Chidozie Obi-Martin, known more commonly as Chido Obi or Martin Obi, is a young Danish wonderkid who currently plays for Manchester United after moving from Arsenal this summer.

The young Danish striker started his career in Denmark, playing for his local side Kjøbenhavns Boldklub before being scouted and signed by Arsenal's Academy at age 14 years old.

The youngster is a prolific goalscorer with impressive physicality for his age.

He has netted 8 times and assisted twice in 12 games in the Premier League 2 youth league this season, and has been compared to Victor Oshimen in terms of his profile and style of play by football scouts.

15. Archie Gray (Spurs)

Archie Gray is one talented young fella. Emerging through the Leeds United academy, Gray played 47 games in the EFL Championship last season.

Whilst Gray's preferred position is as a right-sided number eight in midfield, the young England youth international was played as right-back for a bulk of games under Daniel Farke.

His technique on the ball and an eye for a pass is impressive, and at just 18-years-old, Gray could improve tenfold this season under the guidance of his new manager, Ange Postecoglou.

14. George Earthy (West Ham)

Having made his senior professional debut in the Europa League against Freiburg, West Ham's wonderkid midfielder has a promising future ahead of him.

David Moyes, the manager of West Ham who handed a certain Wayne Rooney his debut at Everton, has an eye for young talent.

George Earthy is a dynamic and progressive midfielder, who has already netted 8 times and and assisted 5 in the Premier League 2 in 2023/24.

Earthy is one to watch this season given Moyes' admiration of the young midfielder.

13. Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)

Ethan Nwaneri was handed his debut by Mikel Arteta, becoming the youngest player in a Premier League game back in 2022 against Brentford, aged 15 years and 181 days.

Having only featured in a handful of fixtures since this young midfielder is being prepared by Arteta behind the scenes to have a breakthrough season in 24/25.

This summer's pre-season for Arsenal could be key for Nwaneri to shine in front of the manager to cement a more regular position in the squad.

12. Trevan Sanusi (Newcastle United)

Trevan Sanusi has become one of the brightest prospects at Newcastle United's academy since joining from Birmingham City in September 2023.

17-year-old Sanusi is an agile, skillful, and quick winger, with undeterred confidence on the ball with his willingness to drive at opponents.

However, the youngster has impressed Eddie Howe through performances for the under-18s and Newcastle reserves.

So much so, that the young Newcastle wonderkid, Trevan Sanusi, has been called up to train with the first team and could be in line to make his Premier League debut shortly.

11. Rory Wilson (Aston Villa)

People close to Aston Villa's academy believe that Rory Wilson could be Aston Villa's Harry Kane, with the youngster already netting 15 goals in his 20 appearances, including a hat-trick against Brentford in the FA Youth Cup.

Villa's wonderkid represents Scotland at the under-21 age, and could even get a surprise call-up for the Euro 2024.

With Aston Villa lacking in depth in the striker position, should Watkins suffer an injury next season, wonderkid Rory Wilson could get his chance to shine on the Premier League stage in 2024/25.

10. Trey Nyoni (Liverpool)

Trey Nyoni is a byproduct of the Leicester City academy and signed for Liverpool in 2023 under the Merseyside club's strategy of poaching top talent from rival academies, such as Bobby Clarke from Newcastle, Amara Nall from West Ham, and Harvey Owen from Wolves.

Wonderkid Trey Nyoni has emerged as a "quiet leader" in Liverpool's under-18s, and Klopp has given the youngster plaudits for his work ethic on and off the field, earning him a call-up to the senior team in the League Cup final.

9. Mikey Moore (Spurs)

Another young Spurs playing who is making waves in the Tottenham Hotspurs academy.

Mikey Moore, 17, has been handed some pre-season minutes by manager Ange Postecoglou, scoring two in two matches.

Whilst it's early days, Postecoglou was quoted at the Euros stating "if you're good enough, you're old enough" when speaking about Spain's Lamine Yamal.

Could 2024/25 be the season where Tottenham's Mikey Moore breaks into the first XI?

8. Lewis Miley (Newcastle United)

Emerging from Newcastle United's youth academy, Lewis Miley has fitted into Newcastle United's injury-hampered first XI under Eddie Howe like a glove.

At just 17, Newcastle's homegrown wonderkid has taken his opportunity to impress, gaining Champions League experience this year playing against the likes of AC Milan, PSG and Borussia Dortmund.

Watching Lewis Miley is reminiscent of Gavi for Barcelona, a player who possesses a high technical ability and game intelligence to excel in any midfield role that he's being asked to play. Unsurprisingly, Miley has caught the attention of La Liga giants Real Madrid and could be one to watch in the transfer market this summer.

7. Harry Amass (Manchester United)

17-year-old Manchester United left-back, Harry Amass, has impressed during pre-season and is set to start ahead of the unfit Luke Shaw at the start of the 24/25 Premier League campaign.

The young England youth international is a very technical and quick left-back, who like so many Manchester United youngsters, looks mature beyond his years.

This could be the breakthrough season for Harry Amass, who moved from Watford's youth academy to Old Trafford in 2023.

6. Jack Hinshelwood (Brighton)

Brighton's dynamic and versatile wonderkid, Jack Hinshelwood, has become somewhat of a regular of late, scoring 3 goals in 12 games as a right-back in Roberto De Zerbi's system.

After missing the end of the 23/24 season due to a stress fracture of the foot, Jack Hinshelwood will come back with a fire in his belly, and seeing as he will still only be 19 years old at the start of next season, he could become one of the Premier Leagues leading young players in 2024/25.

5. Lucas Bergvall (Spurs)

Lucas Bergvall just has the feel of a player who is going to make it as an elite footballer.

His confidence, ability, and even his name just reek of stardom. After impressing Ange Postecoglou enough to convince Spurs' Australian manager to pay £8.5 million for the Swedish wonderkid, this 18-year-old will remain in Sweden until July 2024, when he will make the move to Tottenham.

Next season, under Postecoglou's guidance, could be when this highly-coveted wonderkid comes to the fore in the Premier League.

4. Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth)

Bournemouth have been meticulous in recent transfer windows, and the addition of the Juventus centre-back wonderkid, Dean Huijsen, is no exception.

The young ball-playing central defender possesses pace, passing ability and defensive positioning that makes him one to watch for Premier League fans this season.

3. Rico Lewis (Manchester City)

Lewis, 19, has been in and around the Manchester City first-team for a couple of seasons now.

The versatile right-back has been groomed by Guardiola invert into an advanced midfield role, using his pace and positioning to make penetrative underlapping runs.

Despite his age, Rico Lewis is holding his own against stiff competition in England international Kyle Walker.

The 2024/25 season could be the time for Pep to give this young wonderkid more playing time.

2. Evan Ferguson (Brighton)

It's hard to beleive that the Republic of Ireland goalscoring sensation, Evan Ferguson, is only 19 years old.

After battling with injuries under Roberto De Zerbi, Evan Ferguson will hope for a fresh start under new Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler.

Ferguson, who was tipped for a move away this summer to Old Trafford, will hope that the 2024/25 season is the point at which he goes from a young Premier Leauge prospect with potential, to an established 20-goal-a-season striker.

1. Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)

There can't be much said about how good Manchester United's wonderkid is that hasn't been said already.

Kobbie Mainoo is a player beyond his years, and at 18 years old, he has already broken through into Manchester United's first XI.

Mainoo has also impressed in an England shirt and impressed at Euro 2024 squad in Germany.

The 2024/25 Premier League season may be the season that he goes from being a young prospect to one of Europe's elite midfielders.

There is so much to look forward to in the Premier League in 2024/25, and whilst these wonderkids will need luck, discipline, and determination to break through into their respective starting XIs next season.

We hope that most if not all of these wonderkids can go on to become regular Premier League starters in the coming years.

Discover the next football wonderkids before anybody else by becoming a free or a paid member.