Producing the next generation of players has always been very high on the agenda for Premier League clubs, as the financial benefits of having a first team player come through an academy system are huge. Exciting talents have often been part of the fabric of the Premier League, with some players going on to more than fulfil their potential, whilst others fall by the wayside.
Former Barcelona defender Eric Garcia has been part of Pep Guardiola’s plans at Manchester City for the past 18 months. Having made 26 appearances in all competitions and won 3 Carabao Cups, he was seen as a potentially big part of the club’s future. He looks set to re-join Barcelona however in the not too distant future, with his contract at City expiring in the summer of 2021.
French full back Rayan Aït Nouri moved from Angers to Wolves in the summer of 2020 on a season long loan, with an attached transfer fee of £20 million. The left back has had to bide his time at Molineux so far this season, but he marked his first appearance with a goal against Crystal Palace and he looks to be well integrated into the Wolves squad.
French centre-back William Saliba has long been one of the most sought after defenders in European football. Having impressed at Saint-Etienne he joined Arsenal in the summer of 2019, but he is yet to make a significant impact at the Emirates Stadium. Going out on loan for first team exposure seems to still be the plan for the Gunners as Saliba continues to push for a starting place.
Commanding centre-back Wesley Fofana has long been seen as one of the most promising prospects in French football and his £35 million move to Leicester City this summer has been a success so far. The former Saint-Etienne man has made an instant impact at the King Power Stadium and he looks to be part of Brendan Rodgers’s plans for seasons to come.
Portuguese wonderkid Fabio Silva joined Wolves for a fee that could climb to £40 million in the summer of 2020 and his stock is one of the most exciting in world football. The former Porto man has broken records in youth football in Portugal and whilst he is yet to score for Wolves, he looks to be an exciting talent for the future.
He was born July 19, 2002 (18 years old).
With over 50 first team appearances for Arsenal under his belt, Bukayo Saka has become an integral part of Arsenal’s first team. Having impressed throughout age group football for the Gunners, Saka has made the transition to Premier League football with ease and was part of the side that won the 2019/20 FA Cup.
Mason Greenwood is the latest in a long line of historical Manchester United talents to light up the Premier League. With 20 goals for the club already, Greenwood looks to be an integral part of the club’s plans moving forward and he has also been capped by England. He is one of Manchester United’s youngest ever debutants and he is the 2nd youngest player to represent the club in the Champions League.
He was born on September 5, 2001 (age 19 years).
He was born October 1, 2001 (19 years old).
