Breakouts & wildcards - 13 surprise stars for new season

Sean Steur, a 18-year-old Dutch midfielder playing for Newcastle United, was named the Abdelhak Nouri Trophy winner in 2025. A gifted player, Steur scored 25 appearances for Ajax across all competitions during the 2024 season. Despite the challenges of transitioning from the Dutch league to the Premier League as a teenager, Newcastle's existing young players like Lewis Miley could serve as potential mentors for Steur.

And, while not guaranteed regular starts, Steur's fearless attitude and passing ability may help him quickly make his mark in the league.

Caleb Yirenkyi, a 20-year-old midfielder from Ghana, was recently signed by newly promoted Coventry City for a club-record £25m fee. He played a key role in Ghana's World Cup campaign, scoring a dramatic 95th-minute winner against Panama. Yirenkyi, who went through Ghana's Right To Dream Academy, has established himself as a versatile and energetic midfielder. With the guidance of experienced coaches like Frank Lampard, Yirenkyi could potentially develop into a top-tier Premier League player.

Spanish defender Oscar Mingueza, 27, boasts an impressive background with Barcelona's La Masia academy and 66 appearances for the club's senior team. Although Mingueza did not make Spain's World Cup squad, his impressive defensive skill set, showcased in capping Spain's Nations League finals, makes him a valuable addition to Crystal Palace. With Daniel Munoz's uncertain future at the club, Mingueza's versatility in defense could provide a stable replacement, especially if Munoz remains on the team.

Aston Villa has secured the services of teenage striker Brian Madjo, a 17-year-old English forward. Although Madjo will miss the start of the Premier League season due to an injury sustained during his competitive debut against Paris Saint-Germain, his impressive pre-season performances suggest that he will be a valuable addition to the team.

Born to parents from Cameroon and raised in Luxembourg, Madjo has already scored four goals for Villa in pre-season matches, and his powerful build indicates that he has the potential to be a successful, long-term striker.