Every year, a new batch of young stars emerges in the Premier League — players who could go on to become the next Rooney, Kane or Saka. In this post, I’ve rounded up some of the most exciting under-18 talents currently playing in Premier League clubs.

Now, before you send your Director of Football running to make offers — a quick disclaimer:
I don’t know their exact current or potential ability ratings in Football Manager.
That’s part of the fun. It’s up to you and your scouting team to find out which of these youngsters could develop into genuine world-beaters in your save.

Whether you’re managing a top-flight club looking for the next academy star, or a lower-league side hoping to snap up gems on loan, these players are definitely worth adding to your scouting shortlist.

Let’s dive into the names that might just define the next generation of FM wonderkids

Goalkeepers

Jack Porter – 17 – Arsenal

Owen Asemota – 17 – Aston Villa

Freddie Bernal – 16 – Chelsea

Ben Vickery – 16 – Manchester City

Charlie Hardy – 16 – Manchester United

Defenders

Theo Julienne – 17 – Arsenal

Freddie Simmonds – 17 – Brighton

Lewi Richards – 16- Chelsea

Calvin Diakite -16 – Chelsea

Jacob Hall – 16 – Chelsea

Riley Ebho – 16 – Chelsea

Jacob Howard – 16 – Leeds

Cam Williams – 16 – Liverpool

DJ Esdaille – 17 – Liverpool

Kaden Braithwaite – 17 – Manchester City

Stephen Mfuni – 17 – Manchester City

Godwill Kukoni – 17 – Manchester United

Jayden Ngwashi – 16 – Manchester United

Jun’ai Byfield – 16 – Tottenham Hotspur

Wesley Okoduwa – 17 – Wolves

Midfielders

Reggie Walsh – 16 – Chelsea

Landon Emenalo – 17 – Chelsea

Seth Ridegon – 17 – Fulham

Haydn Murray- Holme – 16 – Liverpool

Divine Mukasa – 17 – Manchester City

Floyd Samba – 16 – Manchester City

Jim Thwaites – 17 – Manchester United

Sam Alabi – 16 – Newcastle

Mason Miley – 16 – Newcastle

Chinaza Nwosu – 17 – Nottingham Forest

George Feeney – 17 – Tottenham Hotspur

Attacking Midfielders

Jack McGrath – 16 – Aston Villa

Harry Howell -17 – Brighton

Tyler Silsbury – 17 – Brighton

Ibrahim Rabbaj – 16 = Chelsea

Charlie Holland – 16 – Chelsea

Sol Gordon – 17 – Chelsea

Ryan Kavuma-McQueen -16 – Chelsea

Joel Drakes-Thomas – 16 – Crystal Palace

Macaulay Zepa – 17 – Fulham

Harry Gray – 16 – Leeds

Ryan McAidoo – 17- Manchester City

Bendito Mantato – 17 – Manchester United

Amir Ibragimov – 17 – Manchester United

Luca Williams-Barnett – 16 – Tottenham Hotspur

Our headline feature player, WIlliams-Barnett is an attacking midfielder, who is highly touted and has made his first team debut already.

Strikers

Markie Meade – 16 – Aston Villa

Shumaria Mheuka – 17 – Chelsea

Teddie Lamb – 16 – Manchester City

Kacey Wooster – 17 – Newcastle

Mateus Mane – 17 – Wolves

The Premier League might be dominated by global stars, but the next generation is already knocking on the door. Whether they’re known academy graduates from big clubs or lesser known names rising through the smaller clubs, these U18 talents represent the league’s future — and your next FM obsession.

Remember — we’re not giving you their attributes or hidden potential. That’s your scout’s job. Get those assignments running, uncover the gems, and maybe — just maybe — you’ll discover the next homegrown hero before anyone else does.