Top 10 Premier League Players to Watch in the 2025/2026 Season

Top 10 Premier League Players to Watch in the 2025/2026 Season is your ultimate guide to the stars ready to shine brightest in England’s top flight. As the Premier League kicks off another thrilling chapter, all eyes turn to the breakout talents, elite playmakers, and unstoppable forwards shaping the season’s narrative. From rising young phenoms to world-class veterans with a point to prove, this list features game-changers expected to dominate headlines, score stunning goals, and lead title charges. Whether it’s a record-breaking striker, a midfield maestro dictating play, or a defender shutting down attacks, each name on this list has the skill, story, and spotlight.

With new transfers settling in, seasoned stars entering their peak, and fan-favorites returning from injury, the 2025/2026 campaign promises drama, brilliance, and unforgettable moments. This article breaks down why each of these ten players deserves your attention—from tactical roles and recent form to bold predictions and team impact. Don’t miss who’s poised to steal the show this season. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or a fantasy football guru, these are the players you need to know. Get ready for breathtaking performances in what could be one of the most competitive seasons yet.

10. Yankuba Minteh – Brighton & Hove Albion

After impressing on loan at Feyenoord, Yankuba Minteh joins Brighton permanently in what could be one of the smartest moves of the summer. The Gambian winger is electric on the ball, known for his blistering pace, sharp dribbling, and a fearless attacking mindset.

At just 20 years old, Minteh brings youthful flair and energy to Brighton’s attacking line. His ability to stretch defenses wide and create space inside could be a game-changer for the Seagulls, especially under a manager who prioritizes attacking freedom. Fans should expect dazzling moments on the wing and perhaps a breakout goal tally if he adjusts quickly.

Minteh’s rise will also be important to Brighton’s ambitions this season—whether it’s pushing for a European place or making another deep domestic cup run. With several veteran wingers leaving or aging, this is the perfect chance for Minteh to become Brighton’s next big star.

9. Bukayo Saka – Arsenal

A cornerstone of Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka enters the 2025/2026 season as one of the Premier League’s most consistent and dynamic performers. At just 23, Saka already boasts a wealth of top-flight experience and remains central to Arsenal’s hopes of challenging for major honors once again.

Saka’s development has been nothing short of remarkable. He combines explosive pace, pinpoint crossing, and clinical finishing with high football intelligence. Whether cutting inside from the right flank or delivering inch-perfect balls into the box, Saka has become nearly unplayable in one-on-one situations. His chemistry with Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz continues to grow, creating a fluid and lethal attacking unit.

What makes Saka a player to watch isn’t just his stats or skill—it’s his consistency and mentality. He rarely has an off day, and he always steps up in big moments, often deciding tight games with a flash of brilliance. His defensive work rate and commitment to the team are just as impressive.

Now entering his prime, Saka is not just an Arsenal star—he’s one of the faces of the Premier League. With the Gunners aiming to go one better in the title race and make a deep Champions League run, Saka’s impact could define their season.

8. Harvey Elliott – Liverpool

While not a new signing, Harvey Elliott is poised for a breakthrough season in 2025/2026 under Arne Slot’s new regime. With Liverpool entering a transitional era post-Klopp, the young midfielder could finally get a consistent run in his favored advanced central role.

Elliott has always had the technical quality—his quick feet, vision, and ability to link midfield with attack are top-tier. But under Slot’s tactical system, which emphasizes fluid positioning and attacking transitions, Elliott may be the creative spark Liverpool relies on regularly.

He’s also matured significantly, becoming more consistent and physically confident, which was previously a concern in his development. Whether starting or coming off the bench, his ability to change games with a single pass or shot makes him vital.

With senior players rotating more frequently, Elliott’s minutes should increase, and so will his responsibility. If he can add more goals and assists to his game, this could be the year he cements himself as a starter and fan favorite.

7. Mohammed Kudus – West Ham United

Mohammed Kudus had a strong first season at West Ham, but 2025/2026 is shaping up to be his true explosion year. After getting comfortable in the Premier League and showing flashes of brilliance, he’s expected to take on a leading role for the Hammers under Julen Lopetegui.

Capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, winger, or false nine, Kudus is a nightmare for defenders. His low center of gravity, ball control in tight spaces, and knack for scoring scream star quality. Now with Lucas Paquetá likely moving on, Kudus could become the creative engine and main attacking threat.

With Europa League football and an evolving tactical setup, Kudus has the platform to shine on multiple fronts. He’ll be expected to lead by example and produce consistently across all competitions. West Ham’s success may heavily depend on his performances.

If he improves his decision-making and finishing, there’s every chance Kudus becomes one of the most exciting players in the league this season. Keep an eye on his highlight reel—he may top it more than once.

6. Alexander Isak – Newcastle United

Alexander Isak has already proven himself as a top-tier Premier League striker, but the 2025/2026 season might be his crowning moment. After back-to-back strong campaigns and improved chemistry with teammates like Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimarães, the Swedish forward is entering his prime with confidence and purpose.

Isak combines height, pace, composure, and finishing in a rare blend. He’s not just a poacher—he can dribble past defenders, drop deep to build play, or score wonder goals from distance. Eddie Howe’s system, which now features more fluid attacking patterns, suits Isak’s style perfectly.

With Champions League football back on the table, Newcastle will rely heavily on Isak’s goals to break into the league’s elite. Injuries limited him previously, but a fully fit Isak has 20+ goals in his boots. This season could mark his shift from “potential star” to one of the most feared strikers in Europe.

Expect him to be central to everything Newcastle does in attack—and maybe even push for the Golden Boot if he stays healthy.

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5. Florian Wirtz – Liverpool

After years of tearing up the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, Florian Wirtz makes his much-anticipated move to Liverpool—an elite talent joining the Premier League’s most dominant side. Known for his flair, creativity, and tactical maturity, Wirtz has all the tools to become a superstar under Arne Slot.

What sets Wirtz apart is his football intelligence. He finds space where others don’t even look, combines effortlessly in tight areas, and creates chances with both vision and precision. Whether deployed as a central attacking midfielder, wide playmaker, or false nine, Wirtz brings a level of unpredictability that can elevate Liverpool’s attack even further.

In Slot’s fluid system, Wirtz is expected to play a free-roaming creative role—linking with the likes of Salah, Nunes, and Robertson to form a midfield/attacking core that may be impossible to stop. With Salah possibly entering the twilight of his career, Wirtz is viewed by many as the perfect long-term successor.

If he adapts quickly to the physicality and tempo of English football, Wirtz could be the signing of the season. Don’t be surprised if he racks up double digits in both goals and assists by the end of the campaign.

4. Martin Ødegaard – Arsenal

Already Arsenal’s captain and creative brain, Martin Ødegaard continues to evolve each season. In 2025/2026, he returns stronger than ever—sharper, more confident, and fully fit to lead Arsenal’s title charge once again.

His vision, passing range, and ability to operate in tight midfield spaces make him one of the most elegant playmakers in Europe. He dictates tempo and is always scanning for the killer ball. Last season saw him improve his goal output significantly, and this year, he’s expected to add more assists to his name as Arsenal look to go one step further.

Under Mikel Arteta’s ever-improving tactical system, Ødegaard is not just a conductor—he’s a finisher, presser, and leader. With new signings like Nico Williams adding pace around him, Ødegaard may have even more tools to unleash his creative genius.

Arsenal fans should expect moments of pure brilliance and more game-winning performances. If the Gunners are to finally reclaim the Premier League crown, Ødegaard will be central to that dream.

3. Cole Palmer – Chelsea

After a stunning breakout campaign in 2024/2025, Cole Palmer has gone from promising young winger to Chelsea’s main man. The former Manchester City academy product lit up the league with goals, assists, and fearless performances in big matches—and now he’s set to go even bigger in 2025/2026.

Palmer is a joy to watch: silky on the ball, clever in tight spaces, and deadly from distance. His left foot can bend in screamers, pick out inch-perfect passes, or deliver clutch penalties under pressure. What makes him truly special, though, is his composure. Despite his youth, Palmer plays like a veteran with ice in his veins.

Now the creative heartbeat of Chelsea, Palmer will have even more freedom this season under Pochettino’s system. With new signings supporting the attack and improved midfield balance, he won’t have to carry the entire creative load—though he certainly can. Whether he’s cutting in from the right or playing as a central playmaker, Palmer will be at the center of everything Chelsea do.

If he continues his upward trajectory, Palmer could finish the season as Chelsea’s top scorer and assist-maker—and possibly earn a PFA Player of the Year nomination. His ceiling is sky-high.

2. Erling Haaland – Manchester City

No Premier League watchlist would be complete without Erling Haaland, and the 2025/2026 season could be his most dominant yet. After two goal-laden campaigns, the Norwegian superstar is now settled, feared, and even more well-rounded under Pep Guardiola’s system.

Haaland’s physical attributes are frightening—explosive pace, brute strength, and aerial prowess. But what’s more impressive is how he’s improving his link-up play and understanding of space. He’s no longer just a finisher; he’s becoming an all-around threat who can assist, press, and drop deep.

City’s attack is evolving with new signings like Rodrygo and a more fluid midfield behind him. That means more service, more chances, and probably more goals. If he stays injury-free, he could break his own Premier League scoring record.

With another Ballon d’Or campaign on his radar and the hunger to win more trophies, Haaland isn’t just one to watch—he’s the benchmark. Every defender in the league knows what’s coming, and they still can’t stop him.

1. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool

Even as he enters his 30s, Mohamed Salah remains the face of Liverpool and one of the Premier League’s most feared attackers. After a frustrating 2024/2025 season marred by injury and international duty, Salah is back, hungry, and more motivated than ever under new head coach Arne Slot.

Salah is a machine—year after year, he delivers goals, assists, and clutch moments. He’s already a Premier League legend, but what makes him even more compelling this season is the fire to prove he’s still among the elite. With a rejuvenated squad around him and more tactical flexibility under Slot, expect Salah to feature more centrally and dangerously than before.

This season could also see him take on more leadership responsibility, guiding younger stars like Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz, and Harvey Elliott, while still being the focal point of Liverpool’s attack. He’s physically sharp, mentally refreshed, and technically lethal—still capable of scoring 20+ goals and carrying the Reds in big moments.

Don’t mistake experience for decline—Salah is still a match-winner. And if Liverpool are to mount a serious title challenge again, you can bet Salah will be at the heart of it all.

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