Breakouts & wildcards - 13 surprise stars for new season

BBC Sport TV and radio commentators identify the players they think could be the breakout stars of the new Premier League season. By Chris Bevan BBC Sport journalist Published 18 August 2026 Eli Junior Kroupi, Igor Thiago and Nico O'Reilly were among the breakout stars who made their mark on the Premier League last season - but who will be next? BBC Sport's TV and radio commentators have picked 13 players they believe are worth watching out for over the next few months. Whether they are new signings, wonder kids or late bloomers, here are some unfamiliar faces of all ages who might make a name for themselves in the new campaign. Steve Bower: There has been a lot of talk this summer about Newcastle players departing, particularly in the midfield area, but here's someone they brought in early on - before Eddie Howe left - in a deal that could be worth up to £23m. I saw Steur play in Europe for Ajax last season, and he made 25 appearances for them in all competitions in the end. He can either play in defensive midfield or a bit further forward, is two-footed and has lovely passing ability. Obviously it is a big step up, as we know, to come from the Dutch league into the Premier League as a teenager, and also to arrive at a club in transition with a new manager. But Newcastle have got players like Lewis Miley - who has come through in recent seasons - that Steur can learn from being in a similar situation as well. I liked the look of him on first viewing for Ajax and he appears as if he has got the personality to play in the Premier League. Steur is not someone who necessarily starts initially, or all the time, but he seems pretty fearless and is the type of player who could grab the opportunity if it comes his way. Yirenkyi featured in all four of Ghana's matches at the World Cup and, when I commentated on him during their group match against England, I thought he looked the kind of energetic midfielder who would do well in the Premier League.

Conor Mc Namara: Coventry City have got themselves a talented and versatile new signing in Yirenkyi - which is pronounced 'yur'INCH-ee', by the way. He started on the right of a back five for Ghana against England at the World Cup, but his favoured position is the centre of midfield. Wales fans will remember him scoring against them in the pre-tournament friendly in June and he got a goal at the World Cup itself against Panama too. After coming through Ghana's 'Right To Dream Academy', he was named Young Player Of The Year in the Danish Superliga last season with Nordsjaelland. Frank Lampard could be just the right coach to help Yirenkyi blossom further, as a midfielder of Premier League standard. Conor Mc Namara: Mingueza did not make Spain's World Cup-winning squad, but the standard was incredibly high. Pedro Porro was first choice right-back and, with Marcos Llorente and Marc Pubill also able to cover that position, Mingueza was left to rue what might have been. After allowing his contract to run down at Celta Vigo, the defender has joined Crystal Palace on a free transfer, which might just prove to be one of the signings of the summer. I commentated on Mingueza playing for Spain at the Nations League finals a year ago and he is very impressive at turning defence into attack. With Daniel Munoz's future at Selhurst Park up in the air, Mingueza could be a ready-made replacement for one of Palace's most effective players of recent seasons. If Munoz stays, Mingueza has the versatility to play anywhere across the back line. John Murray: Madjo is a teenage striker Aston Villa fans will know all about already after the goals he has scored for them in pre-season.

Born in London to parents from Cameroon, Madjo grew up in Luxembourg and made his senior international debut for them last year. But he has now switched his international allegiance to England and played for the Under-17 team. After a wrangle over that, he was finally cleared to play in competitive matches for Villa, making his competitive debut last week with a goal in the Super Cup against Paris St-Germain. Guy Mowbray: There's been talk of a loan move for Madjo, but his flurry of pre-season goals and a massive impact against PSG should keep him around at least until the next transfer window. If that's the case - you won't fail to notice him! He is a powerful striker who has most of the tools to be a success. Steve Bower: I was going to choose Johan Manzambi, who I included when we did a similar article about new players to watch at the World Cup. Manzambi had an excellent tournament, and Villa pipped Newcastle to sign him. But I didn't want to include two players from one club, and I was told about Madjo when Villa signed him for just over £10m back in January, before they had well-documented issues registering him. Obviously we know he has been available in pre-season, when he has made his mark with four goals against Walsall, Real Sociedad and Indonesia All-Stars. Then of course Unai Emery gave him his opportunity against PSG, when he scored again. He has got a huge frame and figure for his age, bringing very early comparisons to Erling Haaland, which is a big tag to carry.

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