A flurry of new players are expected to come into various Leagues with the transfer window far from its conclusion.
News outlets are full of stories about astronomical transfer fees, unfounded rumors, and greedy agents. But under the radar are some wonderkids who could potentially negate the need for their clubs to purchase big players in the near future. Below we take a look at five promising academy players ready to make their way onto the big stage.
Tammy Abraham
The 19-year-old striker is one of the hottest U-21 properties in Europe right now. The London-born striker has been a key cog in Chelsea Youth set-up in the FA Cup and UEFA Youth League in the past two years, scoring a combined 67 goals across both seasons.
The lanky forward is deceptively quick, uses both his feet comfortably and smartly takes advantage of his attributes. The best thing however about the rising star is the maturity with which he times his runs. Rumors of a loan to Bristol City are rife, but should he stay; he could be London’s version of Marcus Rashford this season.
Charly Musonda
To say Charly Musonda has been a hit in his short spell in Spain will be an understatement. The fans love him so much, and the face masks of the teen starlet are a regular thing now at the Estadio Benito VillamarÃn.
Blessed with incredible speed and fantastically quick feet, Charly Junior is almost impossible to contain. If the right footed wonderkid could add goals to his game, Chelsea might already have Eden Hazard 2.0 waiting in the wings.
Jeff Reine-Adelaide
Arsene Wenger has made a name for himself as one of the few elite managers willing to give young players a chance, the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, and Cesc Fabregas can point to the French gaffer as the man who believed in them.
Many believe that the French winger is the next best thing from the Arsenal academy. The youngster impressed in the Emirates Cup last year and has made two FA Cup appearances as well. Major strengths of the 18-year-old are his eye for a pass and trickery from either flank.
Sheyi Ojo
The tricky winger, who is currently at the U19 Championships with England has already made headlines, impressing for Wigan Athletic and Wolverhampton Wanders on loan. He also had an immediate impact on his recall to the Liverpool fold, helping himself to goals and assists in important fixtures.
The English starlet is an excellent dribbler and boasts of a first touch beyond his years. His decision making, however, is the most impressive part of his game. Many believe his evolution was part of the reason Liverpool were willing to part with Jordan Ibe.
Timothy Fosu Mensah
The 18-year-old central midfielder, who is also adept at playing center back or full back was one of the few shining lights of Van Gaal’s dismal campaign last season. T
he Amsterdam-born player was brought in during Manchester United’s injury crisis and acquitted himself quite nicely. He is powerfully built, quick with a good passing range, but the most impressive thing about the young man is his reading of the game which allows him to make lots of interceptions.
Jose Mourinho prioritizes defending, and it won’t be a surprise to see the versatile midfielder get some decent game time this season.