Premier League 2026-27 Preseason: Emerging Talents, Managerial Shifts and Injury Concerns

Preseason friendlies gave an early gauge of form for clubs heading into 2026-27. Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool recorded mixed results, while several clubs highlighted promising youngsters. Arsenal’s Max Dowman earned a surprise PFA Young Player of the Season nomination after a 4-1 win over Girona, contributing a goal and an assist. Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Wrexham featured a decisive goal from 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha. Aston Villa’s Brian Madjo, signed for £10 million on his 17th birthday, topped preseason scoring with four goals, including the club’s only strike in a 2-1 UEFA Super Cup loss to PSG.

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Liverpool’s defensive line entered preseason with notable absences: right-back Conor Bradley (knee), midfielder Joe Gomez (muscle) and new €60 million signing Jérémy Jacquet (shoulder). Manager Andoni Iraola secured a season-long loan for Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo.

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• Max Dowman (Arsenal) – 16; scored and assisted in a 4-1 win.

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• Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool) – 17; netted the sole goal against Wrexham.

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• Brian Madjo (Aston Villa) – 17; four preseason goals, including against Real Sociedad.

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• Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest) – Returned to form with four goals in consecutive preseason matches.

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• Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City) – Assisted five of six City preseason goals and recorded 17 league goals last season.

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Chelsea appointed Xabi Alonso in May, with his official start on July 9 giving him extra preparation time. Alonso oversaw a preseason schedule that featured five goals from João Pedro, including a hat-trick against Western Sydney Wanderers.

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Manchester City began the preseason under Enzo Maresca, inheriting Pep Guardiola’s departing legacy. Maresca’s limited time with star players was noted as an early hurdle, though City still won two of three friendlies.

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• Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) – 6,051 minutes across 68 appearances last season; fitness uncertain.

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• Conor Bradley (Liverpool) – Knee injury.

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• Joe Gomez (Liverpool) – Muscle problem.

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• Jérémy Jacquet (Liverpool) – Shoulder injury.

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• Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth) – Foot injury requiring surgery; four-month recovery may delay his return until January.

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• Amadou Onana (Aston Villa) – Ruptured ACL.

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• John McGinn (Aston Villa) – Knee injury; expected fit for season start.

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• Johan Manzambi (Aston Villa) – Knee injury; may miss opening fixtures.

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• Anthony Elanga (Newcastle) – Bruised shin, cleared to play before the opener.

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• City players accumulated just under 5,000 World Cup minutes, with Erling Haaland, Jérémy Doku, Rodri, Marc Guéhi, Nico O'Reilly and new signing Elliot Anderson featuring prominently.

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• Madjo’s four preseason goals placed him ahead of all other teenagers in the league’s warm-up matches.

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• Semenyo contributed five assists across three City friendlies (vs Inter Milan, K-League All-Stars, Atlético Madrid).

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• The July 9 report confirmed Alonso’s start date allowed him to work extensively with senior players such as João Pedro, Cole Palmer and Estêvão.

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• On July 29, ESPN’s Rob Dawson noted no decision had been reached regarding Jack Grealish’s future, despite his contract running through 2027.

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The Premier League season opens in August, with clubs finalising squads amid ongoing injury recoveries. Decisions on Grealish’s placement and the integration of newly eligible players such as Madjo will shape early-season dynamics.

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