Future stars we could see on the Premier League's final day

Hannibal Mejbri could make his Man Utd debut
Hannibal Mejbri could make his Man Utd debut / Jan Kruger/Getty Images
facebooktwitterreddit

The final day of the 2020/21 Premier League season is here, and with most teams now playing for much at this point, it could be time for some youngsters to get some minutes.

Past seasons have offered up plenty of chances for some of English football's brightest talents, and let's hope that this year is no different.

Let's take a look as some of the players who could show their faces on the final day.


1. Cole Palmer - Man City

Cole Palmer
Palmer is ready for senior football / James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images

We've seen Cole Palmer in the Carabao Cup and the Champions League already this season, and now it's time for the Manchester City starlet to make his debut in the Premier League.

A 19-year-old attacking midfielder, Palmer made a mockery of academy football alongside striker Liam Delap this season, using his outstanding vision and quick feet to the tune of 13 goals and six assists in just 16 appearances.

Palmer has been on the bench for City's last two games, and with their league title already wrapped up, Pep Guardiola should give him the minutes he deserves.

2. Carney Chukwuemeka - Aston Villa

Carney Chukwuemeka
Chukwuemeka is wanted by a number of top sides / Athena Pictures/Getty Images

After playing one minute at the end of the 2-1 win over Tottenham, expect Carney Chukwuemeka to build on that in Aston Villa's final-day clash with Chelsea.

A towering 17-year-old midfielder, Chukwuemeka is widely regarded as one of England's brightest prospects and has justified that hype with a run of six goals and two assists in four FA Youth Cup appearances for the dominant Villains.

Villa's academy is full of gems, with Louie Barry and Lamare Bogarde among the top talents, but Chukwuemeka shines brightest.

If you don't know his name already, take notes.

3. Folarin Balogun - Arsenal

Folarin Balogun
Balogun signed a new contract with Arsenal / Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Arsenal have claimed to be high on striker Folarin Balogun for a while now, and it's time for Mikel Arteta to prove it.

Having impressed in the Europa League already this season, Balogun finally sealed a new contract with the Gunners, who see the 19-year-old as the future of their forward line.

Arsenal still have a spot in the Europa Conference League to play for, but with fans divided over whether they even want to play in that competition, this is the perfect low-risk time to give Balogun a shot.

4. Hannibal Mejbri - Man Utd

Hannibal Mejbri
Mejbri could make his debut / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

One of the best players in English academy football this season, Hannibal Mejbri is finally set to make his Manchester United debut.

The frizzy haired playmaker has dazzled with elite vision and the kind of electric footwork that has seen him scythed down by many a frustrated defender in the past.

Alongside fellow youngster Shola Shoretire, Hannibal is more than deserving of some minutes when second-placed United end their season against Wolves.

5. Moises Caicedo - Brighton

A hot topic in the January transfer window, Moises Caicedo ended up in English football with Brighton, who are yet to actually give the Ecuadorian youngster his debut.

Caicedo may well be seen as the long-term replacement for wanted man Yves Bissouma, so giving him a chance on the final day against Arsenal may be in Graham Potter's best interests.

Arsenal are one of the sides interested in Bissouma, but Caicedo might stop them from getting a closer look at their target.

6. Mika Biereth - Fulham

Under-18 Premier League South champions, Fulham have been one of academy football's most-fun watches this year, and striker Mika Biereth has been a large part of that.

With 21 goals and 13 assists in 21 appearances, the 18-year-old has dominated youth football and has earned a spot in Scott Parker's first team when they travel to Newcastle.

The Cottagers need to find a regular source of goals next season, and Biereth could be the perfect man for the job.

7. Jay Stansfield - Fulham

Jay Stansfield may not have been as prolific as team-mate Biereth, but he's still arguably more ready for senior football and has two cameo appearances from the 2019/20 season under his belt to prove it.

A striker/midfielder hybrid, Stansfield has recovered from a nasty ankle injury to make a big impact with the Under-18s late in the season and deserves to be rewarded with a first outing for the seniors.

All eyes are on next season now, and Stansfield looks ready to be a major part of it.

8. Jesuran Rak-Sakyi - Crystal Palace

Raised in the Chelsea academy but honed with Palace, winger Jesuran Rak-Sakyi has been a whole lot of fun to watch this year.

With Ebere Eze out injured for the next six months, Andros Townsend's contract running down and Wilfried Zaha ready for another transfer storm, Palace need to find some more flair very soon, and 18-year-old Rak-Sakyi could be the answer.

He's been on the bench twice already this season, but Roy Hodgson may make Rak-Sakyi's debut his parting gift to the Eagles.


For more from ​Tom Gott, follow him on ​Twitter!