Breakouts & wildcards - 13 surprise stars for new season

What the report says

BBC Sport Football has highlighted 13 players its TV and radio commentators think could emerge as surprise performers in the new Premier League season. The list mixes recent signings, academy graduates and late developers, with attention on how they may fit into their new clubs and what roles they could fill. The article is framed as a watch list rather than a forecast of guaranteed success.

Among the names featured are Newcastle United midfielder Sean Steur, Coventry City signing Caleb Yirenkyi, Crystal Palace defender Oscar Mingueza, Aston Villa striker Brian Madjo and Hull City centre-back Lucas Herrington. BBC Sport’s commentators point to Steur’s passing range and versatility, Yirenkyi’s energy and all-action midfield style, and Mingueza’s ability to switch play and cover across the back line. Madjo is presented as a powerful teenage forward who has already made an impression in pre-season, while Herrington is described as a young defender with composure and physical presence.

The broader context is the start of a new Premier League campaign, where clubs often look for lower-profile additions or youth players to make a breakthrough. BBC Sport notes that some of these players are joining clubs in transition, while others are expected to benefit from careful management and limited pressure as they adapt to top-flight football. The piece suggests that the coming months could help reveal which unfamiliar names are ready to establish themselves.