5 Star Forwards Who Could Be the Next Premier League Superstars

With the summer transfer window officially opening on 1 June, Premier League clubs are already on the move, eager to reinforce their attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 season. In this piece, EPLNews highlights five exceptional forward talents who could be heading to England’s top division.

This summer promises to usher in a new wave of attacking flair across the Premier League, potentially giving rise to a fresh generation of superstars. The departure of Kevin De Bruyne has left a creative vacuum in the league, and with Manchester City now the only top-four side from last season boasting a truly elite forward, several clubs will be seeking to bolster their attacking lines.

A number of world-class No 9s and No 10s are reportedly on the radar of English clubs, signalling what could be a transformative period for Premier League squads. Below, we profile five burgeoning stars who may soon grace the English top flight – and who might be instrumental in reshaping its competitive landscape.

Viktor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres, once a struggling prospect at Brighton & Hove Albion and Swansea City, has since emerged as arguably the most in-demand striker across Europe. Under the guidance of Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP, the Swedish international has blossomed into a complete centre-forward with a wide array of attributes.

Gyokeres’ development has been staggering. The 27-year-old is proficient in aerial duels, adept with his back to goal, and equally capable of driving into space or executing first-time finishes with either foot. His versatility has allowed him to register an astounding 39 goals in just 33 Primeira Liga appearances last season, with an additional six goals coming in eight UEFA Champions League fixtures.

Over his two seasons in Portuguese football, Gyokeres has posted numbers comparable to Erling Haaland: 79 goals across 83 matches in domestic league and European competition. However, while parallels can be drawn, Gyokeres offers distinct qualities. His off-the-ball movement and pace align with Haaland’s style, but Gyokeres is far more effective when it comes to linking play and involving teammates outside the penalty area.

The key question surrounds his ability to translate this form to the Premier League, given that he has only excelled in the Portuguese league and during his time in the Championship with Coventry City. England’s top division presents a significantly higher level of intensity, pace and physicality.

Benjamin Sesko

At 22, Benjamin Sesko might not boast the same prolific record as Gyokeres, but he remains one of Europe’s most promising young strikers. The RB Leipzig forward scored 21 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions last season, including 13 in the Bundesliga and four in six Champions League outings.

Sesko’s brace against Juventus during the group stage marked a turning point in his maturation. Since arriving from RB Salzburg in the summer of 2023, he has demonstrated steady growth and increasing composure on the pitch.

Standing tall at 6ft 4in, Sesko’s physical profile and playing style have naturally drawn comparisons with Erling Haaland. He is quick, strong in the penalty area, and difficult to handle for defenders. However, he remains somewhat unrefined, and his tally of 13 Bundesliga goals suggests there is room for improvement in terms of consistency.

Nevertheless, Sesko’s measured approach to his development is encouraging. He reportedly rejected Premier League offers last summer to continue honing his skills in Germany. Should he decide that now is the right time to move, few would question his readiness to make an impact.

Hugo Ekitike

Hugo Ekitike has quickly established himself as a forward of considerable promise. The 22-year-old netted 15 goals and provided eight assists across 33 Bundesliga appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt last term, but his influence goes far beyond these numbers.

Ekitike offers a rare combination of technical flair and physical prowess. He created 44 chances – the second-highest among all centre-forwards in the Bundesliga – and attempted 126 take-ons, a figure that ranks him first among strikers and fifth among all players in the league.

Blessed with graceful dribbling ability and imaginative passing, Ekitike often resembles a traditional No 10. His all-round contribution, both as a creator and finisher, sets him apart from typical centre-forwards.

After stepping up as the primary striker following Omar Marmoush’s departure to Manchester City in January, Ekitike’s ascent has been rapid. His reported price tag of £80 million may raise eyebrows considering he has only one full senior season to his name, but his potential is clear. Ekitike could prove to be the sort of dynamic, flamboyant forward the Premier League currently lacks.

Rayan Cherki

Rayan Cherki, a product of Lyon’s esteemed academy, has enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2024/25, finally securing a regular starting role. The 22-year-old contributed a combined 31 goals and assists from just 33 starts – 19 in Ligue 1 and 12 in the Europa League – drawing the attention of England’s elite clubs.

Cherki’s playing style has often been likened to Lionel Messi, thanks to his short stature and close control dribbling. Like the Argentinian, Cherki has an uncanny ability to navigate tight spaces and single-handedly change the course of a game. However, he adds a layer of flair to his play, frequently attempting audacious tricks and flicks to beat defenders – an increasingly rare trait in the modern game.

Although he operates primarily as a No 10, Cherki has also been deployed on both flanks, cutting inside to wreak havoc between the lines. This tactical versatility aligns well with the Premier League’s shift towards fast-paced transitions over slow possession play.

Cherki’s ability to entertain and his willingness to take risks with the ball could make him an instant fan favourite in England.

Florian Wirtz

While many of the forwards on this list are tipped for stardom, Florian Wirtz is already a bona fide elite talent. The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder is said to be valued in the nine-figure range, and it’s easy to see why.

Wirtz typically operates as a gliding, intelligent No 10, with a distinctive upright running style and trademark rolled-down socks. His calm demeanour and elegant touch make goal creation and conversion seem effortless.

Over the last two seasons, Wirtz has registered 67 goal involvements – 34 goals and 33 assists – in 75 appearances across all competitions. His dual threat as both creator and finisher makes him invaluable. He is also adept at gliding past opponents in transition, a skill increasingly prized in the modern tactical landscape.

What truly sets Wirtz apart is his physicality and confidence. He exudes a self-assuredness that suggests he would adapt seamlessly to the demands of Premier League football.

As many of Europe’s brightest young stars have opted for France, Germany or Spain in recent years, Wirtz’s potential move to England would help re-establish the Premier League as a magnet for world-class talent.

A New Generation on the Horizon?

Should the Premier League successfully attract the likes of Gyokeres, Sesko, Ekitike, Cherki and Wirtz, the 2025/26 campaign could herald the dawn of a new era. These players – all fast, skilful, creative and capable of dazzling spectators – represent the future of attacking football.

Their collective arrival would not only fill existing voids left by departing stars but also elevate the entertainment value of the league. As clubs prepare for another fiercely competitive season, fans can look forward to witnessing the rise of a thrilling new class of Premier League forwards.