It’s time to rank the most likely Premier League Player of the Season winners for the 2026/27 campaign before the new season officially begins in a week’s time.
5. Leeds DM Anton Stach
It might seem crazy to have Anton Stach anywhere near Premier League Player of the Season contention, but he played a massive role in carrying Leeds United to safety last season and is genuinely one of the best all around No. 6’s in European football.
He was a top player for multiple Bundesliga clubs before an insane inaugural season in England, blowing away expectations with 8 goal contributions, 2.2 key passes per game, and 2.2 tackles per game. Stach is a monster who is only going to get better and deserves a lot more attention.
4. Liverpool ST Hugo Ekitike
Hugo Ekitike was the one saving grace in Liverpool’s awful season, and he was the only new addition who did not disappoint, immediately performing as the Reds best player. Without him, Liverpool may not have made European football at all.
One of the best all around strikers in the Premier League, Ekitike is a menace on and off the ball, capable of scoring and creating both as a passer and a dribbler. He is going to blow up even more this season.
3. Manchester United AM Bruno Fernandes
The actual Premier League Player of the Season in 2025/26, Manchester United built their entire offense around Bruno Fernandes, with Michael Carrick righting the ship because he put more trust in Bruno as the actual No. 10 again.
Fernandes had an insane 9 goals and 21 assists with nearly 4 key passes per game. Those are historic numbers, and while they will be difficult to replicate, there is no reason to doubt the 31 year old if the forwards can take a big step forward, especially young striker talent Benjamin Sesko.
2. Arsenal DM Declan Rice
Declan Rice was the best player for the Premier League champions, and there was a reason why Rice was getting Ballon d’Or love last season. He was the beating heart for the Gunners, ticking play over with accurate passing and smart defensive work.
Arsenal will want to see Rice take that next step forward as a leader by being more active in terms of making plays as a scorer and assist provider, while also winning the ball more. If he can play with more urgency and impose himself, the sky is the limit.
1. Manchester City ST Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland is the best pure No. 9 in the world in terms of scoring, and he has a great assembly of winger talent around him to feed him chances. The Norwegian No. 9 had a killer World Cup, and now it is up to Enzo Maresca and Manchester City to feed him more of those chances.
Last season, Haaland had 27 goals and 9 assists as the deadliest player in the Premier League. He is now 26 and operating at his peak level as an athlete, and this could be the year he really blows people’s minds.
