What Happened To 20 Premier League Wonderkids The Guardian Tipped for Greatness in 2020
A report from The Guardian in 2020 named 20 of the best young talents at Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool – so how are they getting on, five years later?
The 2025 edition of The Guardian's Next Generation series recently dropped on the publication's website, and as always, it made for an interesting read.
Basically, the best young players at each club born between 1 September 2003 and 31 August 2004 – an age band known as first-year scholars – are picked out by a range of football experts.
This year, highly-rated defender Marli Salmon was chosen as Arsenal's representative, while Manchester City midfielder Finlay Gorman and Manchester United forward Louis Bradbury were selected from their respective teams.
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But what about those who were chosen in 2020? Have they reached their potential, five years on?
Arsenal - Charlie Patino
Patino currently plays his football in Spain for second division side Deportivo La Coruna.
Aston Villa - Ben Chrisene
Chrisene left Aston Villa in 2024 to join Championship outfit Norwich City.
Brighton - Marcus Ifill
Ifill joined League Two side Bromley on a permanent deal in February.
Burnley - Michael Mellon
The 21-year-old is still contracted to Burnley but like Ifill, he also plays his football in League Two. He recently joined Oldham, where he is playing under his father, Micky.
Chelsea - Charlie Webster
Webster has made eight appearances in all competitions for League One side Burton Albion this season.
Crystal Palace - Jadan Raymond
Raymond spent the second half of last season on loan at Queen’s Park in Scotland. He was released by Crystal Palace in the summer and is currently without a club.
Everton - Reece Welch
Welch is still contracted to Everton and has been training with the senior squad of late.
Fulham - Stefan Parkes
Parkes was released by Fulham this summer following injury problems. He recently signed for non-league side Walton & Hersham.
Leeds - Charlie Allen
Allen currently plays for boyhood club Linfield. He is also part of the Northern Ireland Under-21 squad.
Leicester City - Kian Pennant
Pennant is still contracted to Leicester and has trained with the first team after impressing for their under-21 side.
Liverpool - James Balagizi
Balagizi recently joined National League side Forest Green Rovers on a season-long loan. He is still a Liverpool player.
Manchester City - Luke Mbete-Tabu
He is still contracted to Manchester City following a loan spell at League One side Northampton last season.
Manchester United - Marc Jurado
Jurado signed for Spanish third-tier side Cartagena on a permanent deal in the summer.
Newcastle United - Michael Ndiweni
Ndiweni is currently playing college football at Ohio State University. He featured for FC Rules the World in the inaugural UK edition of The Baller League.
Sheffield United - Antwoine Hackford
Hackford left Sheffield United in the most recent transfer window to sign for AFC Wimbledon, who play their football in League One.
Southampton - Goran Babic
Babic signed for Braintree in the National League back in August.
Tottenham - Alfie Devine
Devine is currently on loan at Championship side Preston. He is still contracted to Tottenham.
West Bromwich Albion - Rico Richards
Richards signed for local rivals Aston Villa in 2023. He left the Premier League club in 2025 to join League One side Port Vale. He is currently on loan at Walsall.
West Ham - Jamal Baptiste
Baptiste joined Sheffield United on a free transfer last year. He is currently on loan at League One outfit Rotherham.
Wolverhampton Wanderers - Kamran Kandola
Kandola plays for National League North side Kidderminster Harriers.
Topics: Man Utd, Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, Arsenal
Jack Kenmare