Eight players hoping for a big 2026: Antoine Semenyo, Igor Thiago, Claudio Braga and Nico O'Reilly
As the 2026 football season approaches, several players are poised for significant personal and professional milestones. Notable among them is Antoine Semenyo, likely to join Manchester City after a standout season, while Troy Parrott's international performance has placed him in World Cup contention. Young talents such as Nico O'Reilly, Eli Junior Kroupi, and Igor Thiago are looking to solidify their spots in their respective teams and potentially earn national team call-ups, but players like Harvey Elliott and Yoane Wissa face challenges due to injuries or lack of game time. The outcomes of their seasons could have lasting implications for their careers and national prospects.
Dive Deeper:
Antoine Semenyo, who has scored nine goals this season, is set for a transfer to Manchester City as they activated a £65m release clause in his contract. This move comes after a successful stint at Bournemouth and could lead to his European debut.
Troy Parrott has been a key player for the Republic of Ireland, scoring five goals in four days to secure a spot in the World Cup play-offs. He has also excelled at AZ Alkmaar with 16 goals in 22 games.
Nico O'Reilly has transitioned to playing left-back for Manchester City, which may enhance his chances of making England's World Cup squad after earning his first two caps in that position.
Eli Junior Kroupi had an impressive start in the Premier League, averaging a goal every 64 minutes early in the season, but will need to maintain consistency to stay relevant.
Harvey Elliott's loan move to Aston Villa has been troubled by a lack of playing time, as he hasn't played since October and must secure game appearances to complete the transfer obligation.
Yoane Wissa is aiming to establish himself in Newcastle after recovering from an injury that sidelined him earlier in the season. He scored in his first two starts, marking a comeback at a crucial time.
Igor Thiago has emerged as a potential candidate for Brazil's World Cup squad, with 11 goals in the Premier League, making him a player to watch if he continues his scoring form.