The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has revealed the nominations for the 2023-24 Young Player of the Year awards.
On the men’s side, the six-man shortlist is headlined by Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, and Manchester United duo Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.
Also making the cut are Brighton forward Joao Pedro and Michael Olise, who recently transferred from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich for £50 million.
Cole Palmer, 22, has been recognized for his impressive first season with Chelsea, where he netted 22 goals and provided 11 assists, leading the league in goal involvements.
Bukayo Saka, last year’s winner, returns to the list after another strong season with Arsenal, contributing 16 goals and 9 assists as the Gunners finished second in the Premier League.
Mainoo, 19, capped a breakthrough season by scoring in the final, while Garnacho, 20, hit double figures in goals across all competitions. They both won the FA Cup for Manchester United last season, scoring the two goals in the Red’s 2-1 victory against Manchester City.
Joao Pedro, with 20 goals for Brighton, and Olise, who scored 10 goals and registered 6 assists in just 19 appearances for Crystal Palace, round out the nominees.
The Women’s PFA Young Player of the Year nominations include Chelsea stars Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones, alongside Manchester United’s Maya Le Tissier. Also nominated are Manchester United midfielder Grace Clinton, who spent last season on loan at Tottenham, and Manchester City pair Khiara Keating and Jess Park.
The winners will be announced at the PFA Awards ceremony, set to take place on August 20 at the Manchester Opera House.
