Saka and Palmer nominated for PFA Men’s Young Player of the Year

Bukayo Saka of Arsenal and Cole Palmer of Chelsea have been nominated for the prestigious Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Men’s Young Player of the Year award.

Bukayo Saka, who won the award last season (2022-23), earned his nomination by scoring 16 goals and providing nine assists in the Premier League. The 22-year-old winger played a pivotal role for Arsenal and continued to impress on the international stage with England.

These six players have been nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award 👀 pic.twitter.com/vG5Nxm541H

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) August 12, 2024

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Cole Palmer, also 22, recently transferred to Chelsea from Manchester City and had an impactful season, contributing to 33 goals, with 22 goals scored himself. Palmer’s performances, both in the Premier League and during England’s run to the Euro 2024 final, have been instrumental in earning him this nomination.

Representing Manchester United on the PFA men’s shortlist are Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, both of whom played significant roles in the team’s successes. Midfielder Mainoo, at just 19 years old, developed into an important part of Erik ten Hag’s first team and went on to feature in England’s Euros campaign. Mainoo also scored the second goal against Manchester City as United won the FA Cup final 2-1 at Wembley in May.

Winger Garnacho, who got the first goal in the cup final, was a threat on both flanks for United last season. The 20-year-old Argentine forward scored 10 goals in all competitions, further establishing himself as one of the most exciting young players in the Premier League.

Michael Olise, who moved from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich in the summer, is also on the PFA list. Olise’s performances for Crystal Palace last season, where he consistently delivered crucial assists and goals, earned him recognition and a high-profile transfer to the Bundesliga.

The award winners will be announced on Tuesday, 20 August.