The 2023/24 season may long be over, but following a busy summer, the PFA Awards will crown the best players from the previous 12 months. There are three Manchester City players up for the main Players' Player of the Year award as they stormed to a fourth successive title, while the Young Player Award sees six more nominees go head-to-head, including Chelsea's Cole Palmer.
With that, here is some important information ahead of the 2024 PFA Young Player of the Year ceremony…
Who won the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2023?
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka picked up the award in 2023 after fending off competition from the likes of Erling Haaland, Jacob Ramsey, Evan Ferguson and Moises Caicedo. Saka is defending his crown after being nominated once again this year, though there are plenty of strong candidates challenging him.
How old do you have to be to qualify for the PFA Young Player of the Year award?
Players must have been 21 or younger before the 2023/24 season began to be considered. The rules have changed in recent years, with players aged 23 at the start of the season previously eligible.
Here is the list of nominees to be named the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2024…
1
Cole Palmer
Chelsea
Attacking midfielder
2
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal
Winger
3
Alejandro Garnacho
Manchester United
Winger
4
Kobbie Mainoo
Manchester United
Central midfielder
5
Michael Olise
Crystal Palace
Winger
6
Joao Pedro
Brighton & Hove Albion
Striker
6 Joao Pedro Brighton & Hove Albion
Joao Pedro was a bright light for the Seagulls as Brighton struggled to build on their initial success under Roberto De Zerbi on the south coast. It could be argued that his inclusion among the main nominees was a surprise – a long-term injury derailed the Brazilian's season, and Brighton's form suffered in his absence.
He also shone most brightly in the Europa League, scoring six in six appearances during the group stage before missing Brighton's last-16 tie against Roma.
And while he turned up in big games – scoring against the likes of Manchester United and Spurs last season – it would be surprising if he manages to haul his way to award given the competition in front of him.
Appearances
31
Goals
9
Assists
3
5 Michael Olise Crystal Palace
Now at Bayern Munich, it is clear that Michael Olise's talents are set to take him far in the world of football. His final season at Crystal Palace saw him showcase his skills once again, despite suffering from injuries throughout the campaign.
But when fit, he almost always had an impact, as demonstrated through recording his best Premier League goalscoring year with ten (his previous best was two), as well as starring for France on their way to silver at the Olympic Games.
Appearances
19
Goals
10
Assists
6
4 Kobbie Mainoo Manchester United
Kobbie Mainoo was the name on everyone's lips ahead of the summer after an unbelievable breakthrough season at Manchester United that saw him barge his way into the England team and start the last four games, including the final.
Last season, he saved the Red Devils with emphatic late goals, which kept Erik ten Hag's side in the hunt for a European spot until late on. Most memorably, he capped a fine debut campaign with a goal in the FA Cup final as United grabbed a shock victory over rivals and champions Man City.
Given his performances didn't go unnoticed by the likes of Gareth Southgate, it wouldn't be surprising if plenty of his peers thought the same. Whatever happens, the future is certainly bright for the 19-year-old.
Appearances
24
Goals
3
Assists
1
3 Alejandro Garnacho Manchester United
Manchester United have a number of exciting talents at the moment, and Alejandro Garnacho may just be the pick of the bunch when he's on top form.
The Argentinian has made the right-wing position his own last season, consistently scoring and providing for his teammates over the past few months. His tally read ten goals and five assists and he ended his year with a match-winning contribution in the FA Cup final alongside Mainoo.
Away from the domestic game, he also enjoyed international success with Argentina at Copa America.
Despite this, it would seem a tall order for him to win the award this year, but if his career continues on its current trajectory, he could be on the shortlist for the main award before too long.
Appearances
36
Goals
7
Assists
4
2 Bukayo Saka Arsenal
After picking up the PFA Young Player of the Year award last year, Bukayo Saka is in with a chance of a repeat.
The England star spearheaded Arsenal's push for the title under Mikel Arteta, with a very respectable 16 goals and 9 assists, as well as four goals and four assists in nine Champions League games. He also established himself as a starter on the international stage for England, scoring a crucial goal in their quarter-final win over Switzerland before netting in the penalty shootout.
There's no doubt Saka is a top-tier talent, but securing the Young Player award for a second successive year is by no means a given…
Appearances
35
Goals
16
Assists
9
1 Cole Palmer Chelsea
While winning another Premier League will have more than softened the blow, Manchester City would surely have had huge regrets after letting Cole Palmer join Chelsea in last year's summer transfer window.
The English youngster will be a big favourite to lift the award after an inspired Premier League campaign for the Blues, despite the Stamford Bridge side underachieving under Mauricio Pochettino – in the owners' eyes, at least.
Palmer grabbed 27 goals and 15 assists in all competitions, which included a spell of ten goals and two assists within five top-flight games. He was even briefly in Golden Boot contention having scored as many as Erling Haaland by late April.
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He ended his season by playing an integral part for England on their journey to the European Championship final, during which his equaliser was not enough to cap a remarkable campaign with much-deserved silverware.
His impact for Chelsea will surely have made plenty sit up and take notice, and he will give Saka more than a run for his money as the Young Player of the Year is revealed on the evening of Tuesday 20th August.
Appearances
34
Goals
22
Assists
11
