Despite the 2023/24 Premier League season still being more than a fortnight away and clubs having a lot of work to do in the transfer market, there are plenty of players already on the books of the newly promoted sides that can catch the eye of the fans and pundits alike.
Three new teams—Burnley, Sheffield United and Luton Town—are preparing to take their shot at staying in the Premier League. All the newly promoted sides’ first and foremost goal will be to achieve safety in the top flight next season as quickly as possible, with each team having some really quality players.
On that note, here are three players from the promoted teams to look out for in the upcoming 2023/24 Premier League campaign.
#Sander Berge
Sander Berge was a mainstay in the Sheffield United midfield, helping the club return to the top flight in May.
Another player of the Blades’ previous spell in the Premier League, the highly-rated Norwegian will be keen to maintain his performance levels from a season that saw him register six goals and five assists in 37 Championship appearances. Liverpool were linked with a move for Berge earlier during the January transfer window, and while no move came to fruition, it speaks volumes about the player’s talent and pedigree.
#Manuel Benson
Burnley were outstanding in the Championship last season, winning promotion with 101 points and just three losses under Vincent Kompany. Manuel Benson was a huge reason behind the Clarets’ success, helping the club clinch the Championship title with a screamer at the home of local rivals Blackburn Rovers in April.
The Belgian took some time to adapt to the physicality of the Championship, but before long had established himself as a fan favourite at Turf Moor and one of the most exciting wide players in the second tier of English football. The 26-year-old ended the 2022/23 campaign with 11 goals and three assists from 33 league fixtures.
Creative, agile and pacey, Benson loves to press defenders and try to force mistakes. He will surely be a big part of Burnley’s attacking play in the Premier League next season.
#Tom Lockyer
Tom Lockyer was a rock at the back for Luton Town last season, helping the club boast of the joint-best defensive record (39 goals conceded) in the division.
A 14-cap Welsh international, Lockyer is preparing for his maiden season in the Premier League. He is a strong and intelligent defender that can cope well with battering rams at any level. After making a full recovery from his recent heart scare and signing a new contract of undisclosed length with the Hatters, the 28-year-old is sure to be a key cog of Luton’s plan to avoid the drop and secure Premier League survival.
Lockyer is a traditional central defender, and is perhaps the right man to lead Luton in the upcoming season.
