Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer get PFA Young Player Awards nomination

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer have been nominated for the Professional Footballers’ Association men’s Young Player of the Year award.

Similarly, Chelsea midfielder Lauren James and Manchester City’s Khiara Keating are contenders for the women’s award.

Saka, who won this award in the 2022-23 season, is included in the men’s six-player shortlist after scoring 16 goals and providing nine assists from the wing in the Premier League last season.

James secured her place for back-to-back PFA women’s young player awards by scoring 13 goals in 16 matches, helping her team win the Women’s Super League.

Palmer joined Chelsea from Manchester City on September 1 last year and had a standout season in the Premier League, contributing to 33 goals, scoring 22 of those.

Along with Saka, who is also 22, he added a youthful energy to England’s squad during their journey to the Euro 2024 final.

Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, both scored in the FA Cup final, represent Manchester United on the PFA men’s shortlist.

Midfielder Mainoo, 19, became integral to Erik ten Hag’s first team and played in England’s Euros campaign.

He scored the second goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, helping United win 2-1 at Wembley in May.

Winger Garnacho, who scored the opening goal in the cup final, was a constant threat for United last season, netting 10 goals in all competitions at just 20 years old.

Michael Olise, who transferred from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich this summer, is also on the PFA list.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder had an impressive season, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists in 19 league appearances before moving to Germany.

Completing the nominees is Joao Pedro from Brighton and Hove Albion.

The 22-year-old Brazilian forward scored 20 goals across all competitions.

Writing by Oluwaseyi Ajibade; Editing by Adeniyi Bakare