Premier League's Big Six 12 loanees and academy stars looking to break through next term

The Premier League is currently experiencing a lull, with players either away on international duty or putting their feet up in preparation for the final stages of the season, but planning for the future is always on the agenda.

For many clubs that means looking at the summer transfer window, when top-quality players from around the world can be bought and sold. But the Premier League ’s biggest clubs also have access to a sizable selection of players via other means.

Academies put a lot of time and effort into trying to prepare young players for the step up to the first team, while the loan system is always widely used to develop players. By now the top flight’s Big Six will have a good idea about those who are capable of moving into the first team next season.

Here Mirror Football selects two players from each of the division’s traditional powerhouses who you just might see come the start of the 2022/23 campaign.

City have plenty of exciting players ready to become the next Phil Foden, with Liam Delap, James McAtee and Kayky perhaps the three with the most excitement around them. But while Pep Guardiola’s side is packed full of attacking options, which may slow down their breakthroughs, it has a specific need for what Lavia offers.

Although The Telegraph recently reported that no firm decision has been made on Fernandinho’s future, the Brazilian holding midfielder is now 36 years old. He needs an heir – and that’s where Lavia comes in.

Guardiola first watched Lavia as a 14-year-old at a tournament hosted by Kevin De Bruyne in the Belgian city of Dongen and he was later signed from Anderlecht in the summer of 2020. The 18-year-old defensively-minded midfielder made his City debut against Wycombe in September and