Drafting one player for every Premier League team
As the NFL Draft buzz electrifies the air in late April 2025, imagine if the Premier League decided to steal the show with a bold experiment: an NFL-style draft, tailored for the world’s most cutthroat football league.
With the 2024-25 season hitting its final stretch, all 20 clubs, from relegation-doomed Southampton to title-chasing Liverpool, get one pick to snag a global superstar—25 or under, no Premier League players allowed—to address their biggest need. The order mirrors the NFL’s reverse-standings format: Southampton, with a pitiful 11 points, pick first; Liverpool, dominating with 79, close it out. This isn’t just a draft—it’s a seismic shift, a chance to reshape the Premier League’s future with the world’s brightest young talents.
The rules are strict: only players 25 or younger, and no poaching from rival Premier League sides. Unlike the NFL, where unproven rookies dominate, this draft features proven stars like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and Lamine Yamal—players who’d never slip to the late rounds. Southampton, Leicester, and Ipswich get first crack at these game-changers, while heavyweights like Arsenal and Liverpool must wait.
The Premier League Draft
Pick 1. Southampton: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, CM, 21)
Why Bellingham?
Southampton are a mess, with 24 goals scored and 78 conceded. They need a miracle, and Jude Bellingham is it. The English supernova—8 goals, 7 assists in La Liga—combines athleticism, vision, and leadership. At 21, he’s already a Ballon d’Or contender.
Bellingham would transform Southampton’s midfield, dictating tempo and driving forward like a one-man army. His charisma could rally a demoralized squad, and his versatility—defending, creating, scoring—plugs multiple holes. For a team facing relegation, Bellingham is a statement: survival is possible, and the future is bright. Pair him with Tyler Dibling, and the Saints might just stay up.
Pick 2. Leicester City: Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid, LW, 24)
Why Vinicius?
Leicester’s attack is anemic (27 goals), and their defense is a disaster (73 conceded). Vinicius Jr., Brazil’s electrifying winger, brings firepower. With 11 goals and 5 assists in La Liga, he’s a one-on-one destroyer who thrives under pressure.
Vinicius would ignite Leicester’s left flank, outrunning defenders and feeding strikers like Jamie Vardy. His flair could single-handedly win games, and his work rate suits their scrappy ethos. At 24, he’s a long-term cornerstone for a rebuild, whether in the Premier League or Championship. Leicester just hit the jackpot.
Pick 3. Ipswich Town: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, RW, 17)
Why Yamal?
Ipswich are gritty but lack star power, with 33 goals and a -38 goal difference. Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage prodigy, is a generational talent. At 17, he’s already got 6 goals and 12 assists in La Liga, dazzling with pace and precision.
Yamal would transform Ipswich’s attack, tearing up the right wing and creating for Liam Delap. His youth is a gamble, but his ceiling is limitless. For a promoted side fighting relegation, Yamal is a bold bet on the future—a player who could keep them up and become their icon.
Messi’s high praise for Lamine Yamal! ? pic.twitter.com/G8bzUQPkiC
— 365Scores (@365Scores) April 18, 2025
Pick 4. West Ham United: Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, ST, 25)
Why Mbappe?
West Ham’s attack is limp (37 goals), and their strikers lack bite. Kylian Mbappe, the French superstar, is a once-in-a-lifetime pick. With 22 goals and 3 assists in La Liga, he’s a relentless goal-scorer who’d redefine the Hammers.
Mbappe would feast on Jarrod Bowen’s crosses, turning West Ham into a top-half threat. His speed and finishing fit Graham Potter’s counter-attacking style, and at 25, he’s a global brand for a club craving relevance. This is West Ham dreaming big.
Pick 5. Tottenham Hotspur: Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen, AM, 21)
Why Wirtz?
Tottenham’s rollercoaster season (61 goals scored, 51 conceded) needs a creative spark. Florian Wirtz, Germany’s playmaking genius, delivers—9 goals, 10 assists in the Bundesliga. He’s a No. 10 who unlocks defenses with ease.
Wirtz would thrive under Ange Postecoglou, feeding Son Heung-min and James Maddison. His vision and flair elevate Spurs’ attack, and at 21, he’s there for the long-term. Tottenham just found their new heartbeat.
Bayer Leverkusen are confident that manager, Xabi Alonso and superstar, Florian Wirtz will stay at the club this summer. pic.twitter.com/NNc1lv97fz
— 365Scores (@365Scores) April 14, 2025
Pick 6. Wolverhampton Wanderers: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid, CM, 22)
Why Camavinga?
Wolves are scrappy (11 wins) but lack midfield control. Eduardo Camavinga, France’s dynamic midfielder, is a game-changer. His tackling, dribbling, and passing make him a complete No. 8.
Camavinga would dominate alongside João Gomes, giving Wolves balance and bite. His versatility suits Gary O’Neil’s high-energy system. At 22, he’s a cornerstone for a mid-table side with European dreams.
Pick 7. Manchester United: Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich, AM, 22)
Why Musiala?
United’s season is a nightmare—10 wins, 15 losses. They need a talisman, and Jamal Musiala delivers. With 12 goals and 2 assists in the Bundesliga, he’s a creative force who can play that key No. 10 position in Ruben Amorim’s system.
Musiala would spark United’s attack, linking with Rasmus Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes. His composure suits Amorim’s vision, and at 22, he’s a leader for their rebuild. Old Trafford just got its new star.
?OFFICIAL?
— 365Scores (@365Scores) February 14, 2025
Jamal Musiala has signed a new deal at FC Bayern until June 2030!✅ pic.twitter.com/whMFGczLsD
Pick 8. Everton: Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid, DM, 25)
Why Tchouameni?
Everton’s defense is decent, but their midfield lacks steel. Aurelien Tchouameni, France’s defensive midfielder, is a rock—strong, composed, and tactically elite. His passing and interceptions anchor any side.
Tchouameni would shield Everton’s backline, freeing James Garner to attack. His leadership fits David Moyes’ grit, and at 25, he’s a long-term fix for a team scraping by with 38 points. Everton just got tougher.
Pick 9. Crystal Palace: Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig, AM, 21)
Why Simons?
Palace’s attack (41 goals) needs flair after losing Michael Olise. Xavi Simons, on loan from PSG, is a creative dynamo—9 goals, 5 assists in the Bundesliga. He’s a No. 10 with dribbling and vision.
Simons would shine alongside Eberechi Eze, unlocking defenses for Jean-Philippe Mateta. His energy fits Oliver Glasner’s pressing game. At 21, he’s a star for Palace’s top-half push.
Pick 10. Brentford: Joao Neves (PSG, CM, 20)
Why Neves?
Brentford’s wing play is electric, but their midfield needs control. Joao Neves, PSG’s young maestro, is a perfect fit. His vision and tenacity make him a future star.
Neves would anchor Brentford’s midfield, feeding Yoanne Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo. His work rate suits Thomas Frank’s system, and at 20, he’s a gem for a club that thrives on smart signings.
Pick 11. Brighton & Hove Albion: Georgiy Sudakov (Shakhtar Donetsk, CM, 22)
Why Sudakov?
Brighton’s midfield needs creativity post-Caicedo and Mac Allister. Georgiy Sudakov, Ukraine’s rising star, delivers—11 goals, 4 assists in a tough league. He’s a No. 8 with vision and grit.
Sudakov would orchestrate Brighton’s possession, feeding Kaoru Mitoma and Joao Pedro. His pressing fits Fabian Hurzeler’s style, and at 22, he’s a classic Brighton coup—undervalued with massive upside.
Pick 12. Fulham: Edon Zhegrova (Lille, RW, 25)
Why Zhegrova?
Fulham’s attack (48 goals) needs a game-breaker. Edon Zhegrova, the Kosovan winger, brings flair. His dribbling and creativity unlock tight defenses.
Zhegrova would electrify Fulham’s right flank, feeding Raul Jimenez. His style suits Marco Silva’s fluid system, and at 25, he’s an instant impact player for a top-half push.
Pick 13. Bournemouth: Piero Hincapie (Bayer Leverkusen, CB, 23)
Why Hincapie?
Bournemouth’s defense (40 goals conceded) needs quality and a partner for the talented Dean Huijsen. Piero Hincapie, Leverkusen’s ball-playing center-back, is elite—composed, and versatile. His passing and defending are Premier League-ready.
Hincapie would anchor Bournemouth’s backline, enabling Andoni Iraola’s build-from-the-back style. At 23, he’s a leader for a team aiming for mid-table comfort.
Pick 14. Aston Villa: Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao, LW, 22)
Why Williams?
Villa’s attack is strong, but their left wing needs a star. Nico Williams, Spain’s dynamic winger, delivers on that. His pace and flair are unplayable.
Williams would thrive under Unai Emery, linking with Ollie Watkins and stretching defenses. At 22, he’s a marquee signing for Villa’s Europa League push.
Pick 15. Chelsea: Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, ST, 25)
Why Osimhen?
Chelsea’s attack (58 goals) is potent, but Nicolas Jackson’s inconsistency is a concern. Victor Osimhen is a lethal striker whose physicality and finishing would elevate Chelsea’s frontline, complementing Cole Palmer. His aerial prowess suits Enzo Maresca’s system. At 25, he’s the key to a top-four finish.
Lukaku on the way back to Italy! ?? Napoli & Chelsea in swap deal talks as the Blues are keen on Victor Osimhen.
— 365Scores (@365Scores) June 26, 2024
Which side gets the better deal in this trade? pic.twitter.com/eoOYEjYgiC
Pick 16. Manchester City: Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad, DM, 25)
Why Zubimendi?
City’s midfield needs a Rodri backup. Martin Zubimendi, Spain’s metronome, is ideal. His passing and positional sense make him a perfect fit.
Zubimendi would slot into Pep Guardiola’s system, anchoring the midfield and freeing other players. At 25, he’s ready to keep City’s dynasty rolling.
Manchester City are planning on making big moves in the upcoming window as they look to prepare bids for Florian Wirtz and Martín Zubimendi! pic.twitter.com/eh2CIWoBvi
— 365Scores (@365Scores) December 15, 2024
Pick 17. Newcastle United: Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich, LB, 24)
Why Davies?
Newcastle’s left-back spot needs dynamism. Alphonso Davies, Canada’s speedster, brings it. His attacking flair and defending are elite.
Davies would overlap with Anthony Gordon, boosting Newcastle’s attack. His pace fits Eddie Howe’s pressing game. At 24, he’s a star for their Champions League push.
Pick 18. Nottingham Forest: Jonathan David (Lille, ST, 25)
Why David?
Forest’s attack (53 goals) is solid, but they need a future replacement for their current No. 9, Chris Wood. Jonathan David, Canada’s sharpshooter, delivers—16 goals in Ligue 1. He’s versatile and lethal.
David would complement Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga, turning chances into goals. His calmness suits Nuno Espirito Santo’s system. At 25, he’s a top-four game-changer.
Pick 19. Arsenal: Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig, ST, 21)
Why Sesko?
Arsenal’s attack (61 goals) is strong, but they lack a true No. 9. Benjamin Sesko, Slovenia’s 6’4” striker, brings 12 goals in the Bundesliga. He’s pacey, physical, and clinical.
Sesko would thrive with Bukayo Saka’s crosses, giving Arsenal a focal point. His youth fits Mikel Arteta’s long-term vision. At 21, he’s the final piece for a title charge.
Pick 20. Liverpool: Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen, RWB, 24)
Why Frimpong?
Liverpool are unstoppable, but Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future is uncertain. Jeremie Frimpong, Leverkusen’s attacking right wing-back, is a bold pick—4 goals, 5 assists in the Bundesliga.
Frimpong’s pace and creativity fit Arne Slot’s system, overlapping with Mohamed Salah. His versatility ensures Liverpool’s right flank stays lethal. At 24, he’s a star for their dynasty.
This NFL-style draft, timed with the 2025 NFL Draft hype, is a masterclass in ambition. Southampton snagging Bellingham? Leicester landing Vinicius? These aren’t just picks—they’re franchise-altering moves. The bottom clubs get first dibs on global icons, giving them a fighting chance against relegation. Mid-table sides like Palace and Fulham add flair with Simons and Zhegrova, while title contenders like Arsenal and Liverpool solidify their dominance with Sesko and Frimpong.
The youth rule—25 or under—ensures every pick is a long-term investment. Bellingham at St Mary’s, Yamal at Portman Road, or Musiala at Old Trafford could redefine these clubs for a decade. But the Premier League’s intensity is a beast. Can Mbappe handle West Ham’s pressure cooker? Will Sesko adapt to Arsenal’s title fight? The draft is a gamble, but it’s one that could flip the league’s hierarchy.
For fans, this is pure fantasy fuel. For managers, it’s a chance to dream. And for the Premier League? It’s a reminder that the world’s best league can always get wilder. Let’s make this draft an annual tradition—same time as the NFL’s, every spring.
By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)
Keep up with all the latest football news and Premier League news on 365Scores!
