Premier League 2026/27: Key Player for Every Club - Part Two, Hull to Tottenham

The 2026/27 Premier League season gets underway on Friday as defending champions Arsenal host promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium.

With that, we’ve taken a look at a key player for every top-flight club. Having already run through Arsenal to Fulham in part one, part two takes us from Hull through to Tottenham Hotspur.

Premier League 2026/27: Key Player for Every Club - Part One, Arsenal to Fulham

Hull - Jens Hjertø-Dahl

Hull signed Jens Hjertø-Dahl earlier this month, but the expectation is he’ll quickly establish himself as a key man for the Tigers. The rangy 6ft4in Norwegian should adjust to the rigours of Premier League football. Hull will need the youngster to hit the ground running to boost their survival hopes. He heavily influences play at both ends of the pitch, utilising his frame to win the ball back and power forward through the midfield. How Hjertø-Dahl fares this season may well determine whether Hull beat the drop or not.

Ipswich - Issa Diop

Ipswich splashed the cash to lure Issa Diop from Fulham to Portman Road. The Morocco international brings the relevant Premier League experience that’ll boost the Tractor Boys’ chances of consolidating a top-flight spot. The 29-year-old struggled for regular minutes at Craven Cottage, yet showcased his quality at the 2026 World Cup as the Atlas Lions made it to the quarter-finals in North America. The centre-back could prove a shrewd addition to the Ipswich backline.

Leeds - Jaka Bijol

Jaka Bijol signed for Leeds last summer following an impressive Euro 2024 campaign with Slovenia. It took some time for the 27-year-old to work his way into Daniel Farke’s starting XI, but he became a mainstay in the side once the Leeds boss moved to a three-man defence. The Yorkshire side boasted a better win ratio with Bijol starting (33.3% to 23.5%) while goals conceded per game dropped from 1.59 to 1.38. Expect Bijol to play another key role for the Whites in the coming campaign.

Liverpool - Virgil van Dijk

Another centre-back to feature, however Virgil van Dijk has a huge task on his hands in the coming campaign. As Liverpool captain, he’ll be Andoni Iraola’s lieutenant on the pitch. Not only will he be marshalling a side under new management, he’ll be commanding an inexperienced backline. Andrew Robertson and Ibrahima Konate left for Tottenham and Real Madrid, respectively. Milos Kerkez endured a so-so debut campaign on Merseyside, while young Jeremy Jacquet is expected to partner Van Dijk at the heart of the defence. Iraola will call on the Dutchman’s leadership qualities to ensure a smooth transition between managerial regimes.

Manchester City - Phil Foden

Phil Foden struggled for consistency in the Premier League last season. So much so that it cost him a World Cup spot. Conversely, a summer off means Foden has had the chance to recharge his batteries ahead of what will be a crucial campaign for Manchester City. It’s been all-change for the Cityzens in the off-season. Pep Guardiola’s 10-year spell at the Etihad Stadium came to an end. John Stones, Bernardo Silva and Rodri all left. New head coach Enzo Maresca will look to Foden among others to boost City’s chances of a successful debut season under the Italian.

Manchester United - Kobbie Mainoo

Bruno Fernandes was Manchester United’s star player last season, but it was no coincidence that their form improved once Kobbie Mainoo returned to the first-team setup. Ostracised by former boss Ruben Amorim, Michael Carrick relied heavily on the England star to provide the link between the defence and attack. Now that Casemiro has left and Manuel Ugarte is sidelined for the foreseeable future, there is plenty riding on Mainoo to shoulder the midfield burden in Carrick’s favoured 4-2-3-1 setup.

Newcastle - Nick Woltemade

Newcastle have endured a difficult summer having sold Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes. Eddie Howe also departed, with Matthias Jaissle appointed his replacement. The German’s arrival should benefit a number of squad players, none more so than striker and compatriot Nick Woltemade. The German enjoyed a solid start to life at St. James’ Park but went off the boil as Howe struggled to get the best out of the club’s record signing. With Jaissle now in charge, we may yet see Woltemade play to the best of his ability.

Nottingham Forest - Ousmane Diomande

Nottingham Forest pulled a bit of a rabbit out of the hat with the appointment of Oliver Glasner. The Austrian is expected to implement a three-man backline at the City Ground, with Ousmane Diomande a crucial final piece of the defensive puzzle. The Ivorian will line up alongside Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo at the back in what should be a hugely effective back three. Diomande’s distribution is key, while his recovery pace should mask Milenkovic’s physical shortcomings across the ground.

Sunderland - Trai Hume

A full-back by trade, Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris used Trai Hume as a winger on occasion last season. The addition of the experienced Thomas Meunier suggests that Hume will feature further forward more frequently in the coming campaign. The Northern Ireland international may have managed just three goal involvements in the Premier League last season. However, he’s shone in pre-season and could prove a handy attacking outlet for the Black Cats in 2026/27.

Tottenham - Pedro Porro

For all of Tottenham’s summer business, one of their most important deals was completed before Spain’s World Cup campaign got underway. Pedro Porro put pen to paper on a new Spurs contract ahead of La Roja’s successful jaunt across the pond, and it’s just as well. Porro was vital as Spain went the distance in North America this summer, and his performances certainly caught the eye. A nigh-on ever present for the north London side, the 26-year-old is expected to be key for Roberto De Zerbi in the Italian’s first full season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.