Now that AFC Bournemouth's Academy has achieved category 1 status, AFCB fans can expect to see more players rise through the Academy ranks and break into the first team, but which 3 will excel the most in the upcoming season?
Firstly, Charlie Stevens could be one of AFC Bournemouth’s breakout stars this season, with the 19-year-old continuing to make rapid progress through the club’s academy. Stevens has already stepped up to the Development Squad and experienced first-team involvement in Marco Rose's first pre season at AFCB, impressing in his cameos against Real Betis, Augsburg and St Pauli.
His performances have also earned recognition from Wales, with Stevens representing the nation at Under-19 level this summer. With Bournemouth's faith in young players continuing to grow following the development of the Academy setup, Stevens has a platform to take another significant step forward with his career at AFCB.
Next up, Harold William could be one of AFC Bournemouth’s most exciting young players to watch this season, with the centre-back well placed to make a significant step forward in the first team following confirmation of Veljko Milosavljević. The 19-year-old has already gained valuable experience with the club’s Under-21s and was handed an opportunity to train with Portuguese side Moreirense earlier this year, giving him a taste of senior football.
William's progress in recent years has clearly impressed Bournemouth, with the club rewarding him with a new long-term contract in May. With Cherries and Marco Rose both continuing to show a willingness to trust emerging talent in every pre season game, this could be the season William moves from promising academy prospect to genuine first-team contender, establishing himself as one of the club’s next defensive stars, like Illia Zabarnyi, Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez.
Finally, Malcom DaCosta Gonzalez is the final AFC Bournemouth Academy prospect that needs to be focused on , with the young midfielder continuing to make significant strides towards first-team football. The 18-year-old enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign, earning the club’s Academy Player of the Year award before signing a new contract in May.
DaCosta has already been training regularly with the first team during pre-season under Rose, giving him valuable exposure to the demands of senior football and accelerating his development. His strengths are very similar to profiles of Alex Scott, with Gonzalez being known for his energetic, box-to-box style and ability, allowing him to contribute at both ends of the pitch. This could easily could make him an ideal option in midfield as the campaign progresses.
With Bournemouth entering a new era under Marco Rose, opportunities could emerge for academy talent to make an impression, especially with the increase in games that the club will be playing over the course of the 26/27 season. As well as this, the fact he hasn't gone out on loan yet could signify that Rose sees him as a great option to have in the first team squad.
