The English Premier League kicks off tonight as champions Arsenal host newly promoted Coventry City. As has become the norm over recent decades, a healthy smattering of Portuguese footballers will be playing their part in the world’s most high-profile league.
PortuGOAL profiles the 14 Portuguese players in the EPL ahead of 2026/27.
Three Portuguese at a Chelsea in rebuild mode: Neto to nurture Quenda and Essugo
Ever since José Mourinho’s glorious stints at Chelsea, the Blues have established a tradition of a strong Portuguese connection, and it is no different this season. New coach Xabi Alonso has three Portuguese players at his disposal as he looks to restore his reputation after a forgettable spell at Real Madrid.
Winger Pedro Neto has been one of Chelsea’s most consistent performers since joining from Wolves, and he will no doubt help two young compatriots settle in at Stamford Bridge. Although facing stiff competition for a spot in the team, former Sporting pair Geovany Quenda and Dário Essugo will be hoping to make a positive impact for the Londoners.
Can Rúben Dias and Matheus Nunes keep up the winning habit?
Given recent history, the Portuguese players with the best chance of fighting for silverware this year are Manchester City duo Rúben Dias and Matheus Nunes.
Both players accumulated trophies galore under Pep Guardiola, but with the Spanish coach replaced by Enzo Maresca, Dias especially will be expected to play a big role as the club transition into a new era. The City captain has won four league titles, the FA Cup and two Carabao Cups in Manchester, not to mention the small matter of the Champions League.
Bruno set to do more Bruno things, alongside Diogo
The most high-profile Portuguese player in England continues to be Bruno Fernandes. The Manchester United captain was named the Premier League Player of the Season after a magnificent 2025/26 campaign in which he broke the record for the most assists provided in a single season, having set up 21 goals for his teammates.
Alongside Bruno is another Portuguese player with plenty of years of experience at United, Diogo Dalot, as Micheal Carrick looks to build on his promising work after taking the reins from Rúben Amorim.
Third time lucky for Mateus Fernandes?
Mateus Fernandes has achieved the curious feat of greatly enhancing his reputation since moving to England, despite suffering two successive relegations with Southampton and West Ham. Transfer fees of €52 million (Southampton to West Ham) and €99 million (West Ham to Tottenham) reflect how highly he is valued in the EPL.
His physically imposing, all-action style with a dash of quintessentially Portuguese technique set him apart as a complete midfielder, and he will be hoping to be part a far more successful team than he has been used to as Tottenham begin a new chapter under Roberto de Zerbi.
New kids on the block: António Silva and Costinha
António Silva broke into Benfica’s first team while still a teenager during the 2022/23 title-winning season. He appeared all set for a brilliant career after a magnificent debut campaign earned him a call-up to Portugal’s squad for the Qatar World Cup.
The centre-back has had some ups and downs since, but the Eagles were keen for him to renew his contract. Some harsh criticism directed at him swayed Silva’s decision to make a clean break of it, and how the defender will adapt to the EPL following his €25 million move to Bournemouth will be one of the stories to track this season.
The same can be said of Brighton and Hove Albion’s new signing, Costinha. The south-coast club are known for their smart recruitment, and the former Rio Ave right-back was not an obvious target following two seasons in Greece with Olympiacos.
Now 26 years old, Costinha is known for his metronomic consistency rather than his stand-out talent, and his chance in the promised land of the English Premier League is reward for a model professional.
Florentino too good for the Championship
Like compatriot Mateus Fernandes, midfielder Florentino Luís impressed despite a season that ended in relegation. Burnley failed to survive upon their return to the Premier League, but no blame can be attached to the Angolan-born midfielder for the northern club’s relegation.
Another newly promoted team, Ipswich Town, saw enough in Florentino to spend €18.7 million to bring him into the fold as they attempt to build a squad to survive in the top flight.
Two Fábio’s seeking redemption, Vieira and Carvalho
Fábio Vieira and Fábio Carvalho have both enjoyed happier times in their careers. Arsenal’s creative midfielder was a key player alongside Vitinha in Porto’s 2021/22 title winning season, in so doing earning a big-money move to the Gunners. But Vieira never earned the full trust of Mikel Arteta and he appears again not to be part of the current champions’ plans. A successful loan at German club Hamburg last season – 7 goals and 5 assists in 31 games – may open up the door to another loan deal or a permanent move to another EPL club.
Fábio Carvalho promised much early in his career when a couple of fabulous seasons for Fulham under Marco Silva earned him a big-money move to Liverpool, but he was unable to establish himself at Anfield. Now at Brentford, an ACL injury last year further set him back, but at 23 years of age Carvalho still has time on his side to make an impact in the EPL.
Young gun Luís Hemir Semedo waiting for his chance
Beanpole striker Luís Hemir Semedo has spent the last two seasons on loan in Italy and Portugal, at the Juventus U23 team and Moreirense respectively. Although he did not set the world alight (5 goals in total), the Benfica youth product will be hoping the powers that be at Sunderland offer him the opportunity to show what he can offer at the Stadium of Light.
