EPL: Haaland, Isak, Gyokeres lead Golden Boot contenders

Erling Haaland will begin the 2026/27 Premier League season as the leading contender for the Golden Boot, with several of the league’s top forwards hoping to challenge the Manchester City striker.

Haaland scored 27 league goals last season and has won the award three times in his four Premier League campaigns. He is once again expected to lead the race for the prestigious individual prize.

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Here are some of the leading contenders:

Erling Haaland – Manchester City

Haaland remains the favourite after establishing an extraordinary goalscoring record since arriving in England. The Norwegian will be targeting a fourth Golden Boot and remains Manchester City’s primary source of goals.

Alexander Isak – Liverpool

Isak is among the strongest challengers to Haaland. The Liverpool forward has consistently shown his ability to score at a high level in the Premier League, although his fitness will be crucial after an injury-hit campaign.

Igor Thiago – Brentford

Thiago emerged as one of the league’s leading scorers last season, finishing with 22 goals, just behind Haaland. The Brazilian will now look to prove that his impressive tally was not a one-season wonder.

Viktor Gyokeres – Arsenal

Gyokeres scored 14 Premier League goals in his first season with Arsenal. With a full campaign of English football now under his belt, the Sweden international will be expected to improve his tally.

Joao Pedro – Chelsea

Joao Pedro scored 15 league goals last season and could be among the contenders again. The Chelsea forward will hope to benefit from the club’s attacking approach and improve on his previous tally.

Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa

Watkins remains one of the Premier League’s most consistent forwards. He scored 12 league goals last season and will need a significant improvement to challenge for the Golden Boot.

Benjamin Sesko – Manchester United

Sesko could emerge as an outside contender if he maintains his goalscoring form throughout the campaign. His physical presence and finishing ability could make him a major threat in United’s attack.

Others to watch

Dominic Solanke, Antoine Semenyo and Morgan Gibbs-White could also enter the race if they produce prolific campaigns.

With Haaland aiming for another Golden Boot and several forwards capable of challenging the 20-goal mark, the race for the Premier League’s top scorer promises to be one of the major storylines of the 2026/27 season.