⚽ Premier League 2025/2026 Discussion Thread ⚽

[logfiles]

For the UCL spot, I think there will be no change. Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, and Chelsea are the favorite teams to finish in the top 4 (UCL zone). These teams look like having strongest squad in EPL this season. Arsenal and Liverpool becomes the most convincing teams, they probably become the candidate for the champion. I personally favor Arsenal to win EPL trophy this season.

The Less African star players the team has, the better for them this coming season. Liverpool with definitely have a big blow when Salah leaves for the AFCON competition. Manchester United will also be hard hit with notable players Andre Onana and Bryan Mbuemo travelling to represent Cameroon.

Arsenal on the other hand seem to be lucky and don't have any notable player from Africa.

During that period, there will be six rounds of EPL fixtures, one FA Cup round and one leg of the EFL cup… that's a total of 8 matches. Quite a number to turn things around.

[bitgolden]

As for MU, i'm getting even more skeptical with MU to compete for the UCL spot because they have not yet get rid off some dead woods. It's wise to have lesser expectation for them. I lower my expectation and believe they will able to finish at sixth.

On other hand, Tottenhan looks much more prepared as TF has Ange's legacy, but still doubted TF will able to utilize it. They also lose Son, whic has always been their key in building the attack.

UCL spot? They would be lucky to get conference league spot. They finished near to relegation zone last season, so if they were ever looking for UCL spot over course of just one year difference, that would be delusional.

What they need to achieve is 7th place, if they are lucky that may come to Europa again, if not then conference league and that should be enough recovery for one season. Not that I trust them to even achieve that, I feel and believe they will not even be in 7th place, and they will be worse, but at the "best" case scenario they should be 7th. If they achieve that, they will be doing much better than last season. And subtle improvements help, you get better and better with time, and that is how you grow.

[Obari]

Do you even think Manchester United will be able to secure the champions league spot in this coming season? I don’t really think that’s going to be possible, with the look of thinks I don’t think Manchester United will be ending the season in a better position, I don’t think they will end the season above 7th position on the table. We all can see how clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and other teams are signing players that will improve their performance, and those teams ended the season in a better position, Manchester United haven’t really been active in the transfer window as I expected, I don’t really expect much improvement in their performance by next season.

Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal wouldn't be relenting next season, we've watched how these teams have been able to be consistent and Tagging along when it comes to winning games, they just know how to win with or without stress. This is the particular spot where the Red Devils are failing to improve, they're not making any solid claims to win games, rather they're been set up and incompetent for league titles. Manchester United are also opportune to sign players and have one of the very best season. It's been quite an imperative start for the Red Devils and expectations from the toxic club's fan base.

Manchester United will survived next season, everyone knows it. But the Red Devils manager, Ruben Amorim does he actually believe he would rise the team back to the top? It will take time but definitely, he has a very good margin he's looking at when it comes to the team's budget and making crucial signings.

[abhiseshakana]

Do you even think Manchester United will be able to secure the champions league spot in this coming season? I don’t really think that’s going to be possible, with the look of thinks I don’t think Manchester United will be ending the season in a better position, I don’t think they will end the season above 7th position on the table. We all can see how clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and other teams are signing players that will improve their performance, and those teams ended the season in a better position, Manchester United haven’t really been active in the transfer window as I expected, I don’t really expect much improvement in their performance by next season.

Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal wouldn't be relenting next season, we've watched how these teams have been able to be consistent and Tagging along when it comes to winning games, they just know how to win with or without stress. This is the particular spot where the Red Devils are failing to improve, they're not making any solid claims to win games, rather they're been set up and incompetent for league titles. Manchester United are also opportune to sign players and have one of the very best season. It's been quite an imperative start for the Red Devils and expectations from the toxic club's fan base.

Manchester United will survived next season, everyone knows it. But the Red Devils manager, Ruben Amorim does he actually believe he would rise the team back to the top? It will take time but definitely, he has a very good margin he's looking at when it comes to the team's budget and making crucial signings.

Frankly, I am quite disappointed to see Man United's current development. They not only ended the season with poor results, but they also struggled to make improvements afterward. Ruben Amorim doesn't have much budget left, so he has to release some players to get fresh funds, but just selling players isn't easy for Man United now because their prices are plummeting, and not to mention that not all teams are willing to pay the wages as much as Man United.

Man United may still have a chance to regain their Champions League place, but it looks like it will take quite a long time because with their current squad and performance, it can't be achieved instantly. Ruben Amorim is a young manager with great potential, and I think if he gets the trust and support for a long time, then he has a chance to bring Man United back to the top.

[Jostern]

How can Arne Slot assure Ekitiké that?    The guy literally just arrived at the team, man. If Isak also arrives soon there won't be any difference between them. They should be treated the same.

I just hope the manager handles the situation well. While you have 2 expensive strikers in your squad, you might need to make some changes. Or you will just give them equal amount of time to play.

Isaak was their priority, and i believe he will be the main striker. Ekitike will be only used to add more depth to the striker position, which mean he will be the second. It's pretty obvious by seeing the way Liverpool still try to chase Isaak even after they signed Ekitike.

If Isaak was not important for them, they won't sign him after they acquire Ekitike, right? It's simple logic.

There is something we’ve to understand from Liverpools perspective, Ekitike is still a young attacker, And Isak is at the peak of his career, they can say Ekitike has potential and he is for future of the club, Now let’s check at Salah, he is getting old and soon he will be leaving the club, they might not be able to replace Salah from a right winger instead they can only do it from the attacker that is why they are trying to get Isak after getting Ekitike and I’m very sure the both strikers can play together, Liverpool cannot only depend on Ekitike as there Striker to defend the Premier League Tittle and go for the Champions League, they also need a striker like Isak, the question is why does Isak want the move by all means when he can stay in Newcastle and fight for the Premier League and play Champions League, it’s an easy question Newcastle don’t have that ambition and he sees Liverpool as a stepping stone to compete at the highest level, with all due respect to Newcastle United he can’t win the premier league or Champions League with them. Liverpool cannot only depend offer him Premier League and Champions League medal.

[abhiseshakana]

How can Arne Slot assure Ekitiké that?    The guy literally just arrived at the team, man. If Isak also arrives soon there won't be any difference between them. They should be treated the same.

I just hope the manager handles the situation well. While you have 2 expensive strikers in your squad, you might need to make some changes. Or you will just give them equal amount of time to play.

Isaak was their priority, and i believe he will be the main striker. Ekitike will be only used to add more depth to the striker position, which mean he will be the second. It's pretty obvious by seeing the way Liverpool still try to chase Isaak even after they signed Ekitike.

If Isaak was not important for them, they won't sign him after they acquire Ekitike, right? It's simple logic.

There is something we’ve to understand from Liverpools perspective, Ekitike is still a young attacker, And Isak is at the peak of his career, they can say Ekitike has potential and he is for future of the club, Now let’s check at Salah, he is getting old and soon he will be leaving the club, they might not be able to replace Salah from a right winger instead they can only do it from the attacker that is why they are trying to get Isak after getting Ekitike and I’m very sure the both strikers can play together, Liverpool cannot only depend on Ekitike as there Striker to defend the Premier League Tittle and go for the Champions League, they also need a striker like Isak, the question is why does Isak want the move by all means when he can stay in Newcastle and fight for the Premier League and play Champions League, it’s an easy question Newcastle don’t have that ambition and he sees Liverpool as a stepping stone to compete at the highest level, with all due respect to Newcastle United he can’t win the premier league or Champions League with them. Liverpool cannot only depend offer him Premier League and Champions League medal.

I thought Ekitike was signed as an alternative if Liverpool failed to sign Alexander Isak, but what was unexpected is that when Liverpool got Ekitike, Newcastle is now showing indications that they are willing to let Isak go. This should be a dilemma for Liverpool, but strangely, Liverpool has made it clear that they would also sign Isak if Newcastle is willing to let him go. If that happens, then one of them must be willing to be a backup for the other, and in this case, Alexander Isak will most likely be the starter, and Ekitike will sit on the bench.

The situation will get more complicated if Darwin Nunez is still with Liverpool this season. Juventus and AC Milan are rumored to be interested in Nunez, but Liverpool reportedly won't let Nunez go cheaply.

[Distraction]

The Luis Díaz deal is complete. 4-year deal signed with Bayern Munich. Now we are all looking for what Liverpool will do next. I think it'll be a move to sign Isak most probably. Now they've more sources to bring him easier.

I heard that the Saudis are offering Isak 600 thousand a week in wages - twice as much as in Liverpool. Could this be the next big factor in the puzzle everyone is trying to piece together? Just over 30 million a year versus just over 15 million a year. The difference looks significant, but the sporting difference looks even more significant - it's one thing to play in the EPL and another in the SPL. I think it's too early for Isak to leave for the SPL.

I think the same about Isak. He is still 25 years old. The age range from 25 to 29 is said to be the most productive times for strikers. Considering the examples we've had in years I think they are right to say that. 

No need to go to Saudi Arabia yet indeed.

[slapper]

Do you even think Manchester United will be able to secure the champions league spot in this coming season? I don’t really think that’s going to be possible, with the look of thinks I don’t think Manchester United will be ending the season in a better position, I don’t think they will end the season above 7th position on the table. We all can see how clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and other teams are signing players that will improve their performance, and those teams ended the season in a better position, Manchester United haven’t really been active in the transfer window as I expected, I don’t really expect much improvement in their performance by next season.

Agree. There is no significant change in Man United squad. They only sign 2 new players (Cunha, Mbeumo), none of them are really star players. Man United didn't sign new defenders, there is also no change in the goalkeeper position. IMO, the worse line of Man United is in the defense line, it is actually quite strange that they don't try signing any new players. Since Man United doesn't fix their weakness, we can assume they probably experience the same result as in the previous season. I even doubt they can finish in the top 10 this season. 

For the UCL spot, I think there will be no change. Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, and Chelsea are the favorite teams to finish in the top 4 (UCL zone). These teams look like having strongest squad in EPL this season. Arsenal and Liverpool becomes the most convincing teams, they probably become the candidate for the champion. I personally favor Arsenal to win EPL trophy this season.

It does look lazy not to fix the defense. But every summer people act like transfer activity is the only way to improve. United have gone total "contrarian finance" here: instead of spreading the cash and rolling the dice on 4-5 new faces, they just went surgical. Look at Forest last year: barely spent, jumped 10 spots just from tightening the ship and getting variance back on their side

And those "not really star" signings? Mbeumo was literally the most efficient goal/assist man outside the big six last season, overperforming his xG by 7.5, and Cunha did the same at Wolves (+8.88 over two seasons!). That is the exact opposite of Rashford, Antony, Sancho, all these dudes who have missed sitters for United. No surprise United had the league's worst finishing gap. If those two hit even 80% of their numbers, United suddenly become a team with one of the deadliest transitions in the league

[Amphenomenon]

The Luis Díaz deal is complete. 4-year deal signed with Bayern Munich. Now we are all looking for what Liverpool will do next. I think it'll be a move to sign Isak most probably. Now they've more sources to bring him easier.

Isak wants only Liverpool and Liverpool has been the longest admirer of him especially since his moved to Newcastle and how well he has performed.

This deal of Luiz Diaz which is still a good bargain for them will definitely fuel their long term admirer. This is making things easier for them to get a potential replacement for Salah although not ignoring the risks and competition here.

[Just Say]

https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1949491119840198797

Aaand it's happening! Luis Díaz is about to complete his move to Bayern Munich soon. The sides have agreed on a package of €75m. Maybe you'll say "Now what for Liverpool?". Let me answer it.

It's time for them to go on a move for Isak.    Liverpool attacking area will be very strong next season. In this case I wonder what kind of a formula Arne Slot will find. Having Isak and Ekitiké both will force his hands to give both of them enough time of play.

Yes it is correct that Luis Diaz's transfer to Bayern Munich has already been completed so we feel that the reality of Isak's transfer is becoming clearer. I think it's better and more important to build a team from a strong position than to rely on achievements, and perhaps that's what the team that recently won the Premier League is doing right now. So it can be said that the progressive evolution of this party may not stop and I fully believe that they are moving forward in stages. Moreover this team's offensive zone will be much stronger in the coming season because everyone may have observed that their aggressive capabilities are increasing.

[Adiljutt156]

The standings after the first round of the Premier League Summer Series ('PLSS') are:



What's PLSS? It's a pre-season friendly tournament, hosted in the USA, that aims to promote the Premier League abroad, as well as prepare the participating clubs to the upcoming season.

In the first round, Man United beat West Ham 2-1, while Bournemouth defeated Everton 3-0.
The next round will be played on Wed/Thu next week, and the final round on Sunday, 3rd August.

These matches of the Premier League Summer Series are really beneficial for the players. In the past matches, we have seen their main team players playing. Manchester, Bournemouth, West Ham and Everton have all given their best performances.

Earlier, players used to consider friendly matches as a normal thing. But now everyone plays those matches to improve their own skills. Players play all the matches with their best. Every match feels like a final match. Not only the players but also the football fans are very attracted to these friendly matches of the Premier League. With a long break, football fans do not feel bored. If the game continues throughout the year, the players will also learn new skills. This Summer Series is not only a season to polish the players but it is also a means to popularize the Premier League.

Such matches are entertainment for the spectators and a preparation stage for the clubs. So I think PLSS is a modern and excellent idea, which should be organized on a larger scale in the future.

Players are learning well from different leagues. There are many players of different teams who are giving their hundred percent to win the match and they are trying to be match winner which is excellent effort by these players. In the match of  Man City football team which they played against West Ham United gave excellent effort in this match and one player did 2 goals in this match and that was Fernandes and he is emerging player and could be future star because there are many opportunities for him to polish his skills. There are millions of fans in the World who are waiting for the league which will give entertainment.Entertainment is part of life and players could be famous and after they will earn in millions of dollars.

[Jostern]

The Luis Díaz deal is complete. 4-year deal signed with Bayern Munich. Now we are all looking for what Liverpool will do next. I think it'll be a move to sign Isak most probably. Now they've more sources to bring him easier.

Isak wants only Liverpool and Liverpool has been the longest admirer of him especially since his moved to Newcastle and how well he has performed.

This deal of Luiz Diaz which is still a good bargain for them will definitely fuel their long term admirer. This is making things easier for them to get a potential replacement for Salah although not ignoring the risks and competition here.

Newcastle at this point knows the desire of the player that he only wants Liverpool, Making it obvious to them and that is why he didn’t travel with the Newcastle squad to their pre season tour, But right now I think Newcastle wants to get in a replacement for him before they will be able to sanction and entertain any offer on the table, they are well aware of the desire of the player, no team would want to keep a player that is unhappy in the squad, so as soon as they are able to bring in a replacement a deal will be finalized with Liverpool, I don’t think Liverpool needed to sell Luis Diaz the player himself wanted to go and try new challenges which I think it was because of his desire to be offered more sustainable contract and wage, He wanted more money and Bayern offered what Liverpool couldn’t afford to offer him.

[Tmoonz]

The Luis Díaz deal is complete. 4-year deal signed with Bayern Munich. Now we are all looking for what Liverpool will do next. I think it'll be a move to sign Isak most probably. Now they've more sources to bring him easier.

Isak wants only Liverpool and Liverpool has been the longest admirer of him especially since his moved to Newcastle and how well he has performed.

This deal of Luiz Diaz which is still a good bargain for them will definitely fuel their long term admirer. This is making things easier for them to get a potential replacement for Salah although not ignoring the risks and competition here.

Newcastle at this point knows the desire of the player that he only wants Liverpool, Making it obvious to them and that is why he didn’t travel with the Newcastle squad to their pre season tour, But right now I think Newcastle wants to get in a replacement for him before they will be able to sanction and entertain any offer on the table, they are well aware of the desire of the player, no team would want to keep a player that is unhappy in the squad, so as soon as they are able to bring in a replacement a deal will be finalized with Liverpool, I don’t think Liverpool needed to sell Luis Diaz the player himself wanted to go and try new challenges which I think it was because of his desire to be offered more sustainable contract and wage, He wanted more money and Bayern offered what Liverpool couldn’t afford to offer him.

Luis Diaz wow what a player, now he's left is the perfect time to go for Alexander isak to fill in the space, and he is a perfect replacement for him, but I think the price tag for Alexander isak is quite too much €150m mehn that's massive what's actually going on in transfer market these days, Alexander isak is a good player no doubt also an English premier League proven but I really think the price is kinda too much, at least around 90 to 100 should serve.

[TastyChillySauce00]

Sunderland so serious in preparing their club for the upcoming season. I can't hardly believe they spare 140 millions alone this summer. I'm wondering from what what they get so much money to strengthen their club. They're just getting promoted to the EPL recently, but spend like they were one of top clubs in EPL.
It's also crazy to see them spare millions for a few 30+ years old players. Only hope all of money they wasted will help them to stay in PL.

[qurbanshah02]

Sunderland so serious in preparing their club for the upcoming season. I can't hardly believe they spare 140 millions alone this summer. I'm wondering from what what they get so much money to strengthen their club. They're just getting promoted to the EPL recently, but spend like they were one of top clubs in EPL.
It's also crazy to see them spare millions for a few 30+ years old players. Only hope all of money they wasted will help them to stay in PL.

Obviously, they will strengthen themselves because they get promoted last season, which is why they and their fans are not very disappointed. Because of this, they should want to play well and strongly in the EPL this season which is why they are working hard. If they get good players and their team becomes strong they can make a lot of money with this money. They have to be strong, because of this they can do anything, we should not focus on it, we will not get anything from it, but we should be impressed by their performance. It is up to them what they do in this year EPL because their performance in the 2024 season has been successful.
Seeing this amount of money they are expected to make an effort and not see themselves as weak in the EPL, which is why they want to be successful in this year league.

[TastyChillySauce00]

Sunderland so serious in preparing their club for the upcoming season. I can't hardly believe they spare 140 millions alone this summer. I'm wondering from what what they get so much money to strengthen their club. They're just getting promoted to the EPL recently, but spend like they were one of top clubs in EPL.
It's also crazy to see them spare millions for a few 30+ years old players. Only hope all of money they wasted will help them to stay in PL.

Obviously, they will strengthen themselves because they get promoted last season, which is why they and their fans are not very disappointed. Because of this, they should want to play well and strongly in the EPL this season which is why they are working hard. If they get good players and their team becomes strong they can make a lot of money with this money. They have to be strong, because of this they can do anything, we should not focus on it, we will not get anything from it, but we should be impressed by their performance. It is up to them what they do in this year EPL because their performance in the 2024 season has been successful.
Seeing this amount of money they are expected to make an effort and not see themselves as weak in the EPL, which is why they want to be successful in this year league.

But Sunderland potentially face a sanction as they have only 61m limit for their PSR. It means they can only 61m as their maximum limit. If they exceed it, then they face a sanction by EPL. You're right about they try to fully prepared to face the next season. However, they must also be careful about their limit.
I don't wanna see them to face huge finee, then wasted all of their money to be relegated again. That will be so hard for them.

[$weetne$$]

Luis Diaz wow what a player, now he's left is the perfect time to go for Alexander isak to fill in the space, and he is a perfect replacement for him, but I think the price tag for Alexander isak is quite too much €150m mehn that's massive what's actually going on in transfer market these days, Alexander isak is a good player no doubt also an English premier League proven but I really think the price is kinda too much, at least around 90 to 100 should serve.

Such a smart and brilliant move by Diaz, if he had stayed back,  chances are they he would be having to drag position with isak or they will be alternating for play time thereby reducing his play time drastically which will eventually affect him even career wise. Liverpool still have their team in good form as this swap was a perfect fit without stress,  the replacement is a perfect one that will not affect them at all.

[Princess Leah]

The Luis Díaz deal is complete. 4-year deal signed with Bayern Munich. Now we are all looking for what Liverpool will do next. I think it'll be a move to sign Isak most probably. Now they've more sources to bring him easier.

Isak wants only Liverpool and Liverpool has been the longest admirer of him especially since his moved to Newcastle and how well he has performed.

This deal of Luiz Diaz which is still a good bargain for them will definitely fuel their long term admirer. This is making things easier for them to get a potential replacement for Salah although not ignoring the risks and competition here.

Newcastle at this point knows the desire of the player that he only wants Liverpool, Making it obvious to them and that is why he didn’t travel with the Newcastle squad to their pre season tour, But right now I think Newcastle wants to get in a replacement for him before they will be able to sanction and entertain any offer on the table, they are well aware of the desire of the player, no team would want to keep a player that is unhappy in the squad, so as soon as they are able to bring in a replacement a deal will be finalized with Liverpool, I don’t think Liverpool needed to sell Luis Diaz the player himself wanted to go and try new challenges which I think it was because of his desire to be offered more sustainable contract and wage, He wanted more money and Bayern offered what Liverpool couldn’t afford to offer him.

Luis Diaz wow what a player, now he's left is the perfect time to go for Alexander isak to fill in the space, and he is a perfect replacement for him, but I think the price tag for Alexander isak is quite too much €150m mehn that's massive what's actually going on in transfer market these days, Alexander isak is a good player no doubt also an English premier League proven but I really think the price is kinda too much, at least around 90 to 100 should serve.

Luiz Diaz transfer is similar to that of Sadio Mane but i just hope he'll succeed more at Bayern Munich than Mane, Sadie Mane was a very good player at Liverpool but I don't know why Klopp chose to sell him, similar situation with Diaz he's a wonderful player but maybe there's something missing in him that Slot demands.

 Anyways, Isak would be a good replacement for Diaz, he's a good baller, has eyes for goal and he's versatile, the transfer won't be difficult for Liverpool cause he's Premier league proven and would easily blend in with his teammates, Liverpool are lucky that he really wants to Switch from Newcastle to their team so negotiating with Isaks agent won't be a tough one.

[emrecemsan]

The odds for next season winner are:

Liverpool: 2.80
Arsenal: 3.25
Manchester City: 4.00

These are top favourites and I must admit I'm surprised with one thing. Arsenal are favoured more than Manchester City.    It's interesting when you consider how many times Manchester City won the league title in the recent years.

I believe Liverpool will be even a bigger favourite than ever after the recent transfers. It'll be hard to compete with them. As for betting, I thought of going for a fun bet.  

[SmartCharpa]

How can Arne Slot assure Ekitiké that?    The guy literally just arrived at the team, man. If Isak also arrives soon there won't be any difference between them. They should be treated the same.

I just hope the manager handles the situation well. While you have 2 expensive strikers in your squad, you might need to make some changes. Or you will just give them equal amount of time to play.

We realize that Arne Slot is an excellent manager who understands what to do with his players, but we are unsure what will happen if they sign Isak, since they would have two expensive strikers in their team. The club is ready to sell Nunez this summer, but the player is not ready to leave at this time since he feels he will improve better next season, and Liverpool insists that they still want extra strikers in order to compete for any trophy next season.

Of course, the manager must treat all players equally because they are all there to give their all to the team, but we should not blame the manager if he fails to utilize some players in some matches because he can only use the player he needs in that match. Ekitike made his debut in today's friendly against Yokohama F.Marinos, playing 45 minutes while he was substituted by Nunez in the second half. But we don't know how Arne Slot would use his player after he signs Isak.