The 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off tonight as reigning champions Liverpool welcome Bournemouth to Anfield — ending an 83-day break and launching a campaign packed with intrigue, marquee signings, and sky-high expectations.
After a record-breaking summer in which clubs collectively spent over £2 billion, the focus now shifts from the transfer market to the pitch.
Liverpool led the spending spree with almost £300 million invested, but Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Chelsea also strengthened heavily, setting the stage for one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.
Teams and Stars to Watch
1. Liverpool (Defending Champions)
Key Players: Mohamed Salah remains the talisman in attack, while Virgil van Dijk continues to marshal the defence. Notable Signings: Record buy Florian Wirtz (£100–116m) adds creativity, Hugo Ekitike (£69–79m) brings extra firepower, with Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong boosting squad depth.
2. Arsenal
Key Players: Bukayo Saka drives their attack, William Saliba provides defensive stability. Notable Signings: Viktor Gyökeres (£55–63.5m) could be the long-awaited No. 9, with Martin Zubimendi offering midfield steel. Noni Madueke joins the attacking ranks alongside captain Martin Ødegaard.
3. Manchester City
Key Players: Erling Haaland’s goalscoring prowess remains unmatched. The influence of the departed Kevin De Bruyne still lingers. Notable Signings: Tijjani Reijnders (£46.3m) and Rayan Cherki headline their arrivals, joining a strong core including Rodri, Phil Foden, and Marmoush.
4. Manchester United
Key Players: Bruno Fernandes remains the heartbeat of the team. Notable Signings: Matheus Cunha (£62.5m) and Benjamin Šeško (£66m) form a new-look attack, with Bryan Mbeumo adding width and energy.
5. Chelsea
Key Players: Kendry Páez adds flair, Cole Palmer supplies goals and creativity. Notable Signings: João Pedro (£60m) strengthens their forward line, Jamie Gittens offers pace on the wings, alongside youngsters Estevão and Liam Delap.
6. Tottenham Hotspur
Notable Signings: Mohammed Kudus adds dynamism, while João Palhinha arrives on loan to reinforce midfield.
7. Newcastle United
Key Players: Alexander Isak leads the line, Bruno Guimarães dictates play. Notable Signings: Anthony Elanga adds attacking spark, joined by midfielder Jacob Ramsey.
8. Aston Villa
Key Players: Youri Tielemans controls tempo, Ollie Watkins remains a reliable scorer. Notable Signings: Evann Guessand and Yasin Özcan are tipped to make an impact.
9. Brighton & Hove Albion
Key Players: Kaoru Mitoma brings flair, Pascal Groß delivers creativity and composure in midfield.
Golden Boot Race
The battle for the Premier League’s top scorer could be the fiercest yet, with Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, Benjamin Šeško, and Hugo Ekitike all in contention.
Haaland’s clinical edge, Salah’s consistency, and Isak’s finishing make them early favourites, but new arrivals Gyökeres and Šeško will be looking to make a statement. Ekitike could be a surprise challenger if he finds form quickly. Other names to watch include Chris Wood, Dominic Solanke, Yoane Wissa, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Ollie Watkins.
Friday Night Spotlight
The season curtain-raiser at Anfield promises high energy, attacking football, and a chance for Liverpool’s new stars to shine.
With tested veterans, exciting debutants, and shifting power dynamics, the 2025/26 campaign is primed to deliver drama from the first whistle to the last.