LONDON: Liverpool will begin their bid for a record 21st English league crown on Friday, opening the 2025-26 Premier League season at home to Bournemouth.
Arne Slot’s reigning champions, who finished last season with a dominant title win, have undergone a £256 million summer overhaul. New arrivals include German playmaker Florian Wirtz, French striker Hugo Ekitike, Dutch wing-back Jeremie Frimpong and Hungarian full-back Milos Kerkez.
Slot believes the squad is now more creative and versatile, and reports suggest Newcastle’s Alexander Isak could still join before the transfer deadline. If Liverpool retain the title, it would be the first time since 1984 that the club has won back-to-back championships.
Arsenal, runners-up for the past three seasons, are determined to finally end a 21-year wait for the league trophy. Mikel Arteta has addressed squad depth and resilience after injuries cost them the 2024 title race.
Over £180 million has been spent on Portuguese forward Viktor Gyokeres, midfield anchors Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, winger Noni Madueke, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Arteta insists the squad now has both the mentality and firepower to push Liverpool all the way.
Manchester City, last season’s third-place finishers, are in a period of transition after a rare trophyless campaign. Pep Guardiola has recruited Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders and goalkeeper James Trafford.
However, the departures of Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and the impending exit of Jack Grealish have left gaps in experience. With Rodri’s fitness still in question, City’s ability to reclaim the title remains uncertain.
Chelsea, fresh from a shock FIFA Club World Cup triumph over Paris Saint-Germain, hope to carry that momentum into the domestic season. Enzo Maresca’s young team — the youngest average starting XI in Premier League history last year — also secured a top-four finish and lifted the UEFA Conference League.
This summer, they added Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian, and Dutch defender Jorrel Hato to a squad already boasting Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez.
Manchester United, who finished eighth — their lowest league position since 1974 — and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham, are attempting a major rebuild under Ruben Amorim. Around £200 million has been invested in Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
Marcus Rashford has gone on loan to Barcelona, while Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Rasmus Hojlund could also depart. Amorim’s challenge is to restore belief and consistency to a faltering side.
With Liverpool defending their crown, Arsenal desperate to end their drought, City rebuilding, Chelsea rising, and United overhauling their squad, the new season promises fierce battles, unpredictable twists — and no shortage of drama from the opening weekend. – AFP
