The new Premier League season is almost here, with the transfer window in full swing as teams try to rebuild and reshape their squads for another tilt.
There are five new managers and, as always, three promoted teams desperate to survive in the top flight.
But can anyone unseat Manchester City and end coach Pep Guardiola’s hunt for a fifth-straight crown?
Here’s how all 20 teams are shaping up.
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ARSENAL
Last season: 2nd (89 points)
It was a case of so close but so far for the Gunners last season. Surely they didn’t deserve to finish such an excellent season without a trophy, despite 35 wins from 52 matches in all competitions breaking the club record. Yet Mikel Arteta’s men have continually improved year-on-year, and the club has already addressed its biggest weakness – the left back position – by signing Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for up to £42m including bonuses.
Arsenal already conceded the fewest goals in the league last year, but the impressive 22-year-old could take that to a new level.
Another attacker – a back-up to Bukayo Saka, perhaps – could be an astute signing, but there’s no doubt that the Gunners have what it takes to push City all the way again. And if City slip up or finally run out of steam, the Gunners seem to be best placed to take advantage.
Transfers in: Lucas Nygaard (FC Nordsjaelland), David Raya (Brentford), Tommy Setford (Ajax), Riccardo Calafiori (Bologna)
Transfers out: Mohamed Elneny (released), Cedric Soares (released), Arthur Okonkwo (released), Omari Benjamin (released), Ovie Ejeheri (released), Mauro Bandeira (released), James Lannin-Sweet (released), Luis Brown (released), Catalin Cirjan (released), Noah Cooper (released), Henry Davies (released), Taylor Foran (released), Hubert Graczyk (released), James Hillson (released), Henry Jeffcott (released), Tyreece John-Jules (released), Alex Kirk (released), Kaylan Marckese (released), Kamarni Ryan (released), Kido Taylor-Hart (released), Reuell Walters (released), Amario Cozier-Duberry (released), Nuno Tavares (Lazio, loan), Albert Sambi Lokonga (Sevilla, loan), Jack Henry-Francis (Sligo Rovers, loan), Emile Smith Rowe (Fulham), Karl Hein (Real Valladolid, loan)
ASTON VILLA
Last season: 4th (68 points)
One of the most impressive teams last campaign, Villa have to face a tougher schedule this time around thanks to qualifying for European competition for the first time in 41 years. Manager Unai Emery, so outstanding last campaign, has a big challenge on his hands in determining which competition to prioritise. Moussa Diaby and Douglas Luiz were sold, but Villa has done very well in the transfer window so far to deepen the squad – especially with the £50m signing of midfielder Amadou Onana from Everton.
Transfers in: Amadou Onana (Everton), Ian Maatsen (Chelsea), Jaden Philogene (Hull City), Cameron Archer (Sheffield United), Samuel Iling-Junior (Juventus), Lewis Dobbin (Everton), Enzo Barrenechea (Juventus), Ross Barkley (Luton Town)
Transfers out: Morgan Sanson (Nice), Tim Iroegbunam (Everton), Omari Kellyman (Chelsea)
Douglas Luiz (Juventus), Chisom Afoka (released), Frankie Ealing (released), Taylor-Jay Hart (released), Aaron O’Reilly (released), Teddy Rowe (released), Jack McDowell (released), Dylan Mitchell (released), Philippe Coutinho (Vasco da Gama), Calum Chambers (released), Tommi O’Reilly (Shrewsbury Town), Seb Revan (Wrexham), Viljami Sinisalo (Celtic), Moussa Diaby (Al Ittihad), Ben Chrisene (Norwich City), Louie Barry (Stockport County), Lewis Dobbin (West Brom), Josh Feeney (Shrewsbury)
BOURNEMOUTH
Last season: 12th (48 points)
Coach Andoni Iraola and his exciting counter-pressing tactics impressed last year, but there was still plenty of inconsistency – for every strong run of results there was a slump afterwards. The club has been quiet in the transfer window so far, but Iraola last year improved a number of individuals on his books. The key hope for fans is that as players better understand his (often complicated) approach, they will continue to develop – and the results will become more consistent. With Dominic Solanke’s move to Tottenham confirmed, all eyes will be on last season’s breakout star Antoine Semenyo to continue his excellent form and lead Iraola’s attack in the upcoming season.
Transfers in: Luis Sinisterra (Leeds), Enes Unal (Getafe), Dean Huijsen (Juventus), Julian Araujo (Barcelona), Alex Paulsen (Wellington Phoenix), Koby Mottoh, Daniel Jebbison (Sheffield United)
Transfers out: Lloyd Kelly (Newcastle), Ryan Fredericks (released), Jamal Lowe (released), Darren Randolph (released), Emiliano Marcondes (released), Michael Dacosta Gonzalez (Crawley Town), Charlie Osborne (TSV Hartberg, loan), Joe Rothwell (Leeds United, loan), Kieffer Moore (Sheffield United), Finn Tonks (Torquay, loan), Daniel Adu-Adjei (Carlisle United, loan), Billy Terrell (Weymouth, loan), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham)
BRENTFORD
Last season: 16th (39 points)
Brentford’s hopes this season could all hinge on the future of Ivan Toney. The England striker wants to leave – he’s been very clear about that.
Brentford was ready to sell, at least until the man they signed to replace Toney – Igor Thiago – suffered a knee injury last month and looks set to be ruled out for the rest of 2024 at least.
28-year-old Toney is in the last year of his contract, so the Bees need to cash in now or they’ll lose him for free in 12 months.
Manchester United, Newcastle, and Spurs have all been linked. Coach Thomas Frank said: “What I’m focusing on is that Ivan [Toney] is a Brentford player and I’m very happy that he’s here.
“If he’s here when we start the season, I would be over the moon. I’ve said before we’re a selling club but what I know is that Ivan is a player for us.”
If Brentford sell Toney, they’ll need to work fast in the transfer window to get reinforcements, having made very limited signings so far. The priority this season will be to improve the defence after a poor showing last time out. A tough early run of away games could have them in the relegation zone early on. They might just need Toney to dig them out.
Transfers in: Igor Thiago (Club Brugge), Fabio Carvalho (Liverpool), Julian Eyestone
Transfers out: Shandon Baptiste (released), Saman Ghoddos (released), Charlie Goode (released), Ellery Balcombe (St Mirren, loan), Daniel Oyegoke (Hearts), David Raya (Arsenal), Thomas Strakosha (AEK Athens), Ben Winterbottom (Fylde, loan), Fin Stevens (St. Pauli), Tristan Crama (Exeter City)
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Last season: 11th (48 points)
The Premier League will welcome its youngest-ever permanent manager after Brighton signed Fabian Hurzeler to replace Italian mastermind Roberto de Zerbi. Just 31, the gifted Hurzeler led FC St Pauli – and its two Socceroos – to promotion to Germany’s top flight last season and is highly rated despite his age (seven years younger than Brighton’s former Man City and Liverpool star James Milner!). An attack-minded, possession-oriented coach, he’s one to watch … including his entertaining outbursts down the sidelines that often see referees brandishing yellow cards in his direction. The squad is stacked, but the midfield could prove the weak link should in-demand Scottish international Billy Gilmour be sold (likely to Napoli). That could heap even more pressure on 20-year-old rising star Carlos Baleba. Another midfield signing is much-needed, especially after stalwart Pascal Gross moved on, but there’s enough depth in the team for Brighton fans to hope for a solid league finish this year – especially with no European football on their calendar.
Transfers in: Yankuba Minteh (Newcastle), Mats Wieffer (Feyenoord), Ibrahim Osman (Nordsjaelland), Malick Yalcouye (IFK Goteborg)
Transfers out: Adam Lallana (released), Steven Alzate (released), Kjell Scherpen (Sturm Graz, loan), James Beadle (Sheffield Wednesday, loan), Ben Jackson (Livingston, loan), Tom McGill (MK Dons, loan), Marc Leonard (Birmingham City), Pascal Gross (Borussia Dortmund), Deniz Undav (Stuttgart), Facundo Buonanotte (Leicester City, loan), Casper Nilsson (Partick Thistle, loan)
CHELSEA
Last season: 6th (63 points)
Chelsea improved over the final rounds of last season under Mauricio Pochettino but enter a new era in 2024-25, with Italian Enzo Maresca tasked with rebuilding the fallen giant. A former Manchester City assistant, Maresca’s tactical approach is possession-heavy, akin to City and Arsenal. Chelsea will be hoping their new tactic will inspire them to similar levels of success this season. It remains to be seen how Maresca will handle the pressure of managing Chelsea, particularly if results don’t go his way early in the season. He will also be tested by the club’s bloated first-team squad, which includes over 40 players. As was shown during Graham Potter’s reign at the club, keeping everyone happy will be a tricky task. And yet, if the Italian can maintain squad harmony and implement his tactics correctly, Chelsea have an incredibly talented team that can cause problems for most sides. Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer are brilliant attackers, while Moises Caicedo is primed for a big year after impressing at the Copa America. Pedro Neto’s arrival adds to the club’s attacking stocks, and he may find a home on the left-wing at some point this season.
Chelsea’s biggest problem area will be defensively. Club captain Reece James hasn’t been able to stay fit consistently, while their pre-season tour of the USA showed their susceptibility to the counter attack and struggles building from the back.
Transfers in: Pedro Neto (Wolves), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester City), Filip Jorgensen (Villarreal), Omari Kellyman (Aston Villa), Aaron Anselmino (Boca Juniors), Renato Veiga (FC Basel), Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United), Marc Guiu (FC Barcelona), Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham)
Transfers out: Thiago Silva (released), Charlie Webster (Burton Albion), Teddy Sharman-Lowe (Doncaster Rovers), Ian Maatsen (Aston Villa), Omari Hutchinson (Ipswich Town), Chinonso Chibueze (Stoke), Michael Golding (Leicester City), Malang Sarr (released), Andrey Santos (Strasbourg, loan), Alfie Gilchrist (Sheffield United, loan), Aaron Anselmino (Boca Juniors, loan), Eddie Beach (Crawley Town, loan), Caleb Wiley (Strasbourg, loan)
CRYSTAL PALACE
Last season: 10th (49 points)
Things are looking up for Palace. They finished last season in red-hot fashion, winning six of their last seven games including a four-goal battering of Man Utd. It was a remarkable turnaround under Oliver Glasner, who replaced club legend Roy Hodgson in February after a sad slide backwards. Glasner led Palace to their most-ever points in a top flight season, and there’s plenty of reasons to believe things could be even better this time around … with two big caveats.
Michael Olise was sold to Bayern Munich (£50m with bonuses), while Spurs are leading the chase for attacking centrepiece Eberechi Eze, Newcastle are hoping to land centre-back Marc Guehi after he impressed for England at the Euros while Fulham have had a bid for Joachim Andersen rejected. Losing Eze and/or Guehi or Andersen would be a huge blow to Palace’s ambitions, unless they can respond with some late transfer magic.
They’ve already made some solid and affordable additions (Ismaila Sarr from Marseille for £11m, Chadi Riad from Barcelona for £14m and Daichi Kamada on a free transfer from Lazio), but Palace’s big hope is that last year’s breakout talent Adam Wharton – just 20 – can continue his meteoric rise in central midfield.
Transfers in: Ismaila Sarr (Marseille), Chadi Riad (Real Betis), Daichi Kamada (Lazio)
Transfers out: Jairo Riedewald (released), James Tomkins (released), Nathan Ferguson (released), Kofi Balmer (Motherwell), Scott Banks (St Pauli), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Owen Goodman (AFC Wimbledon), Joe Whitworth (Exeter City), David Ozoh (Derby County), Danny Imray (Bromley), Tayo Adaramola (Stockport County), Malachi Boateng (Hearts), Ademola Ola-Adebomi (Beveren)
EVERTON
Last season: 15th (40 points*)
Will it be more of the same for the Toffees this season? More uncertainty off the field, more crises that threaten to tear them apart? More gutsy, dogged performances on the pitch that keep them alive despite the ever-present threat of relegation? If so, they’ve got the right man at the helm – manager Sean Dyche. He turned Everton into a resilient force on the pitch, despite all the mess off it. Without the two four-point deductions last season for financial fair play issues, Everton would have finished 12th. You get the feeling that they’ll be eyeing a finish like that this time around, in their last season before they say goodbye to Goodison Park.
In Dyche, Everton have a defensive expert as manager, which is why Jordan Pickford, James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite all starred for the Toffees last season. Branthwaite could be on the move to Manchester United, though towering Irish defender Jake O’Brien has joined for £17 million and could slot straight into Dyche’s defence if need be. Everton’s manager will need more attacking output from his side this season. Only Sheffield United scored less than their 40 goals last season. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has been linked with a move to United, should play a massive role in this, as will Iliman Ndiaye – a tricky winger who joined for £20 million from Marseille. Danish attacker Jesper Lindstrom arrives on loan from Napoli, while Jack Harrison has done the same from Leeds, both of whom can add the attacking spark Everton need to succeed this season.
Transfers in: Jack Harrison (Leeds, loan), Tim Iroegbunam (Aston Villa), Omari Benjamin (Arsenal), Iliman Ndiaye (Marseille), Jesper Lindstrom (Napoli, loan), Jake O’Brien (Lyon)
Transfers out: Andre Gomes (released), Andy Lonergan (released), Lewis Dobbin (Aston Villa), Ben Godfrey (Atalanta), Amadou Onana (Aston Villa), Tyler Onyango (Stockport County, loan)
FULHAM
Last season: 13th (47 points)
Fulham fought hard last season, with Marco Silva’s fingerprints clearly showing on the London club. The Portuguese manager was able to extract the best from Andreas Pereira, Harrison Reed and Antonee Robsinon (who led the league in interceptions), all of whom impressed massively last campaign. Bernd Leno cemented himself as one of the league’s finest keepers too. However, Fulham enter 2024-25 without three key members of their spine – centre backs Tosin Adarabiyo (Chelsea) and Tim Ream (Charlotte FC) and Joao Palhinha (Bayern). All three were crucial to protecting Leno’s goal, with Palhinha making a league-high 156 tackles last season. Aside from Jorge Cuenca, who arrives for £5.7 million from a Villarreal side that conceded the third-most goals in La Liga last season, Fulham are yet to dip into the market for further defensive reinforcements.
Where Fulham have strengthened is in their attacking options. Emile Smith Rowe’s £34 million signing from Arsenal could prove an astute piece of business should the talented attacking midfielder remain fit for the entire campaign. The 24-year-old, who will likely feature on Fulham’s left wing with freedom to roam, has struggled for game time in recent seasons but showed his potential during the 2021-22 campaign when he scored 10 goals in 33 league campaigns. Ryan Sessegnon returns to the club after a failed spell at Tottenham, with everyone hoping the winger can re-find form at his boyhood club.
Fulham may not be best equipped to stop goals this season, but they have enough attacking firepower to trouble sides and entertain their fans.
Transfers in: Ryan Sessegnon (Tottenham, free transfer), Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal), Jorge Cuenca (Villarreal)
Transfers out: Tosin Adarabioyo (Chelsea), Marek Rodak (released), Terence Kongolo (released), Tyrese Francois (released), Joao Palhinha (Bayern Munich), George Wickens (released), Matt Dibley-Dias (Northampton, loan), Luke Harris (Birmingham City, loan), Devan Tanton (Chesterfield, loan), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Kieron Bowie (Hibernian), Olly Sanderson (Bradford City, loan)
IPSWICH TOWN
Last season: Promoted
Get on board the Ipswich bandwagon, Aussie fans. Back to back promotions from League One and the Championship will have the Tractor Boys reeling in the heady heights of the top flight for the first time in 22 years – and Aussie duo Cameron Burgess and Massimo Luongo look set to be a key part of their campaign again this year. Manager Kieran McKenna has turned the side into a goalscoring machine, and it wouldn’t be too surprising to see them blast plenty again this season.
They’ve recruited steadily with signings like £20m striker Liam Delap from Man City, loading the squad with talented young players that have plenty of potential (and high resale value too).
The defence is the big worry. Then again, that’s exactly what was said about this side 12 months ago when they were promoted to the second division. Yet they met and beat the challenge of the higher competition. If they can do that again, plenty of goals – and avoiding relegation – is certainly possible.
Transfers in: Omari Hutchinson (Chelsea), Ben Johnson (West Ham), Jacob Greaves (Hull City), Liam Delap (Manchester City), Arijanet Muric (Burnley), Conor Townsend (West Brom)
Transfers out: Sone Aluko (retired), Dominic Ball (released), Kayden Jackson (released), Vaclav Hladky (released), Gassan Ahadme (Charlton Athletic), Idris El Mizouni (Oxford United), Corrie Ndaba (Kilmarnock), Elkan Baggott (Blackpool, loan)
Alvarez pens monster deal with Atletico | 00:40
LEICESTER CITY
Last season: Promoted
It’s always tough for a promoted side to lose the manager that got them to the Premier League, as Leicester have. In Steve Cooper though the Foxes have hired a very experienced replacement for Maresca, and someone well versed in keeping clubs up at the first time of asking.
Club player of the season Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has moved to Stamford Bridge after contributing to 27 goals in the club’s promotion season, creating a big hole in the creative midfield ranks. Promising Argentine Facundo Buonanotte joins on loan from Brighton, while Abdul Fatawu’s loan move has been made permanent. Both should provide Cooper with attacking spark, though questions remain about where the club’s goals will come from. Jamie Vardy has 136 goals in the Premier League, and found the net 18 times in the Championship last season, but scored just three times in his last season in the top-flight. Fitness is also a concern for the 37-year-old striker, who missed 10 games last season with a knee complaint.
Young Czech striker Adam Hlozek is reportedly arriving on loan to alleviate some of the goalscoring pressure of Vardy’s shoulders. Highly rated, Hlozek has had limited opportunities in his two seasons at Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. It’s yet to be seen if he has the necessary goalscoring nous to keep Leicester in the Premier League.
Transfers in: Bobby De Cordova-Reid (Fulham, free transfer), Michael Golding (Chelsea), Caleb Okoli (Atalanta), Abdul Fatawu (Sporting Lisbon), Facundo Buonanotte (Brighton, loan)
Transfers out: Marc Albrighton (released), Kelechi Iheanacho (released), Dennis Praet (released), Lewis Brunt (Wrexham), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Chelsea), Silko Thomas (Wigan, loan), Harry Souttar (Sheffield United, loan)
LIVERPOOL
Last season: 3rd (82 points)
Well, the Jurgen Klopp era is over. As a new day dawns over Anfield, fans will be crossing their fingers that fresh manager Arne Slot can come close to the success of the German, who led the Reds to a Premier League crown and a Champions League triumph, not to mention a host of smaller trophies both domestic and continental.
So far, the Reds haven’t made any signings, though they are closing in on the big-money signing of defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. That would address Liverpool’s biggest issue – the lack of a genuine number six – though multiple sources have reported that Liverpool’s transfer window won’t end there. But with City and Arsenal setting such a high standard for title contention, it seems likely that Liverpool will take some time to adjust to their new tactical approach. There hasn’t been a sweeping overhaul to the squad, yet, but it feels like they’re still a year away from a genuine title tilt.
Transfers in: N/A
Transfers out: Joel Matip (released), Thiago Alcantara (released), Calvin Ramsay (Wigan Athletic, loan), Anderson Arroyo (Burgos), Adrian (released), Fabian Mrozek (IF Brommapojkarna, loan), Billy Koumetio (Dundee), Lewis Koumas (Stoke City, loan), Fabio Carvalho (Brentford)
MANCHESTER CITY
Last season: Champions (91 points)
Will the City juggernaut ever run out of steam? Last year’s triumph made it four Premier League titles on the trot, and they did it in style, with just three defeats and 96 goals scored – even if the Gunners took them to the final matchday.
It seems like only a matter of time before City’s years of unparalleled excellence finally begin to wane. Especially since uncertainty continues to surround the future of legendary manager Pep Guardiola. If this is to be his last year, it could ignite the squad to send out the icon on the best possible note.
Backing up this year could be more difficult than ever, with star gloveman Ederson rumoured to be heading for the exit. Guardiola has been dealt a major blow with Julian Alvarez’s £64.4 million move to Atletico Madrid confirmed by the club. Last season, the Argentine was Europe’s best deputy striker – and played the fifth most minutes of any City player, filling in brilliantly for Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne. With Pep stating that 20-year-old Brazilian winger Savinho will be their only major signing (a reported £21m from fellow City Group club Troyes after a strong year on loan at Girona) and Arsenal only getting stronger, this might finally be the end of an all-time run from City.
Transfers in: Savinho (Troyes)
Transfers out: Sergio Gomez (Real Sociedad), Liam Delap (Ipswich Town), Mahamadou Susoho (Peterborough, loan), Ben Knight (Real Murcia), Luke Mbete (Northampton Town, loan), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)
City takedown United in Community Shield | 00:57
MANCHESTER UNITED
Last season: 8th (60 points)
After a tumultuous 2023-24 campaign, will this be the year Manchester United find their feet again? Erik Ten Hag showed his managerial nous when he led the side to FA Cup glory last year, but for much of the campaign United appeared a lost football side. Key injuries didn’t help Ten Hag’s cause in this regard, though this disconnect between the club’s forward press and deep backline was evident for all to see.
Moving into the new season, there appears a quietly optimistic air about Manchester United. New part-owner Jim Ratcliffe is a large part of this, as is the club’s promising core of young players, including Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo. Expect Bruno Fernandes’ attacking output to remain high, while new signing Joshua Zirkzee is a genuine unicorn of a striker whose playstyle may benefit United’s wide men. Speaking of wide men, United will be a better side if Ten Hag can get Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho firing again.
Defensive issues remain. Does Casemiro have the legs to hold down the midfield? What happens if Lisandro Martinez is injured again? £52 million teenager Leny Yoro’s pre-season injury also raises concerns, while the jury is still out on whether Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui are Premier League standard. With this in mind, there’s an element of make or break for Ten Hag’s United this season.
Transfers in: Leny Yoro (Lille), Joshua Zirkzee (Bologna), Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich), Noussair Mazraoui (Bayern Munich)
Transfers out: Raphael Varane (released), Alvaro Fernandez (Benfica), Anthony Martial (released), Brandon Williams (released), Omari Forson (Monza), Charlie McNeill (Sheffield Wednesday), Donny van de Beek (Girona), Willy Kambwala (Villarreal), Mason Greenwood (Marseille), Joe Hugill (Wigan, loan), Shola Shoretire (PAOK), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham)
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Last season: 7th (60 points)
2023-24 could’ve been so different for Newcastle. Injuries significantly derailed their Premier League campaign, while United’s FA Cup win ensured Eddie Howe’s side failed to qualify for Europe this season. This may prove beneficial for Newcastle, who can focus their energy on achieving the best possible league season.
The club’s ability to fend off interest from the England FA and keep Howe at the helm cannot be understated. Newcastle may be faced with further fights to keep key personnel though. Anthony Gordon has been linked with a move to Liverpool, Bruno Guimaraes remains a highly-sought after midfielder while Alexander Isak, arguably Europe’s hottest striking prospect, has attracted interest from other Premier League clubs. Keeping hold of at least two of those three will be critical to Newcastle’s season’s fortunes, as would strengthening their right wing stocks – with neither Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy inspiring much joy.
At the back, Howe has signed Lloyd Kelly, a towering left-footed centre back, from Bournemouth, with the Englishman’s arrival softening the blow of losing key defender Sven Botman until at least October with a knee injury. Nick Pope missed large chunks of last season through injury, with his fitness, alongside the retention of Isak, Bruno and Gordon, key to unlocking the Magpies this season.
Transfers in: Lloyd Kelly (Bournemouth, free transfer), Odysseas Vlachodimos (Nottingham Forest), John Ruddy (Birmingham City), Lewis Hall (Chelsea), Miodrag Pivas (Jedinstvo Ub), William Osula (Sheffield United)
Transfers out: Paul Dummett (released), Matt Ritchie (released), Loris Karius (released), Jeff Hendrick (released), Jude Smith (Carlisle United), Kell Watts (Cambridge United), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Yankuba Minteh (Brighton)
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Last season: 17th (32 points*)
Even without their four point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, Forest would’ve ended last season 17th. Had at least one of the promoted sides proved themselves in the Premier League, Forest may well have found themselves in deep trouble last season. They can’t afford to hedge their bets on the 2024-25 promoted class being quite as weak.
A full pre-season growing accustomed to manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s tactical setup will only serve to benefit Forest, although Nuno will need to manage a heavily bloated squad this season – which has the potential to create internal friction.
Forest have backed Nuno in the transfer market, signing highly touted Scottish attacker Elliot Anderson for £35 million from Newcastle and Nikola Milenkovic from Fiorentina. Milenkovic boosts Nuno’s centre back stocks, which took a hit with the sales of Moussa Niakhate and Scott McKenna. To go with the ever improving Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White, the club have signed exciting Portuguese winger Jota Silva.
Keeping hold of Gibbs-White will be pivotal to Forest’s success this season. The attacking midfielder had a hand in 15 of Forest’s 49 goals last season. His importance cannot be understated.
Transfers in: Marko Stamenic (Red Star Belgrade), Eric da Silva Moreira (St Pauli), Elliot Anderson (Newcastle United), Carlos Miguel (Corinthians), Shae Cahill (Brisbane Roar), Jota Silva (Vitoria de Guimaraes)
Transfers out: Cheikhou Kouyate (released), Felipe (released), Wayne Hennessey (released), Scott McKenna (released), Harry Arter (released), Marko Stamenic (Olympiacos, loan), Julian Larrson (Burton Albion), Odysseas Vlachodimos (Newcastle), Brandon Aguilera (Rio Ave), Orel Mangala (Lyon), Moussa Niakhate (Lyon), Jonathan Panzo (Rio Ave, loan), Esapa Osong (Rotherham United, loan), Lewis O’Brien (Los Angeles FC)
SOUTHAMPTON
Last season: promoted
Sometimes you can tell a lot about a side’s intentions by the way they’ve recruited. In their return to the English top-flight, Southampton have signed a bunch of promising, but Premier League unproven, footballers. Russell Martin, who revolutionised the club’s culture last season and instilled an exciting, attacking playstyle, has a mammoth task on his hands to keep the club afloat this season.
Southampton were the third most prolific attack in the Championship last season, with goals from Adam Armstrong and Che Adams firing them into the Premier League. However, the former has never scored more than twice in a single English top flight season while the latter has moved to Italian club Torino. The arrival of Chilean forward Ben Brereton-Diaz, who scored six goals in 14 Premier League games for Sheffield United last season, will provide Martin with a much-needed goalscoring threat. The Saints can’t just rely on one man to score their goals, with the rest of Martin’s attackers needing to find the back of the net regularly.
Goals may be hard to come by but perhaps Southampton’s weakest link is between their own sticks. Last season, the Saints leaked 63 goals – two less than relegated Birmingham City – and while they’ve boosted their defensive stocks in the transfer market, first-choice keeper Gavin Bazunu will be out until 2025 with a ruptured achilles, leaving veteran Alex McCarthy as the club’s first choice keeper.
Transfers in: Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Manchester City), Adam Lallana (Brighton, free transfer), Rento Takaoka (Nissho Gakuen High School), Charlie Taylor (Burnley), Ronnie Edwards (Peterborough), Nathan Wood (Swansea City), Yukinari Sugarawa (AZ Alkmaar), Flynn Downes (West Ham United), Khiani Shombe (Kinetic Academy), Brook Myers (Charlton Athletic), Ben Brereton Diaz (Villarreal), Kuryu Matsuki (FC Tokyo), Romeo Akachukwu (Waterford)
Transfers out: Stuart Armstrong (released), Romain Perraud (Real Betis), Ollie Wright (Yeovil Town, loan), Luke Pearce (Cardiff City U21), Lyanco (Atletico Mineiro), Zach Awe (Accrington Stanley, loan), Lewis Payne (Cheltenham Town, loan), Che Adams (Torino, free transfer), Kuryu Matsuki (Goztepe, loan), Cam Bragg (Crawley Town, loan), Nico Lawrence (MK Dons, loan) Dom Ballard (Blackpool, loan)
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Last season: 5th (66 points)
Can Aussie Ange Postecoglou get Spurs into the top four – or even challenge for the title? The former seems more likely, but the always-bullish manager has made it clear that the latter is his sole priority.
Spurs started last campaign – Ange’s maiden year in the Premier League – in dazzling fashion but hit a mid-year slump thanks in large part to injuries, suspensions and mid-season international tournaments. If Tottenham can stretch their electric start to last season out for a whole campaign they will prove incredibly problematic for any opponent they face.
Dominic Solanke arrives for a club-record fee — believed to be £65 million ($A125m) — with enormous Harry Kane-sized shoes to fill, with a playstyle similar to Spurs’ former captain. A prolific 19-goal haul last season shows Solanke’s ability to find the back of the net but it’s his propensity to drop deep and link with his supporting attackers that is particularly impressive. James Maddison and Heung-Min Son both stand to benefit from this. With no significant outgoings, Spurs are strongly positioned to keep the Angeball revolution moving and fight at the top of the Premier League table.
Transfers in: Timo Werner (RB Leipzig, loan), Lucas Bergvall (Djurgarden), Archie Gray (Leeds United), Yang Min-Hyeok (Gangwon FC), Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth)
Transfers out: Eric Dier (released), Ivan Perisic (released), Ryan Sessegnon (released), Japhet Tanganga (released), Tanguy Ndombele (released), Joe Rodon (Leeds United), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Marseille, loan), Matthew Craig (Barnsley, loan), Bryan Gil (Girona, loan), Yago Santiago (Elche), Carey Bloedorn (Aveley, loan), Nile John (Feirense), Emerson Royal (AC Milan), Dane Scarlett (Oxford United, loan)
Errors cost Spurs chance over Bayern | 00:51
WEST HAM UNITED
Last season: 9th (52 points)
An underrated facet about West Ham’s recent seasons is their transfer market success. Declan Rice left for Arsenal and Edson Alvarez arrived from Ajax, seamlessly replacing the England international. That trend has continued heading into this season, with Championship player of the season Crysencio Summer (£25 million), German striker Niclas Fullkrug (£27 million), Max Kilman (£40 million), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£17.2 million) and Jean-Clair Todibo headline a strong surge of summer business that has new manager Julen Lopetegui well placed to guide the Hammers up the table.
Kilman and Todibo in particular will be crucial to executing Lopetegui’s playstyle – which revolves around defensive solidity and control possession through building comfortably from the back.
In attack, Jarrod Bowen will be looking to build on a career-best season last time out, when he hit 16 Premier League goals across 34 games, Mohammed Kudus had a strong debut season in the English top-flight, while any potential ban imposed on Lucas Paqueta will likely be dealt at the end of the season, meaning Lopetegui will be able to call upon the Brazilian to be his creative lynchpin. In all, the Spaniard has a solid foundation to build upon in his debut season at the helm of West Ham.
Transfers in: Luis Guilherme (Palmeiras), Wes Foderingham (Sheffield United), Max Kilman (Wolves), Crysencio Summerville (Leeds United), Niclas Fullkrug (Borussia Dortmund), Guido Rodriguez (Free), Jean-Clair Todibo (Nice, loan), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United)
Transfers out: Thilo Kehrer (Monaco), Angelo Ogbonna (released), Nathan Trott (Copenhagen), Joseph Anang (released), Krisztian Hegyi (Motherwell) – Loan, Said Benrahma (Lyon), Divin Mubama (released), Ben Johnson (Ipswich Town), Flynn Downes (Southampton), Callum Marshall (Huddersfield Town, loan)
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Last season: 14th (46 points)
Despite a 14th placed finish last season, Gary O’Neil’s Wolves impressed for much of the campaign, beating City, Spurs (twice) and Chelsea (twice). What cost them was their slow start, winning one of five, and end, winning one of their last seven, to the campaign.
2024-25 has gotten off to a bad start for O’Neil, with club captain Max Kilman (West Ham) and Pedro Neto (Chelsea) both leaving, with their absences creating a big hole in his starting 11.
While Wolves’ manager desires centre back replacements, Yerson Mosqeura and Santiago Bueno can do the job for the time being. O’Neil recently professed that Mosquera fills part of the hole left by Kilman, while he also praised Bueno as centre back with “fantastic positioning” who is “very intelligent and physically good in the air.”
Replacing Neto correctly is the most crucial piece of business for Wolves this summer. The club have plenty of wide attackers on the books, but few wingers in Europe can replicate the rapid ball progression of Neto, who averaged 5.82 progressive carries per 90 last season and just over two successful take ons to go with his nine Premier League assists. In Neto’s absence, their attack could be Wolves’ weak link, especially when considering just two players in the squad scored more than five goals last season.
Transfers in: Tommy Doyle (Manchester City), Rodrigo Gomes (Braga), Pedro Lima (Sport Recife), Jorgen Strand Larsen (Celta Vigo, loan), Arthur Nasta (Larkhall Athletic)
Transfers out: Oliver Tipton (Solihull Moors), Max Kilman (West Ham), Marvin Kaleta (Motherwell), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Hugo Bueno (Feyenoord)