As one Premier League title race concludes with celebrations, attention quickly turns to the next. While Liverpool have just been crowned champions, the countdown for the 2025-26 season is already underway.
Predicting the outcome at this early stage is notoriously difficult, especially considering the surprises of the past season. Liverpool`s initial title odds were a mere 5.1% according to Opta, yet they established an early lead and comfortably secured the trophy. In contrast, Manchester City, overwhelming favorites with an 82.2% chance, fell out of contention by the new year and ended up battling for a UEFA Champions League spot.
Next season`s landscape will undoubtedly be shaped significantly by activity in the transfer window. Several clubs anticipate a busy summer. This applies not only to established forces like City and Liverpool but also to ambitious clubs such as Newcastle United and Aston Villa aiming to ascend the table, and underperforming giants like Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Not all will be true title contenders, but the unexpected nature of this season suggests some dark horses might emerge and warrant close observation.
Here is an early assessment of potential contenders for the upcoming Premier League title.
Honorable mention: Aston Villa
Under Unai Emery`s guidance over the past two years, Aston Villa have consistently improved. They recently held their own against a strong Paris Saint-Germain side before exiting the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. However, challenging for the Premier League title feels like a step too far for them at this moment. Breaking into the league`s elite is a formidable task for any club outside that group, especially when burdened by the demanding Thursday-Sunday schedule of the UEFA Europa League or UEFA Conference League. They are strong candidates for a top-four finish, assuming significant summer signings and another unpredictable season.
5. Chelsea
There was a time when Chelsea, despite fielding a young squad under an inexperienced manager like Enzo Maresca, surprisingly kept pace with Liverpool. However, their form over the last four years has been challenging – they have won just seven of their last 17 Premier League matches, and Cole Palmer has not found the net in his last 12 league appearances. A return to the Champions League would bring significant financial resources and prestige, potentially aiding squad upgrades. This is perhaps their main advantage over Villa, as truthfully, the Blues do not yet appear equipped to mount a serious title challenge.
4. Newcastle United
The `dark horse` label implies a low probability of winning, but if any team fits it, it`s Newcastle United. Eddie Howe has had a transformative impact, similar to Emery at Villa, though Newcastle seem slightly ahead. One could argue they have been England`s most in-form team since the new year, securing notable victories against Arsenal and Liverpool. Howe also ended the club`s 65-year trophy drought by winning the EFL Cup in March, making them an intriguing prospect both domestically and in Europe next season. Their hopes for another strong campaign heavily depend on their summer transfer activity – question marks remain over retaining key players like Alexander Isak, who scored 22 league goals this season, and several areas likely need strengthening to reach the next level.
3. Liverpool
Realistically, three teams currently stand out as genuine title contenders: Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City. Their relative positions could shift considerably based on their summer business. While still celebrating their recent triumph, Liverpool`s low 5.1% initial title chance this season was partly due to a lack of significant squad refreshment. The gamble on their veteran core paying off has been successful, but Arne Slot and his team must now plan for the future, including life after key figures like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. Replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold is also likely a priority if his rumored summer move to Real Madrid materializes. If they successfully upgrade the squad in time for next season, they could even be favorites to repeat; otherwise, a lower league finish might be more likely.
2. Arsenal
A recurring theme for Mikel Arteta`s Arsenal appears to be `always the bridesmaid,` as they are poised for their third consecutive second-place finish. Their run to the Champions League semifinal for the first time in nearly two decades will provide some consolation this season, but their league performance highlighted the need for a prolific goal scorer to truly challenge domestically. There`s an argument that even without perfect transfer window execution from other teams, Arsenal`s existing squad might still be strong enough to capitalize in another imperfect Premier League season. However, the clearest path to finishing first will likely involve signing the forward they visibly lack; failure to do so will likely increase the pressure on Arteta.
1. Manchester City
While the past Premier League season had its unique aspects, Manchester City remains the team to watch heading into the next one. Although they exited the title race earlier than expected this time, the weight of expectation will quickly return to the Etihad Stadium, especially following significant winter transfer investments. Summer rebuilding will likely be a focus, with Hugo Viana stepping into the Director of Football role. He faces the challenge of finding a replacement for Kevin de Bruyne, and the club will also need to navigate Rodri`s recovery from an ACL tear. However, with Pep Guardiola still at the helm and Erling Haaland poised to reassert himself as a top goal scorer, it is incredibly difficult *not* to see them as the team to beat.
