⚽ Premier League 2025/2026 Discussion Thread ⚽

[slapper]

England are sending 6 teams to the Champions League next season. 6 TEAMS...    This means 1/6 of the number of all teams in league phase. But how many of them will be successful for real? That's the actual question.

English teams were horrible there this season. All of them got eliminated before even reaching the final. It is hard to predict next time of course but I feel like at least one of them would make it to the finale. Liverpool or Manchester City...

We won't know which Premier League teams will truly be successful next season until we see real changes in these 6 teams, with new players being brought in to add depth to their squads. And from what I've seen, the most aggressive in bringing in new players ahead of next season is Liverpool, who are currently trying to recruit Florian Wirtz and Jeremy Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen among the Reds' new players, and both are close to agreeing deals. And what's even crazier is that Florian Wirtz's transfer fee could break the Premier League transfer record, making him the most expensive player in the Premier League.

Man City may not make too many signings considering that the team has already spent quite a lot of money in the middle of the season by bringing in Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt and others. If it's just a rumor, at this time they are eyeing the Dutch midfielder who currently plays for AC Milan, namely Tijjani Reijnders. Yes, he might be a suitable replacement to fill Man City's midfield which was left by KDB at the end of this season.

if based on the strength of the team and the efforts made by both teams, I think only Liverpool and Man City are likely to achieve success in UCL next season. While for the other 4 teams, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur, they are just passing through and will color the Champions League next season.

You’re right about Liverpool being the most aggressive in the window. But Liverpool are not just spending big. They’re spending smart. Slot’s arrival, the injury turnaround (from 362 matches missed last year to just 113 this season!), and that youth pipeline (Bradley, Bajcetic) mean Wirtz and Frimpong aren’t just flashy. They’re pieces in a machine built to adapt to the “vertical chaos” Premier League has become. That said, the “Bundesliga to EPL” jump has a brutal success rate. Less than half of big midfield transfers play even half the minutes expected. Wirtz is elite, but that adaptation risk is real; just look at Havertz’s or Werner’s first years

On City, it’s almost funny how everyone talks about signings, but ignores the Rodri dependency. When he’s missing, City go from controlling to vulnerable. Even Marmoush’s stats (overperforms xG, sure), but can he actually handle Pep’s positional play where you need to touch the ball 80+ times a game? KDB’s exit is a gaping hole. I don’t buy that Reijnders alone patches that up; his progressive carrying is world-class, but defensively he’s nowhere near KDB’s off-ball value

And for the UCL, writing off Arsenal and Chelsea as just “participants” feels risky. Arsenal’s draw addiction killed their title run, but they have decent defense (least goals conceded, even with Partey barely available). Chelsea is s nuts. But youngest squad in PL history + huge improvement in goals conceded + a real manager for once, you could get a massive second-year leap if they actually settle. Football never follows the script, Just coloring the UCL is how people described Spurs before they made the 2019 final

[Volgastallion]

Emery made a really good effort with Aston Villa until the end of the season. But last match was a big disappointment surely. 

Martinez, just come on man... How can you get that silly red card? That was a near miss for the Champions League as a result.

Emery is normally a winner coach. Who knows, maybe next season he'd achieve the Europa League trophy next season. Usually he wins something at the team he goes to. 

This year Aston Villa has some distractions that cost them a lot, i feel like if they were a little bit more consistent they can also fight for the title, but in some parts of the season they drop points against some weaks teams.

And well this last match was a prove of that.

[bitgolden]

Why don't you blame Cash who did stupid pass instead of Martinez who tried to save his club? Cash deserves the blame instead of Martinez. Look at how his pass has no strength, and a very hard decision for goalie when it comes to the such situation.
I aware about how MU got very big chance to goal by only having one of their player one on one with Martinez. So, Martinez decides to go upfront, then did a foul to the MU's last player.

I know it's quite silly to see him running up instead of stay, but it's one of his effort to help his club.

I would say Martinez isn't without a mistake there neither. Sure Cash could be a reason, but Martinez did a mistake too. Two ways to look at it, Cash pass was terrible that is true and we can't argue against that, it was probably going to be a goal.

However, Martinez could have stayed in his goal, only go out when approached, and at the worst case, get scored on, which would have been just one goal. This way, they ended up with not only conceding a goal anyways, but also play 10 people, which made them lose worse. And to make this change, then you need to realize that you are going to see a goalkeeper who makes decent amount of decisions, and Martinez isn't one. Hence why his name is always thrown around the block for transfers, they are looking for a better one.

[Velvet78]

By definition, only two teams can reach the final, so saying that all the other teams, that haven't reached the final, must've been "horrible" is a big stretch.
We had three English teams in the round of 16 of the Champions League, only Spain had that many, all the rest of the countries had fewer than that.
We also had two English teams reaching the final of the Europa League and we might see another one (Chelsea) winning the Conference League.
Premier League clubs have been doing overall much better than any other European league, and that's precisely why the Premier League was awarded additional Champions League spot for the next season.

I actually said "horrible" for the English teams competing in the Champions League. Not for all tournaments. Otherwise yeah, the Europa League trophy is secured. The Conference League one is also quite likely. 

Only Arsenal showed really impressive work compared to Liverpool and Aston Villa. I'm not even saying Manchester City.    However I must say I didn't like Arsenal in the semi finals. Let's see what's waiting for us next season...

[SmartCharpa]

This year Aston Villa has some distractions that cost them a lot, i feel like if they were a little bit more consistent they can also fight for the title, but in some parts of the season they drop points against some weaks teams.

And well this last match was a prove of that.

Aston Villa has everything it takes to compete for the title this season, but they were unable to maintain their performance. Their performance improved early this year when Unai Emery brought in more players and loaned in some players, including Rashford and Asensio from PSG, and other players. We saw how their performance improved after gathering those players, and they hoped they could have done that from the start of the season, I believe the Premier League battle could be more difficult than what we watched.

I wasn't expecting Aston Villa to compete in any European competitions next season because their performance was poor from the beginning and they dropped key points to weak clubs, as you said, but they are going to play in the Europa League next season after competing in the Champions League this season. It will be great if Unai Emery keeps his current squad for next season because I was impressed with their second leg against PSG.

[emrecemsan]

I'm quite excited about Liverpool next season. Arne Slot is already taking steps for transfers. First Frimpong and now Wirtz deal is also closing in on done.    With a more solid squad I think they won't make do with only a single trophy.

Manchester City looks like they won't be dominant in the PL anymore. They can change roles with Liverpool from now on. This could even end in Guardiola's leaving his team sooner than we think maybe but still early to make sure of it.

[Issa56]

Why don't you blame Cash who did stupid pass instead of Martinez who tried to save his club? Cash deserves the blame instead of Martinez. Look at how his pass has no strength, and a very hard decision for goalie when it comes to the such situation.
I aware about how MU got very big chance to goal by only having one of their player one on one with Martinez. So, Martinez decides to go upfront, then did a foul to the MU's last player.

It’s surprising why everyone ignores the player that made the mistake, and everyone is blaming the goal keeper that wanted to save the ball. I know Martinez getting a red card in the match is one of the reason why they loss to Manchester United, but what Martinez wanted to do was just trying to save the ball because their was no player left to fight for the ball, but he ended up receiving red card. Martinez wanted to attack the player before he gets too close to the goalpost, but the player was able to pass him, and there was a hit which led to Martinez receiving red card.

[el kaka22]

The problem wasn't him running up, it was him body slamming opponent player, like what was he thinking that would do? It was impossible for him to do a good job there, it was always a bad decision. This goes to show that he is not doing a good thing by running out like that, and then body slamming. His act shows that he is just not good enough, for a team that wants to be in top five of premier league, it was never good enough, and that's what they got.

Premier league already sends so many teams to UCL, five to be exact, that's a lot, so Villa could have been in that top five, if they had a better goalkeeper all season long. In any case, they will try their chance at Europa this season, and I honestly believe they have a better chance there than UCL.

[Alpha Marine]

Emery is normally a winner coach. Who knows, maybe next season he'd achieve the Europa League trophy next season. Usually he wins something at the team he goes to. 

As much as every club would like to play Champions League football, I think this is a blessing in disguise. They were not going to win the Champions League, if we're being honest, they might not even get past the league phase. The fact that they were in good form this past season and made it to the knockout stage doesn't mean they will do so next season. Even if they make it to the knockout, they won't win it, but the Europa League is a competition they can win.
Now that teams don't drop down from the Champions League group stage to the Europa League, it gives the teams in the competition a better chance of winning.

What Aton Villa should do is strengthen their team and make it better than it was this season, and focus on winning the Europa League. Unai Emery is no stranger to the competition, so if they trust him and back him, he might just deliver it for them. About 4 good signings and a new goalkeeper to replace Martinez and they have a stronger team than they did this season.

[Moreno233]

Emery made a really good effort with Aston Villa until the end of the season. But last match was a big disappointment surely. 

Martinez, just come on man... How can you get that silly red card? That was a near miss for the Champions League as a result.

Emery is normally a winner coach. Who knows, maybe next season he'd achieve the Europa League trophy next season. Usually he wins something at the team he goes to. 

Whenever I see the phrase "next season", it reminds me of Arsenal because they are the team that always use next season as consolation for their failure to achieve anything amidst high expectations from their supporters. You are right about Aston Villa putting up outstanding performance this season, even in the champions league. Unfortunately, they started declining towards the end of the season and failed to secure a champions league ticket for the next season. They can still be a big treat next season if they can add one or two attackers to the team.

[KingsDen]

Emery made a really good effort with Aston Villa until the end of the season. But last match was a big disappointment surely.  

Martinez, just come on man... How can you get that silly red card? That was a near miss for the Champions League as a result.

Emery is normally a winner coach. Who knows, maybe next season he'd achieve the Europa League trophy next season. Usually he wins something at the team he goes to.  

Why don't you blame Cash who did stupid pass instead of Martinez who tried to save his club? Cash deserves the blame instead of Martinez. Look at how his pass has no strength, and a very hard decision for goalie when it comes to the such situation.
I aware about how MU got very big chance to goal by only having one of their player one on one with Martinez. So, Martinez decides to go upfront, then did a foul to the MU's last player.

I know it's quite silly to see him running up instead of stay, but it's one of his effort to help his club.

In football shits happen. We don't have to blame Martinez or Cash. Aston Villa had a beautiful season and they did well in the champions league. I wanted them to be rewarded with champions league ticket again because they did deliver the last one they went.

It's unfortunate the last match went that way. But I still respect Emry because his presence in Aston Villa changed many things. I am very sure he will do great things in the Europa league.

[Volgastallion]

We all realize this season is not gonna ever happen again right? I mean it was not at the level of seeing a Leicester being the champion, but we are not gonna see never again two team from the big six, being just above the relegation positions.

I mean nobody can predict Hotspurs and United being this bad.

[Zaguru12]

I actually said "horrible" for the English teams competing in the Champions League. Not for all tournaments. Otherwise yeah, the Europa League trophy is secured. The Conference League one is also quite likely. 

Only Arsenal showed really impressive work compared to Liverpool and Aston Villa. I'm not even saying Manchester City.    However I must say I didn't like Arsenal in the semi finals. Let's see what's waiting for us next season...

They weren’t horrible if I am may say, the actual didn’t make it to the final but the four teams actually didn’t get knocked out from the group stage with only Manchester city going home before the round of 16 but they were at the knockout stages too. The English clubs actually having more numbers at the knockout stages was what guaranteed the league an extra spot for next years edition. Overall it was ok but maybe individual I expected more from some clubs this season,

My biggest disappointment of the season in the competition was actually Manchester City they were my favorite to win the competition but they fell short due to bad season which I think is understandable considering how they have been playing in the last few seasons. Liverpool also were a disappointment after a stellar start to the season, but the other two were clubs I wasn’t actually expecting more from

[pawel7777]

Ruben Amorim brutally kicks player out of Manchester United in front of teammates
https://metro.co.uk/2025/05/27/ruben-amorim-brutally-kicks-player-manchester-united-front-teammates-23262343/

Long story short, Amorim allegedly were not happy with Garnacho's comments after the lost Europa League final, when he blamed Amorim for only playing 20 minutes. Garnacho’s brother, added fuel to the fire by accusing Amorim of ‘throwing him under the bus’.
Amorim snapped during the dressing room conversation and told Garnacho: "You better pray that you can find a club to sign you", he then sat him on the bench in the Aston Villa game.

Not a great management style if you ask me.

[sotelorene]

Ruben Amorim brutally kicks player out of Manchester United in front of teammates
https://metro.co.uk/2025/05/27/ruben-amorim-brutally-kicks-player-manchester-united-front-teammates-23262343/

Long story short, Amorim allegedly were not happy with Garnacho's comments after the lost Europa League final, when he blamed Amorim for only playing 20 minutes. Garnacho’s brother, added fuel to the fire by accusing Amorim of ‘throwing him under the bus’.
Amorim snapped during the dressing room conversation and told Garnacho: "You better pray that you can find a club to sign you", he then sat him on the bench in the Aston Villa game.

Not a great management style if you ask me.

I never believed one day that Tottenham Hotspur will still beat Manchester united in the Europa league finals after beating them about two to three times in there domestic league to me I think that was a poor coaching even though the club is not in a good form and the funny part of it was that Tottenham Hotspur on the other hand was not in a good form too so why beat Manchester united 4 times in a row in one season it doesn't make any sense. Like I said, I blamed Amorim for the starting lineups he used that day, we all know Amad is not a good game starter he come from behind and finish work, keeping Garnacho on bench while Mason Mount and Hujlud was playing absolutely nothing doesn't make any sense too, I can attest to you that the moment Garnacho and Zirkzee entered the game changed Tottenham Hotspur was just defending there goal because there was no opportunity for them again but despite all these Garnacho wouldn't have made that comment so open even if he is angry.

[JeffBrad12]

Why don't you blame Cash who did stupid pass instead of Martinez who tried to save his club? Cash deserves the blame instead of Martinez. Look at how his pass has no strength, and a very hard decision for goalie when it comes to the such situation.
I aware about how MU got very big chance to goal by only having one of their player one on one with Martinez. So, Martinez decides to go upfront, then did a foul to the MU's last player.

I know it's quite silly to see him running up instead of stay, but it's one of his effort to help his club.

In football shits happen. We don't have to blame Martinez or Cash. Aston Villa had a beautiful season and they did well in the champions league. I wanted them to be rewarded with champions league ticket again because they did deliver the last one they went.

It's unfortunate the last match went that way. But I still respect Emry because his presence in Aston Villa changed many things. I am very sure he will do great things in the Europa league.

Okay, i know sometimes shit happened in the football, but it's clearly non sensical when almost everyeone blamed Martinez. He deserves no blame, and just try to did his best to save his club from being conceded.
If Cash did it a bit better, Martinez would not get a red card. That might be changing the result, and they would able to qualify for the UCL.

[Dzwaafu11]

Manchester United disappointed me
Since after Manchester United lost the Europa cup final against Tottenham, I was so sad. But I thought Manchester United would has lost to Aston villa today and Nottingham Forest manages to win against Chelsea. I didn't want Chelsea to go to the champions league. But among all odds they made it.

Newcastle United in the other hand got lucky that Manchester United saved them. They are going to play in the champions league next season, but I think Emery deserves a second chance because he did well this season.

They are lots of trending videos online where football fans share their pains about Manchester united losing the Europa league it was indeed a sad day for a lot of people...if we want to look at the fan base how many people would say they are Tottenham fans? It was all about Manchester united but they ended up disappointing everyone..They would have probably lost yesterday as well if not for the fact that Aston villa got a red card, that was what changed the outcome and gave them a chance

The result of that match shocked everyone because everybody thought Manchester United would win the Europa League championship, but unfortunately they messed up and left it to Tottenham, which is so sad for them. Manchester United were the favourite in that match but still failed to win against Tottenham, although, as you said, Newcastle were lucky to qualify for the Champions League next season. It would have been another story by now if Aston Villa had not gotten that red card. Manchester United will still lose.

[SOKO-DEKE]

Emery made a really good effort with Aston Villa until the end of the season. But last match was a big disappointment surely. 

Martinez, just come on man... How can you get that silly red card? That was a near miss for the Champions League as a result.

Emery is normally a winner coach. Who knows, maybe next season he'd achieve the Europa League trophy next season. Usually he wins something at the team he goes to. 

Almost everyone recognizes Emery efforts with Aston Villa this season and even last season. The truth about Emery is that he is very good with tactics, and it always shows in every club he manages. If not for the help of Emery, I don't think Aston Villa would have even played in the Champions League, let alone made it to the quarter finals.

Just imagine  a team like Aston Villa, which had not been playing in the Champions League for several seasons, qualified last season and actually performed better than some teams that have been competing every year. I don't know what will happen next, but I believe in Emery. Next season, he will likely improve the team even more and probably win a trophy  maybe the Europa League.

If I were to say why Aston Villa did not qualify for the next Champions League, it was because their focus shifted to the Champions League. That’s what caused their Premier League performance to drop. In their last match, even with a red card, it was unlikely that Aston Villa would win against Manchester United, because United also played to win and calm their angry fans.

[Spaceman1000$]

This year Aston Villa has some distractions that cost them a lot, i feel like if they were a little bit more consistent they can also fight for the title, but in some parts of the season they drop points against some weaks teams.

And well this last match was a prove of that.

Aston Villa has everything it takes to compete for the title this season, but they were unable to maintain their performance. Their performance improved early this year when Unai Emery brought in more players and loaned in some players, including Rashford and Asensio from PSG, and other players. We saw how their performance improved after gathering those players, and they hoped they could have done that from the start of the season, I believe the Premier League battle could be more difficult than what we watched.

I wasn't expecting Aston Villa to compete in any European competitions next season because their performance was poor from the beginning and they dropped key points to weak clubs, as you said, but they are going to play in the Europa League next season after competing in the Champions League this season. It will be great if Unai Emery keeps his current squad for next season because I was impressed with their second leg against PSG.

Despite the fact that Aston Villa crashed out in the Champions League, I must say that they had a quality try during their stay in the Champions League and PSG in their second leg felt the impact of Aston Villa whenever their anger whenever it rises. Unia Emery Brought in some good players that really improved their performance and that is why I'm saying there is likelihood that they might perhaps retain Marcus rashford loan deal or just entirely go for a buy out clause, because his support at the front line really gave them some improvement.

I think with the position they ended in the premier League, they are qualified to go for the Europa League next season, we will be hoping to see an improve Aston Villa next season.

[Webetcoins]

Long story short, Amorim allegedly were not happy with Garnacho's comments after the lost Europa League final, when he blamed Amorim for only playing 20 minutes. Garnacho’s brother, added fuel to the fire by accusing Amorim of ‘throwing him under the bus’.
Amorim snapped during the dressing room conversation and told Garnacho: "You better pray that you can find a club to sign you", he then sat him on the bench in the Aston Villa game.

Not a great management style if you ask me.

Things are getting worse here at Old Trafford after defeat against Tottenham in Europa League final because to a good deal of chaos in club right now even few media reports clearly posting most chances many big names could be out of this squad in coming season.

Sir James Ratcliffe is also not happy and looking for overhaul many players already have packing orders with things are surely going to be had big change now this could be going in positive way, or they could be dig more it's not sure. Garnacho and Onana with many others surely feeling not good because their high salaries and spots are insecure with many are feeling in coming season having no UEFA competitions are grace for them because with this now they can manage things better and this could be also good for their squad to be had improvement into depth of team performance.