While managerial changes provide unfamiliarity for some of Arsenal’s rivals, it is hard to argue that some of those have every chance of boosting their title chances. Chelsea, for example, have one of the most sought-after young managers in the game in Xabi Alonso, and also look to have bought well in the transfer market. … Read more
Manchester City begin their season in the Community Shield this weekend – with uncertainty about what their midfield is going to look like for the 2026-27 campaign. City have recruited Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest this summer but look highly likely to lose linchpin Rodri. The Spaniard is wanted by Barcelona, who have made bids … Read more
Guardian writers’ predicted position: 10th (NB: this is not necessarily Andy Hunter’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips) Last season’s position: 13th Prospects A season stripped of the fear of relegation, featuring more proactive, front-footed football and the return of some hope: had Everton been offered that package before their relocation to Hill … Read more
When the question inevitably comes, Kieran Trippier is happy to set the record straight. Fresh from training, head to toe in Wolves kit – vest, shorts and club-branded sliders – he walks into a suite at their Compton Park base, conversation soon shifting to an episode that rocked supporters and stopped outsiders in their tracks: … Read more
Guardian writers’ predicted position: 18th (NB: this is not necessarily Ben Fisher’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips) Last season’s position: 1st (Championship) Prospects “We are back”, as the banners proudly state. It is 25 years since, after relegation was confirmed, Match of the Day cameras lingered on a message held aloft by … Read more
The Premier League’s reputation as a magnet for Europe’s finest talent remains as strong as ever. Increasingly, though, the division’s middle class are becoming renowned for finding and developing the raw, high-upside talent before the world’s elite clubs can poach them. FourFourTwo has selected three young attackers who have arrived on English shores with the … Read more
These extra amounts certainly add up. Let’s take Manchester United as an example. In their third-quarter financial results for 2024-25 – announced on 6 June – deep down on page 45 of 47, United confirmed that “under the terms of certain contracts with other football clubs and agents in respect of player transfers, additional amounts, … Read more
Guardian writers’ predicted position: 9th (NB: this is not necessarily John Brewin’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips) Last season’s position: 8th Prospects Last season’s final day in May featured Brighton fans and players united in celebrating qualification for the Europa Conference League despite losing 3-0 to Manchester United. Considering West Ham and … Read more
Question: What makes a homegrown player? Answer: A homegrown player is a player who, regardless of their nationality or age, has been affiliated with any English or Welsh club for a period of three entire seasons or 36 months before their 21st birthday. The same rules apply to players who have three seasons or 36 … Read more
Since Brexit, and with the UK no longer part of the European Union, clubs now have to navigate a more complex work permit system to ensure players – especially those who are yet to establish themselves at the top level – are able to move to England. Austria youth international Ndukwe doesn’t currently have enough … Read more