The summer may have paused the regular league fixtures, but the build‑up to the new Premier League season has been anything but quiet. To help fans catch up on the state of each of the twenty clubs, we’ve compiled a comprehensive review of their pre‑season activities, new appointments, signings, form and emerging prospects.
Arsenal Arsenal’s transfer chatter this window has largely revolved around potential moves for Vinícius Júnior and Bradley Barcola, yet a quieter acquisition has already begun to make an impact. Greek winger Christos Tzolis arrived from Club Brugge for a reported £34m early in the window and, despite a low‑key arrival, has already shown a keen eye for goal and chance creation. In six friendlies he recorded six assists and one goal, including a brace in the Community Shield victory over Manchester City.
While his dribble success rate was nil in that match, his efficiency in the final third has been evident. Last season at Brugge he contributed 51 goals or assists in 52 games, suggesting that if he can replicate even a fraction of that output, Arsenal have secured a bargain. Aston Villa Aston Villa’s pre‑season narrative was dominated by a surprise UEFA Super Cup appearance against Paris Saint‑Germain, a match that temporarily lifted the gloom after the departures of Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans.
New signings João Gomes and 17‑year‑old Brian Madjo impressed, but the club suffered a setback when injuries were reported for both players ahead of the opening league fixture against Brighton. The absence of Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins, who missed the summer due to extended World Cup duties, adds further uncertainty to the Amex line‑up. Manager Unai Emery will need to navigate these gaps while integrating his new recruits. Bournemouth Under Marco Rose, Bournemouth entered pre‑season with an attacking flair, netting ten goals against Genoa in a closed‑door session and displaying a balanced blend of experience and youth.
The club’s early transfer activity has helped settle the squad, and Rose intends to fine‑tune rather than overhaul the system left by Andoni Iraola. A foot injury to Eli Kroupi Junior is a concern, but the arrival of Alvaro Rodriguez from Elche offers a fresh option up front.
Central‑defence depth remains a question, with 22‑year‑old Antonio Silva expected to step in for Marcos Senesi, while ex‑Benfica defender has already earned caps for Portugal and the Champions League. Brentford Goal difference denied Brentford a European place last season, but this summer they broke their transfer record by splashing over £60m for Mali international Mamadou Sangare from Lens, alongside proven Premier League forwards Callum Wilson and Jaidon Anthony. Their pre‑season culminated in a stunning 7‑0 demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt at the Gtech Community Stadium, fueling optimism that the Bees could push for a European spot this term.
Brighton & Hove Albion Brighton’s summer saw the departure of veteran Danny Welbeck, but the club recouped value with the signings of Jan Paul van Hecke and goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, the latter poised to challenge James Trafford for England honours. Brighton’s recruitment philosophy of “trust the process” continues, albeit with a slightly slower hit‑rate. Their pre‑season featured wins over Wycombe, Strasbourg, Roma and Bologna, underscoring a focus on securing the Conference League as a primary objective.
Chelsea Chelsea’s manager Xabi Alonso appears to be adapting his successful 3‑4‑5 system from Bayer Leverkusen to the London side, after experimenting with a 4‑2‑3‑1 in early friendlies. The back‑three shone in a 3‑0 victory over AC Milan, and the squad’s attacking trio of João Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers displayed promising chemistry. Pre‑season highlights include a 6‑4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers and a narrow 1‑2 loss to Tottenham in Sydney. Coventry City After a 25‑year absence, Coventry City returns to the top flight with a blend of seasoned Premier League talent and promising youngsters.
Pre‑season wins against Espanyol and Monaco, coupled with a solid performance from goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, have built confidence ahead of a daunting opening fixture at Arsenal. The club hopes creative midfielder Gustavo Hamer and striker Taiwo Awoniyi will provide the attacking spark required to survive. Crystal Palace Pierre Sage’s inaugural season at Crystal Palace began with a 5‑1 win over Swindon Town, but subsequent defeats to Bromley and Lens highlighted growing pains.
The resurgence of Brazilian youngster Matheus Franca, who netted a hat‑trick against Swindon, offers a bright spot. However, a 3‑0 loss to Freiburg in the Europa League has forced Sage to temper his tactical tinkering. Everton Everton’s summer acquisitions include midfielders Hayden Hackney and Christian Nørgaard, bolstering depth but leaving right‑back options thin.
The club may need to rely on Jake O'Brien or James Garner for cover unless further signings materialise. Pre‑season results were mixed, with a dominant 4‑0 win over Dundee but a 1‑1 draw against Lille. Fulham Fulham’s recruitment strategy shifted towards Real Madrid’s La Fábrica, securing striker Gonzalo García, midfielder César Palacios and midfielder Shea Charles for a combined £73m.
The arrivals, alongside veteran Alvaro Arbeloa, have introduced a high‑press, high‑intensity style that fans have embraced. Early fixtures against Al Ahli, Palace and Stuttgart have provided a glimpse of the new identity. Hull City Hull City, surprise Championship play‑off champions, entered pre‑season with a series of friendlies across Europe, including a 3‑0 win over Konyaspor in Slovenia. Injuries have struck, notably goalkeeper Jack Butland’s arm surgery, sidelining him until at least Christmas.
New signings such as Nobel Mendy, Konstantinos Tzolakis and teenage centre‑back Lucas Herrington will need to step up as the Tigers aim to re‑establish themselves in the Premier League. Ipswich Town Ipswich’s return to the Premier League showcases a transformed squad under manager Gary O’Neil. The club favoured experienced Premier League players over home‑grown talent, with Daizen Maeda arriving from Celtic. Pre‑season victories against Osasuna, Wycombe, Le Havre, Rayo Vallecano and Union Berlin suggest a side ready to compete, though striker Emersonn remains a relatively unknown quantity.
Leeds United Leeds striker Dominic Calvert‑Lewin enjoyed a prolific pre‑season, tallying three goals and two assists. After a solid previous campaign of 14 league goals, his form, combined with the addition of Harry Wilson, could see Leeds become more competitive under Daniel Farke. Liverpool Liverpool’s pre‑season under new manager Andoni Iraola featured a series of high‑profile friendlies across the United States and Europe, including victories over Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds. While the squad’s attacking talent, such as Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, looks promising, the club remains in a rebuilding phase as it seeks to blend recruitment, squad balance and tactical identity.
Manchester City Enzo Maresca’s philosophy at Manchester City mirrors Pep Guardiola’s emphasis on possession, but he intends to deploy traditional wingers like Antoine Semenyo and Jeremy Doku. However, the midfield’s ability to supply these wide players is under scrutiny after the departure of Bernardo Silva and Rodri, leaving the team’s pre‑season performances, such as a 3‑0 Community Shield loss to Arsenal, as a warning sign. Manchester United Manchester United concluded their preparations with a 4‑2 loss to AC Milan, yet pre‑season highlighted the resurgence of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo. The team has shifted from a defensive box‑to‑box approach to a higher‑pressing, more aggressive style, underscoring the need for a quality left‑back to complement Luke Shaw’s workload.
Newcastle United Newcastle’s summer was turbulent, with the departure of key players like Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães, prompting manager Eddie Howe’s exit. Under new coach Matthias Jaissle, the club faces a transitional season, relying on a youthful cohort of signings worth nearly £140m, many under the age of 20. Nottingham Forest Oliver Glasner arrived at Nottingham Forest after a trophy‑laden spell at Crystal Palace, bringing his preferred system and reshaping the squad. Pre‑season fixtures against Notts County, Blackburn, Vitoria, Portimonense, Sporting, Udinese, Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen have offered a platform for new signing Ousmane Diomande to shine.
Sunderland Sunderland’s massive £180m overhaul last summer propelled them to a historic European qualification. This season, the only senior signing so far is veteran right‑back Thomas Meunier, with Dayann Methalie poised to become the club’s record purchase. Captain Granit Xhaka’s decision to remain, despite Chelsea’s interest, provides continuity as the Black Cats aim to consolidate their Premier League status.
Tottenham Hotspur Tottenham’s unbeaten pre‑season under Roberto De Zerbi has kept optimism alive after a £185m spending spree. New midfielders Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes have already found the net, while the defensive pairing of Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke delivered a clean sheet against Hoffenheim.
The squad’s depth will be tested as they prepare for a challenging opening match against Arsenal. Overall, the Premier League landscape is set for an intriguing campaign, with each club entering the new season with distinct strategies, fresh faces, and varying degrees of optimism.
Fans can now look forward to a summer of football drama, surprises, and the relentless pursuit of glory.