As the 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off this Friday night (today), the league is alive with anticipation.
After a record-breaking summer spending spree—clubs collectively splurging over £2 billion—the spotlight now turns to whether the dazzling new arrivals can deliver.
Liverpool lead the way, having poured nearly £300 million into transfers, while Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United have also flexed their financial muscle.
After an 83-day hiatus, the Premier League roars back into life as reigning champions Liverpool host Bournemouth at Anfield in the opening fixture of Matchweek 1. Here’s the rundown of key returners and headline signings across to look out for as the new football season commences.
Stars To Look Out For:
1. Liverpool (Defending Champions)
Stars: Mohamed Salah continues to be Liverpool’s goal machine, while Virgil van Dijk anchors the defense with world-class leadership.
New Signings: Liverpool’s record signing Florian Wirtz (£100–116m) arrives to pull the strings in midfield. Hugo Ekitike (£69–79m) adds firepower up front. Others include Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.
2. Arsenal
Stars: Bukayo Saka is the dynamic force in attack. William Saliba, central defender, provides consistency and composure.
New Signings: Viktor Gyökeres (£55–63.5m) should finally solve Arsenal’s No.9 problem, while Martin Zubimendi adds steel and vision to midfield. Others include Noni Madueke, Captain Martins Odegaard.
3. Manchester City
Stars: Erling Haaland remains a lethal goalscorer. Though departed, Kevin De Bruyne’s influence looms large—a legacy of creative excellence.
New Signings: Tijjani Reijnders (£46.3m) joins to boost City’s midfield, alongside the promising Rayan Cherki. Others include Rodri, Marmoush, Foden and a host of others.
4. Manchester United
Stars: At the heart of their ambitions are Bruno Fernandes (football metronome).
New Signings: United bet on firepower with Matheus Cunha (£62.5m) and Benni Šeško (£66m) spearheading their rebuild. Other name is Bryan Mbeumo.
5. Chelsea
Stars: Kendry Páez brings flair; Cole Palmer offers goals and creativity. New Signings: João Pedro (£60m) strengthens their forward options, and Jamie Gittens adds youthful energy on the wings. Others include Esteveao and Liam Delap.
6. Tottenham Hotspur
New Signings: Summer signings include Mohammed Kudus for dynamism and João Palhinha on loan for midfield grit.
7. Newcastle United
Stars: Alexander Isak commands goals; Bruno Guimarães orchestrates play.
New Signings: Anthony Elanga joins to add attacking sparkle. Another is Jacob Ramsey.
8. Aston Villa
Stars: Youri Tielemans molds midfield tempo; Ollie Watkins remains a consistent scorer.
New Signings: Managerial trust is high in youngsters like Evann Guessand and Yasin Özcan to make impacts. Others include Leon Bailey and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez should he stay.
9. Brighton & Hove Albion
Stars: Kaoru Mitoma dazzles with dribbles; Pascal Groß provides midfield intelligence.
Race For Golden Boot
The battle for the Premier League’s top scorer title is already shaping up to be a fierce contest, with Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, Benjamin Šeško, and Hugo Ekitike all in the conversation.
Haaland, Salah, and Isak’s clinical form make them strong challengers.
New arrivals Gyökeres and Šeško have added fresh firepower to the league, while Ekitike’s growing influence in front of goal could make him a surprise contender if he maintains his early-season momentum.
Other beautiful names to look out for is Chris Wood, Dominic Solanke, Wissa, Mateta, Ollie Watkins, and a host of others.
Friday Night Spotlight
The season ignites Friday night with Liverpool hosting Bournemouth, setting the stage for an electrifying campaign defined by fresh faces, tested veterans, and shifting power dynamics.
