HOW EPL BIG 6 PREPARE IN 2025

The preparation of the Premier League's "Big Six" for the 2025/26 season has been marked by significant managerial changes, major transfer business, and varying levels of success in pre-season. Here's a look at how each of the top clubs has prepared for the new campaign.

 

Manchester City

 

• Pre-season: Man City's pre-season was unique due to their participation in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. This provided a high-level competitive platform, but also resulted in a shortened summer break. Their results in the tournament and subsequent friendlies, including a 3-0 win over Palermo, showcased a team ready for the new season. They began the Premier League with a dominant 4-0 win over Wolves.

• Key Transfers: Following a rare trophyless season, City underwent a major squad refresh. They spent approximately £300 million to bring in new talent. The most notable signings are Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders (£46.3m) from AC Milan and French attacker Rayan Cherki (£34m) from Lyon, who both made immediate impacts in their opening match. In goal, they have brought in James Trafford (£31m) from Burnley, who is seen as a potential long-term successor to Ederson.

• Outlook: The addition of fresh talent and the return of a fully fit Rodri have revitalized the squad. Under Pep Guardiola, who has brought in new assistant coach Pep Lijnders, the team is hungry to reclaim the Premier League title and is a clear favorite.

 

Arsenal

 

• Pre-season: Arsenal had a mixed pre-season with wins against AC Milan and Newcastle but a loss to their North London rivals Tottenham. Their pre-season also saw the emergence of young talent like 15-year-old Max Dowman.

• Key Transfers: Arsenal has been busy in the transfer market, aiming to finally get over the line in the title race. They have strengthened their attacking options significantly with the signing of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres (£63.5m) from Sporting and Noni Madueke (£52m) from Chelsea. They also addressed their midfield by bringing in Christian Norgaard (£15m) from Brentford.

• Outlook: Mikel Arteta faces a "win-or-bust" season after another significant spending spree. The new signings, particularly Gyokeres, have shown promise in pre-season, and with their core squad intact, Arsenal is expected to mount another strong title challenge.

 

Liverpool

 

• Pre-season: Liverpool's pre-season was overshadowed by the tragic death of Diogo Jota and his brother. Their pre-season friendlies took them to Asia, where they played against AC Milan and Yokohama F. Marinos, and then home to Anfield for a couple of matches against Athletic Club. Their Community Shield match against Crystal Palace ended in a penalty shootout loss.

• Key Transfers: Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool has had a transformative transfer window, spending nearly £300 million. They have brought in Florian Wirtz for a club-record fee, along with Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez. The departures of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Darwin Nunez have reshaped the squad and their style of play.

• Outlook: As defending champions, Liverpool's opening-day win was crucial. The new signings have already made a positive impact, but the team's defensive vulnerabilities have been a topic of discussion. The potential addition of Alexander Isak would be a massive boost to their title defense.

 

Chelsea

 

• Pre-season: Chelsea's pre-season was short due to their participation in and win of the FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament provided a competitive test and saw them defeat PSG in the final.

• Key Transfers: Chelsea's transfer strategy has focused on signing attacking midfielders, including Joao Pedro from Brighton. The club's significant spending continues, and they have also seen a number of players depart on loan or on permanent deals, including Noni Madueke to Arsenal and Djordje Petrovic to Bournemouth.

• Outlook: Chelsea's pre-season and Club World Cup win have built positive momentum. The club is aiming to convert its massive investment into a genuine title challenge, and the new signings, along with the continued leadership of Reece James, will be key to their success.

 

Manchester United

 

• Pre-season: Under new manager Ruben Amorim, Manchester United had a turbulent pre-season with mixed results, including losses in Asia and a goalless draw with newly promoted Leeds.

• Key Transfers: Following a disastrous 15th-place finish, Manchester United's summer has been about a major rebuild. They have brought in forwards Bryan Mbeumo (£71m) from Brentford and Matheus Cunha (£62.5m) from Wolves, and striker Benjamin Sesko (£73.7m) from RB Leipzig to address their lack of goals.

• Outlook: Expectations are low for Manchester United after last season's failures, but the lack of European football provides Amorim with ample time to implement his 3-4-3 system. The new attacking trio is under pressure to perform and turn around the club's fortunes.

 

Tottenham

 

• Pre-season: Tottenham's pre-season was marked by the sacking of manager Ange Postecoglou, despite winning the Europa League. New manager Thomas Frank took over and his team had a mixed pre-season, including a win over Arsenal.

• Key Transfers: Spurs have brought in reinforcements with the signings of Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, and a loan deal for Joao Palhinha to add much-needed bite to the midfield. However, they have also seen their captain and a club icon, Son Heung-min, depart for Los Angeles.

• Outlook: Tottenham's opening win against Burnley was a good start for Thomas Frank. They are looking to build on their Europa League success and return to a top-six position after a disastrous league campaign last season. Their interest in players like Eberechi Eze suggests they are still actively seeking to strengthen their squad.