The English Premier League is set to kick off on Saturday morning AEST, and the new season promises a plethora of intriguing storylines. As the league unfolds, fans will be closely watching the ongoing transfer saga involving two Champions League clubs and the spotlight on Tottenham Hotspur in the post-Ange Postecoglou era. Additionally, a wave of new stars, primarily goal scorers, have arrived in England, poised to significantly influence the title race.
Manchester United is attempting to bounce back from a disappointing last season, while newly promoted sides aim to defy the odds and stay in the top flight. Here are the major talking points as the 2025/26 English Premier League season gets underway.
Striker Saga: Alexander Isak’s Transfer Drama
Alexander Isak’s desire to leave Newcastle United for Liverpool has been one of the most talked-about transfer sagas this window. The Premier League champions have offered £110 million (A$229m) for the striker, who netted 23 goals last season, second only to Mohamed Salah. Despite Liverpool’s significant spending spree, which included acquiring Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, they are determined to strengthen their attack following the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and the departures of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz.
Reports indicate that Isak is on strike, refusing to participate in Newcastle’s squad for their season opener at Villa Park. He has also been absent from training and the club’s pre-season tour of Asia. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe expressed his disappointment, stating, “I don’t think it’s been healthy for us. Alex, for me, is one of the best strikers in the world – if not the best. To miss him from your squad leaves a huge gap.”
“I think morale was certainly affected early on during pre-season. There was nothing I could do to affect that – it was always going to be there.” – Eddie Howe
Newcastle has been reluctant to sell Isak without securing a suitable replacement. The club missed out on signing Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, while their bid for Yoane Wissa was rejected. Newcastle legend Alan Shearer commented on the situation, calling it “a poor look” but understanding the club’s position.
“It’s obvious that Liverpool have been into him or his agent, but to offer 110 million pounds when midfielders like Declan Rice, Jack Grealish, Enzo Fernandez, and others have gone for over 100 million. You’re not gonna get a guy that’s one of the best if not the best centre forward in the Premier League for 110 million.” – Alan Shearer
Tottenham’s New Era Post-Ange
Tottenham Hotspur enters the season under scrutiny following the departure of Ange Postecoglou. Spurs began their campaign with a disappointing loss to PSG in the UEFA Super Cup, squandering a 2-0 lead and eventually losing on penalties. This collapse echoed the club’s struggles before Postecoglou led them to their first trophy in 17 years.
New manager Thomas Frank faces the challenge of maintaining momentum and managing Champions League football. The departure of former captain Heung-min Son and injuries to key players like James Maddison add to the pressure. However, Tottenham hopes for a strong start and a cleaner run with injuries, relying on new signings like Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel.
“I knew we had to do something a little bit different against PSG so it was like a special operation. It was in medical terms, the operation succeeded but the patient died.” – Thomas Frank
Expectations for Tottenham’s performance vary, with some experts predicting a top-six finish, while others remain skeptical. Gary Lineker anticipates “big improvement,” while Alan Shearer questions the feasibility of such a leap.
New Goal Scorers to Define Title Race
The race for the Premier League title may hinge on the impact of new attacking talents. Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak is just one part of their strategy to bolster their attack. New signing Hugo Ekitike made an immediate impact, scoring in his debut, while Florian Wirtz is expected to provide creativity and goals.
Manchester City added Rayan Cherki, a young playmaker compared to Lionel Messi, to support Erling Haaland. Meanwhile, Arsenal secured Viktor Gyokeres, a prolific striker from Sporting CP, to address their need for a true goal scorer.
“Why are Messi and Ronaldo and Mo so highly regarded? Because they are always fit. Every single game they are fit and that is something that Florian first has to show in a league like ours.” – Arne Slot, Liverpool Manager
Chelsea’s new-look attack, featuring Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, also promises excitement. However, it is 18-year-old Brazilian winger Estevao, dubbed ‘Messinho,’ who may capture the imagination of fans.
“He is very good, a gigantic talent, a fantastic player. The only thing is that when you come from South America or another part of the planet, you have to adapt.” – Enzo Maresca, Chelsea Manager
Manchester United’s Revamp and Promoted Teams’ Challenge
Manchester United is not expected to contend for the title, but they have invested heavily in their attack. New manager Ruben Amorim has brought in Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and Matheus Cunha to rejuvenate the team’s offensive capabilities. However, early fixtures against top teams could be a stern test for the revamped squad.
“I think if those three [Mbeumo, Sesko & Cunha] could get 35 between them, 40 would be unbelievable.” – Gary Neville
Meanwhile, promoted sides Burnley, Leeds, and Sunderland face the daunting task of avoiding relegation. Leeds and Burnley, both with strong Championship performances, aim to defy the trend of promoted teams immediately returning to the lower division. Leeds’ strategy of building a physically imposing squad has drawn attention, while Burnley and Sunderland have added experienced players to their ranks.
“Does anyone think that the three teams that came up will go back down? That would be three years in a row. Can any of them survive? I think one of them will stay up.” – Roy Keane
As the Premier League season unfolds, fans can expect drama, excitement, and unexpected twists as clubs battle for glory, survival, and everything in between.
