The English Premier League is set to kick off on Saturday morning AEST, and the new season promises a plethora of engaging storylines. From ongoing transfer sagas involving top clubs to the spotlight on Tottenham Hotspur post-Ange Postecoglou, fans have much to anticipate. The arrival of new star players, primarily goal scorers, is expected to significantly influence the title race.
Manchester United is attempting a revival following a disappointing previous season, while newly promoted teams aim to defy recent trends of immediate relegation. Here are the major talking points ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Transfer Drama: Alexander Isak’s Uncertain Future
The transfer window has been dominated by the saga of Alexander Isak, who is eager to leave Newcastle United for Liverpool. The reigning champions have tabled a substantial offer of £110 million (A$229m) for the striker, who was only outscored by Mohamed Salah last season. Liverpool’s spending spree has already exceeded $600 million, with notable acquisitions like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.
Despite these investments, the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and the departures of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz have left Liverpool seeking to strengthen their attack with Isak. However, a second offer from Liverpool is yet to materialize, and Isak’s situation remains unresolved as the transfer deadline looms on September 1.
Isak has reportedly gone on strike, refusing to participate in Newcastle’s season opener and missing pre-season training. 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.”
“It’s not a good look, for Newcastle or for him,” said Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, acknowledging the complexity of the situation.
Tottenham’s New Era Post-Ange Postecoglou
Tottenham Hotspur enters the season under intense scrutiny following the decision to part ways with Ange Postecoglou. The club’s recent Super Cup loss to PSG, where they squandered a 2-0 lead, has drawn criticism and highlighted the challenges facing new manager Thomas Frank.
Frank’s candid post-match comments, “the operation succeeded but the patient died,” reflect the club’s struggles to maintain composure in crucial moments. The departure of former captain Heung-min Son and injuries to key players like James Maddison add to the challenges.
Despite these setbacks, there is optimism around Tottenham’s potential for a strong league campaign. The British press, including The Guardian and The Telegraph, predict a top-six finish, while Gary Lineker anticipates “big improvement” from Spurs this season.
New Goal Scorers Set to Shine
The title race could hinge on the impact of new attacking talents. Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak is part of a broader strategy to enhance their offensive capabilities. Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz have already shown promise, with Ekitike scoring in the Community Shield.
Manchester City has bolstered their squad with Rayan Cherki, a player likened to Lionel Messi for his playmaking prowess. Arsenal’s acquisition of Viktor Gyokeres is also noteworthy, as the Swede brings a proven goal-scoring record from Sporting CP.
“Gyokeres will destroy defenders,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confidently stated.
Chelsea’s new signings, including Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, have impressed during the Club World Cup. The young Brazilian winger Estevao, dubbed ‘Messinho,’ is particularly exciting for fans.
Manchester United’s Revamp and Promoted Teams’ Challenge
Manchester United has undergone significant changes in an effort to bounce back from a disappointing season. New manager Ruben Amorim has brought in players like Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and Matheus Cunha to revitalize the attack.
United’s lack of European football adds pressure to perform domestically, with early fixtures against top teams posing a challenge. Gary Neville has set modest expectations for United’s new signings, while Wayne Rooney remains optimistic about a top-five finish.
Meanwhile, promoted teams Burnley, Leeds, and Sunderland face the daunting task of avoiding relegation. Leeds and Burnley, both with strong Championship campaigns, are determined to break the trend of immediate relegation. Leeds’ strategy of building a physically imposing squad has caught the attention of pundits, with many predicting their survival.
“I think Leeds will stay up,” said Jamie Carragher, echoing the sentiments of several former players.
As the Premier League season unfolds, these narratives will continue to evolve, offering fans a thrilling and unpredictable journey.
