TAWANDA CHARI
As we kick off our English Premier League review series for the 2025/26 season, we’re starting where it matters most: the top of the table. We’re looking at what the top four clubs did last season, how they’ve approached this summer’s transfer market, and whether it all makes sense based on how they finished.
The Premier League's top four: A look at their transfer strategies
The 2024/25 Premier League season ended with a familiar look at the top, though perhaps not in the order many expected. Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea deservedly occupied the top four spots. Their points-per-match ratios and underlying metrics like Expected Goal Difference (xGD) and xGD/90 all confirm their status as the league's best teams.
Liverpool, in particular, stood out as the best team in the top division. The big question now is whether the same four will be there again at the end of the new season, and their transfer activity offers some clues.
Liverpool: The champions go top-heavy
Liverpool were, by most metrics, the best team in the league last season; even beyond their points total. While they have a stacked forward line, their midfield and center-back depth seem to be a concern.
But the midfield is exactly where question marks remain. The midfield is the engine room of a team, and without reinforcements in that area, it's fair to question if they can replicate their league winning form.
The Reds' recent signings, however, point to a different strategy. They've invested heavily in attacking talent. The acquisition of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen and the big-money deal for Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt show a clear intent to reinforce their already potent attack.
They've also brought in a new goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, and a left-back, Milos Kerkez. While these are quality additions, the lack of significant investment in the central midfield or defence could be a gamble.
Here are their signings:
- Florian Wirtz (AM): £100–116 million
- Hugo Ekitike (FW): £79 million
- Milos Kerkez (LB): £40 million
- Jeremie Frimpong (RW): £29.5 million
- Giorgi Mamardashvili (GK): £25 million
- Ármin Pécsi (GK): £1.5 million
Kerkez and Frimpong though technically fullbacks, especially Frimpong, his best skill set is in the final third. He's more midfielder than an actual defender.
Manchester City (3rd Place): Addressing their weaknesses - but will Pep actually use his new toys?
Manchester City's third-place finish was a surprise to many, especially after their incredible run in previous seasons. A key factor in their struggles was the absence of Rodri, and a general lack of defensive stability in their midfield. City were vulnerable last season, especially without Rodri. Their issues defending transitions became glaring, and having slow legs like Kovacic, Gündogan, or even Stones in midfield made them easy to play through.
So far, it looks like they’ve tried to address that:
- Tijjani Reijnders: £46.3 million
- Rayan Aït-Nouri: £36 million
- Rayan Cherki: £34 million
- James Trafford: £31 million
- Sverre Nypan: £12.5 million
- Marcus Bettinelli: Undisclosed
The Citizens have seemingly learned from this. Their transfer business over the last two windows has been focused on addressing these issues. The signings of Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis bolster their center back options.
In midfield, Nico González's arrival is particularly interesting. His defensive attributes and ability to defend transitions could be exactly what City needs. With Rodri back and a new look defensive midfield, they should be a much more formidable force this season.
Gvardiol playing CB regularly would help, but it could depend on how error-prone Rúben Dias is across the campaign. With Rodri fit and Nico integrated, they should be better. But as always with City, it’s less about names – and more about how Pep uses them.
Arsenal (2nd Place): Learning from a "massive bottle job"
Arsenal had the title in sight—and slipped. Again. It wasn’t a catastrophic bottle, but it was a letdown nonetheless. Key players ran out of steam, and when Saka and Ødegaard weren’t available, there was no plan B.
They’ve responded in the window:
- Viktor Gyökeres (ST): £64 million
- Noni Madueke (RW): £48.5 million
- Martín Zubimendi (MF): £55–60 million
- Cristhian Mosquera (CB): £13 million
- Christian Nørgaard (CDM): £15 million
- Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK): £5 million
This sense of what-if seems to be reflected in their transfer strategy.
A major issue for the Gunners was the over reliance on Bukayo Saka and the lack of a capable backup, both in terms of playing position and attacking output.
The loss of a creator and tempo setter like Martin Ødegaard was also keenly felt by some, despite the debate around his decision making in transition. With Ødegaard’s value often overlooked by his own fanbase, Arsenal simply can’t afford to go without him or his skill set again for a prolonged period.
If they do land Eberechi Eze (linked), Arteta will have real depth and dynamism across his attacking midfield zones. On paper, this is the most well-rounded Arsenal team in years.
Noni Madueke comes in to provide much needed cover and a different attacking profile for Saka. Upfront, Viktor Gyökeres is a capable goalscorer, a role that Gabriel Jesus has struggled to fill consistently and Kai Havertz, for all his other qualities, doesn't specialize in.
With the acquisition of Martín Zubimendi to replace the departed Thomas Partey, Arsenal now have a very strong squad on paper and look well equipped for another title challenge.
Chelsea (4th Place): The dark horse of the top four
Chelsea's fourth-place finish was a pleasant surprise for many, but their underlying metrics suggested they were a much better team than their league position indicated for much of the season. They were in fact, somewhat underrated. New manager Enzo Maresca inherited a bloated squad, but his work in molding a coherent team was impressive.
The Blues' transfer policy has continued to be a whirlwind of activity. They have a penchant for hoarding young, talented players, a strategy that is only viable if you are winning trophies, and with a FIFA Club World Cup title in their pocket, they have the financial clout to continue.
Chelsea buy transfer:
- João Pedro: £60 million
- Jamie Gittens: £51.5 million
- Liam Delap: £30 million
- Estêvão Willian: £29 million
- Dario Essugo: £18.5 million
- Mamadou Sarr: £12 million
- Kendry Páez: £8.4 million
João Pedro from Brighton and Estêvão Willian from Palmeiras are exciting new additions to their attack. And much of Chelsea's success will depend on the continued stellar form of Cole Palmer; but with their aggressive recruitment and an already talented squad, they are a strong bet to remain in the top four.
We’ll be continuing this series over the coming weeks, focusing on how other clubs – like Tottenham, Newcastle, Manchester United, and Aston Villa – are shaping up.
Who should we cover next? Drop us your picks and predictions.
A note to our readers: This is the first in a series of English Premier League reviews for the 2025/26 season. These articles are based on a mix of observation and statistical analysis, and reflect the author's opinion.
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