Premier League: Eight talking points ahead of the weekend | OneFootball

Premier League football is back and we’ve looked at eight talking points ahead of the opening weekend of the 2025/26 season.

Can new-look Liverpool gel quickly?

It’s not often that a title-winning team undergoes such change in one summer, but Arne Slot has overhauled his Liverpool team. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz are among the key figures who have departed, while the tragic passing of Diogo Jota was a devastating and unexpected loss that stretches far wider than the football pitch.

Liverpool have dominated the headlines in the transfer window with four new recruits, including the £116m British record arrival of Florian Wirtz. The addition of Wirtz as a more creative option in midfield, alongside changes in both full-back positions, may need a period of adjustment.

With Ryan Gravenberch also suspended for Friday’s clash with Bournemouth, Slot will be hoping his team can eradicate their pre-season openness in his absence. With challengers expected to be stronger this season, it’s vital to pick up early points.

Aston Villa latest side to suffer from PSR pinch

Jacob Ramsey probably thought he’d be lining up for Aston Villa against Newcastle this weekend. Instead, the midfielder is nearing a move to Villa’s opening-day opponents. Ramsey is the latest player set to be sold for PSR purposes, with the current rules incentivising the sale of academy products for pure profit on the balance sheet.

The £40m fee will allow Villa to strengthen after a quiet window to date, though it’s certainly worth questioning a system that increase the likelihood of homegrown assets being moved on.

Villa will not want to lose Ramsey, a boyhood fan and potential England international, but his departure could benefit the squad as a whole. Newcastle know better than most about regrettable PSR-led sales, as Elliot Anderson continues to thrive in Nottingham Forest colours.

Will Parker pragmatism work in the Premier League?

Scott Parker has proven himself as a Championship manager. After three promotions with three different clubs, he’ll be keen to show he can cut it at the top level. The opening weekend will see Parker take Burnley to former club Tottenham, a tough first assignment in North London. Burnley were promoted with a record-breaking defensive record last season, conceding a Football League record low of just 16 goals in their 46 games.

James Trafford and CJ Egan-Riley have since departed from that defence, but Parker will hope his side’s backline can be the backbone of their survival battle. The gap between the top two divisions has grown in recent years, but Burnley will want to remain tough to beat.

Stadium of Light set for Premier League party

It’s been a long wait for Sunderland, but Premier League football is back on Wearside. Since their last top-flight campaign, Sunderland have slipped as low as the third tier, while their arch-rivals Newcastle have undergone a transformative takeover and secured two Champions League qualifications.

Now, Sunderland are back, and their owners are planning to stay there. An exciting summer recruitment drive has brought in names such as Granit Xhaka and Enzo Le Fée, with the Stadium of Light set to be in fine voice for the visit of West Ham this weekend.

Could Chelsea move for Guehi?

Enzo Maresca has admitted he wants to bring in another centre-back, following Levi Colwill’s ACL injury. Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign at home to Crystal Palace this weekend, where a potential target could be in opposition.

Guehi came through the ranks at Chelsea before emerging as an England international at Crystal Palace. The 24-year-old has less than 12 months to run on his deal and is set to be available at a discounted rate.

Liverpool are interested, though interest from Chelsea could complicate matters. Guehi has made regular football a priority in a World Cup year and is likelier to command an automatic role at Stamford Bridge. It’s a deal that could make sense for all parties.

Will Brentford gamble on Andrews pay off?

Few sides have overseen as much loss as Brentford this summer. Thomas Frank departed to take charge of Tottenham after seven years in West London, while captain Christian Norgaard and leading scorer Bryan Mbeumo have also moved on. Yoane Wissa, who scored 19 league goals, is also unavailable as he pushes for an exit.

It would be a difficult situation for an experienced coach, but Brentford have put their trust in Keith Andrews. Previously set-piece coach, he’s been appointed as first-team manager in a sizeable step up. Brentford have not got much wrong in terms of talent ID in recent seasons, and clearly see something in the 44-year-old.

Sesko vs Gyokeres offers Old Trafford sub-plot

Manchester United and Arsenal kick-off their campaigns in opposition as one of English football’s best fixtures takes place on the opening weekend. There’s narrative aplenty as Ruben Amorim begins his first full season, while Mikel Arteta is under pressure after three consecutive runners-up finishes.

In the summer, both signed goalscorers in the hope of taking the next step. Arsenal agreed a £55m deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon, a player that Manchester United manager Amorim knows well. The two worked together in Portugal, where Gyokeres began his prolific period in the Primeira Liga.

United were understood to have been interested in Gyokeres, but instead signed Benjamin Sesko. Coincidentally, Sesko was a target for Arsenal before the Gunners made a move for the more ready-made Gyokeres, a deal pushed by sporting director Andrea Berta. Both forwards will be keen to deliver on debut and prove their side secured the better deal.

A debut against old friends for Calvert-Lewin?

There are some Evertonians who believe Dominic Calvert-Lewin has taken a backward step this summer. Calvert-Lewin is set to sign for Leeds as a free agent, joining the newly-promoted side after leaving Everton in the summer.

The 28-year-old turned down a new deal at Everton in favour of exploring his options, but few higher up the table have been willing to gamble on a player with a questionable fitness record.

Since his exit, Everton have made some eye-catching additions, while the move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium is another factor many Toffees feel Calvert-Lewin should not have snubbed. Monday night could see Calvert-Lewin make his Leeds debut, should the move be finalised, with Everton the visitors to Elland Road.

Read – Six Premier League signings we can’t wait to see debut

See more – The most exciting non-Big Six Premier League transfers this summer

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