The transfer window usually dominates the back pages during the summer, but that's rarely the case in tournament years as the market is forced to take a back seat. Business never sleeps, however, and several deals have gone under the radar during the 2026 World Cup. After five-and-a-half weeks and some 104 matches, the big event is finally over, which means attention can now turn to the comings and goings at club level.
Leeds United have initiated legal proceedings against Leicester City, claiming substantial damages after missing out on automatic Premier League promotion during the 2023-24 season. Leicester breached financial rules during their title-winning campaign, prompting Leeds to seek financial compensation following a similar landmark legal case involving Burnley and Everton.
Manchester United have successfully secured the services of veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer following his departure from Leeds United. The 35-year-old Wales international has signed a contract at Old Trafford as the Red Devils move to secure an experienced backup option behind Senne Lammens ahead of the new campaign.
Daniel Farke has fended off the threat of a “big name” appointment at Leeds, but former Whites defender Matt Kilgallon has admitted to GOAL that any manager is only ever “three games” away from losing their job. Having cemented Premier League status at Elland Road, Farke will be given the opportunity to build on those foundations during the 2026-27 campaign.
Arsenal have completed the surprise acquisition of former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer, securing the Frenchman on a two-year contract. The 26-year-old moves to north London after his contract in Yorkshire expired, providing the reigning Premier League champions with experienced cover across their goalkeeping department.
Arsenal are reportedly set to complete a surprise move for former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier, with the Frenchman set to arrive at the Emirates Stadium on a free transfer. The 26-year-old is expected to undergo a medical shortly as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his goalkeeping department following the player's departure from Elland Road.
While Kalvin Phillips’ bank balance will be “looking well”, fellow Leeds United academy graduate Matt Kilgallon has told GOAL why the Manchester City flop risks finding himself in a position where “nobody wants you”. The former England international has become stuck in a serious rut, with the right call needing to be made this summer in order to get his career back on track.
Leeds United have been advised against inviting offers for USMNT star Brenden Aaronson, with Matt Kilgallon explaining to GOAL why the American forward was “like Lionel Messi” at times last season after finding his feet in English football. The all-action playmaker has finally won over a sceptical fan base at Elland Road, but is entering the final year of his contract.
Leeds United are reportedly exploring a move for former Germany international Julian Brandt after his departure from Borussia Dortmund. The experienced playmaker is available on a free transfer and would bring significant top-level pedigree to Elland Road, although the Whites face competition from other clubs for his signature.
The three biggest strengths of Dominic Calvert-Lewin have been highlighted by Peter Reid, with the former Leeds boss and Everton midfielder telling GOAL why the powerful frontman is a joy to watch. Injury issues of the recent past were put to the back of the 29-year-old’s mind last season as he delivered an immediate return on the faith shown in him by those at Elland Road.
The Premier League fixture list for 2026-27 has been released. Arsenal will be looking to defend their title, while the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United have sights locked on the ultimate prize. Coventry are back in the big time after a 25-year absence, while several managerial changes mean that new eras are being ushered in across the division. Here, GOAL picks out the most notable matches from what promises to be another thrilling top-flight campaign.
The Premier League has announced a comprehensive suite of mandatory law changes and officiating guidelines ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. Developed in tandem with PGMOL and informed by an extensive annual football survey, the updates heavily target time-wasting tactics while refining the threshold for video assistant referee interventions.
Manchester United are considering a summer move for Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow as they look to strengthen their goalkeeping department. The experienced Wales international is available on a free transfer when his contract expires this month, making him an attractive option for a club seeking value in the market.
West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen has issued a heartfelt apology to the club's supporters following their relegation from the Premier League. The Hammers' 14-year stay in the top flight ended on Sunday, despite a final-day victory, leaving the squad and fanbase in mourning.
The 2025-26 Premier League season is over, with top-flight players around England making their plans for the summer, whether they involve holidays or, for the lucky few, a chance to put on a show at the World Cup. Even those internationals will get the chance to switch off at some stage, but for their managers, the work never stops, with plans likely already being drawn up for the transfer window and next season.
And there you have it - the 2025-26 Premier League season is over. Arsenal are the champions while West Ham have been relegated alongside Wolves and Burnley as Tottenham secured survival on the final day. While the football hasn't always been the most scintillating, it's been a campaign full of twists and turns at both ends of the table, making it difficult to predict any result given the increased parity among the teams in the English top-flight.
The 2025-26 Premier League campaign drew to a tense conclusion on Sunday, as Tottenham scraped past Everton to consign West Ham to relegation in spite of a 3-0 victory over Leeds United. Meanwhile, in the north-east of England, Sunderland sensationally defeated Chelsea to secure a place in the Europa League, while simultaneously preventing the Club World Cup winners from qualifying for any form of continental competition next term.
West Ham United star Jarrod Bowen and manager Nuno Espirito Santo have addressed the media following the club's heartbreaking relegation from the Premier League on Sunday. Despite rumoured transfer interest, Bowen insisted his vision is to help the Hammers secure instant promotion next season, while Nuno apologised to supporters but refused to commit his future to the club.
Gary Neville was left furious after technical difficulties caused a delay to the second half of the final day Premier League clash between Tottenham and Everton. With Spurs' relegation rivals West Ham finishing their clash against Leeds United on time, the lack of synchronisation due to VAR technical issues sparked outrage, leading Neville to brand the situation "absolutely ridiculous".
Marcelo Bielsa has dropped a major hint that his tenure as Uruguay head coach is reaching its final chapter. The former Leeds United boss, who remains a deity in West Yorkshire, suggested that his time with La Celeste will conclude following the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Everton manager David Moyes has vowed to do everything possible to help his former club West Ham United avoid relegation by targeting a victory against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend. A positive result for the Toffees on Sunday could dramatically plunge Spurs into the Championship, provided the Hammers also beat Leeds United to escape.
Gio Reyna has reportedly been named to the U.S. men's national team's World Cup roster, while Real Salt Lake star Diego Luna has been left off. Reyna is reportedly joined by the likes of Matt Turner, Sebastian Berhalter, Brenden Aaronson, and Mark McKenzie among the early roster leaks, while Luna's RSL teammate, Zavier Gozo, has also missed out.
As the 2025-26 Premier League season draws to a close, it's time to look back on what has been a campaign full of twists and turns. Arsenal eventually saw off the challenge of Manchester City to secure the title, but European places and the final berth in the relegation zone are still to be decided into the final day.
Leeds United
