Premier League 2025/26 predictions: Best signing and more
The transfer window continues to rumble on with plenty of deals yet to materialise, which could shift the trajectory of many teams, notably Arne Slot’s side and Newcastle, with Alexander Isak’s future still in doubt.
Here, the Independent’s sports staff preview the new campaign and make their picks for the 2025/26 Premier League season:
Will Castle12 August 2025 23:30
FPL tips 2025/26: 30 players you should consider signing including Palmer, Wirtz and Gyokeres
The new season of the English top flight is fast approaching, and with that will come the long-awaited return of Fantasy Premier League.
As pre-season gives us a glimpse of potential top performers, many players will have already picked their squads for the opening gameweek of the 2025/26 campaign, though even at this stage, new signings and potential injuries might change things.
The usual suspects – your Erling Haalands and Mo Salahs of the world – will be among the most popular picks, with history dictating their unwavering ability to rack up points.
However, there are plenty of other players across the Premier League who might offer genuine value this season, from breakout stars to marquee new arrivals, with the potential of setting your team apart from the rest in your mini-league.
Here are 30 players we think might be solid additions to your FPL side:
Will Castle12 August 2025 23:00
Crystal Palace feel outraged – but CAS ruling sparks vital question over multi-club ownership
As Crystal Palace talk about “shattered hopes and dreams” in a strident statement, specifically criticising the European football power structure, there was some bristling within Uefa. In Nyon, sources say, there had been considerable “satisfaction” that the rigour of their rules on multi-club ownership was adhered to in the Court of Arbitration ruling on Crystal Palace’s appeal. Emotion against the letter of the law, they may claim.
Forest stand to be promoted to the Europa League given Palace’s demotion to the Conference League, so had been named as respondents to the appeal. Lyon, the third party in the case, were allowed to keep their Europa League place over Palace due to “sporting merit”.
The vital question posed by CAS ruling on Crystal Palace
Comment: The Eagles will now play in the Conference League after the Cas verdict on Monday aligned with Uefa’s decision on multi-club ownership, but Miguel Delaney argues the real issue will not go away in European football
Miguel Delaney12 August 2025 22:30
Sacked referee David Coote given eight-week ban for Jurgen Klopp comments
Former Premier League referee David Coote has been given an eight-week suspension and told to attend an education programme over abusive words he used about ex-Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp.
The FA said he had subsequently admitted the charge.
Will Castle12 August 2025 22:00
Where it went wrong for Jack Grealish at Man City – and how Everton can fix him
They had achieved great success together before their paths diverged. The strategist might have envied the charisma of his ally but despite their different characters, men with a shared affection for Manchester City seemed in harmony with each other in the good times.
Then, suddenly, they were together again. Still, enough about Noel and Liam Gallagher. Pep Guardiola and Jack Grealish bumped into each other at Oasis’s homecoming gig at Heaton Park.
This, however, was a briefer reunion. They, it transpired, neither need each other nor believe in one another, not anymore. The Gallaghers may bring in a nine-figure sum for their second coming.
Richard Jolly12 August 2025 21:30
Tottenham ready to beat Arsenal and sign Eberechi Eze after opportunity emerges
As reported in the Independent’s ‘Inside Football’ newsletter on Friday, Spurs have ramped up interest in the 27-year-old after the injury to James Maddison, amid a widespread belief that the saga might finally come to a head by the start of the Premier League season. That would coincide with the expiration of Eze’s release clause for this window.
Arsenal have long been interested in Eze, and are viewed as the Crystal Palace player’s first preference, but the fact that no proper transfer bid has yet materialised means there is a chance for Spurs to move forward.
Miguel Delaney12 August 2025 21:00
Newcastle lay the groundwork on Nicolas Jackson transfer
Newcastle have spoken to representatives of Nicolas Jackson on multiple occasions as they look to progress a move from Stamford Bridge, according to Fabrizio Romano
Chelsea want the Senegal striker to leave this summer, with the player keen on a switch to St James’s Park.
Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is a target for Newcastle (Rafal Oleksiewicz/PA) (PA Wire)
Will Castle12 August 2025 20:30
Brighton holding firm over Carlos Baleba
Brighton are showing no signs of budging their stance on Carlos Baleba amid interest from Manchester United, according to BBC Sport.
They want him to stay and have no intention of selling, but whether the player accepts that fact is another matter.
(Getty Images)
Will Castle12 August 2025 20:00
Dayot Upamecano offered to Man United
Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano by his agent.
That’s according to Christian Falk, who says Bayern are pushing hard to reach an agreement with Upamecano over a new deal, but as of now, there has been little or no progress.
(Getty Images)
Will Castle12 August 2025 19:30
Man City hold talks to sign Rodrygo
Manchester City have held initial talks to sign Real Madrid star Rodrygo, according to Sky Germany.
However, right now, it is questionable whether the club can afford a permanent deal for the Real Madrid star, who would cost upwards of £80m.
The player has not a made a clear decision to leave yet.
(Getty Images)
Will Castle12 August 2025 19:00