Published: 22:30 BST, 19 August 2026 | Updated: 22:34 BST, 19 August 2026<\/p>\n
The return of the Premier League\u00a0is fast approaching, with plenty of new faces in the dugout and on the pitch. Here are seven reasons to get excited about the new season\u2026<\/p>\n
There are plenty of question marks surrounding Manchester City as they prepare for their first season under Enzo Maresca. How he\u2019ll set up and get the most out of his players will be under the magnifying glass following a decade of Pep Guardiola.<\/p>\n
Rivals Manchester United and Arsenal experienced stark declines following the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger respectively after lengthy tenures. City will hope they don\u2019t follow suit.<\/p>\n
Speaking on the challenge of following Guardiola's long reign, Maresca said: \u2018I want to say it is a privilege because the reason why the club decided to go for me, that is a privilege. It is a challenge. It is nice, it is a privilege. Also the history of the manager with many years in the same club, they struggle a bit. Sir Alex, Arsene. But it is also a challenge to do the right things.\u2019<\/p>\n
The early signs were promising \u2013 Maresca had a 60 per cent win rate at Chelsea, averaging two points won per match before leaving in January 2026.<\/p>\n
Enzo Maresca will be concerned after Arsenal blew his team away in the Community Shield\u00a0<\/p>\n
But last Sunday\u2019s 3-0 drubbing at Wembley by champions Arsenal showed the job he has on his hands. And it wasn\u2019t all smooth sailing at Stamford Bridge. The fans turned against him as they didn\u2019t enjoy his patient football and pressure piled on when the Blues endured disappointing runs.<\/p>\n
His playing style focused on slow and intricate football, similar to Guardiola\u2019s. And the City hierarchy had always earmarked him as the man to step into the shoes of a genius.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But can he restore the club to the top after two years without lifting the Premier League \u2013 and without Rodri and Bernardo Silva, who have both departed? We shall soon see\u2026<\/p>\n
Gone are the days of nine-figure transfers being a novelty. There have been three \u00a3100+ million transfers this summer already, meaning there are now nine players who have commanded such a fee from a Premier League club.<\/p>\n
Elliot Anderson impressed at the World Cup and was set to become the most expensive player in British history, but his deal has since been surpassed by Morgan Rogers\u2019 \u00a3117m move from Aston Villa to Chelsea.<\/p>\n
Sandro Tonali was the first \u00a3100m+ signing of the summer as he joined Roberto De Zerbi\u2019s Tottenham, despite interest from Man City.<\/p>\n
And we could be set for an even bigger move, if Liverpool can seal a switch for \u00a3145m-rated Bradley Barcola from PSG. The Frenchman is viewed as Mohamed Salah\u2019s replacement, so he certainly has some big boots to fill.<\/p>\n
Seeing the new signings suit up for their new teams will be brilliant for their supporters, but they will have some expectations to live up to<\/p>\n