Premier League transfers 2026 set up title race after record deals
ESPN’s Ian Darke says record British deals and major rebuilds have loaded the Premier League with storylines before the new season.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
4 min read
The Premier League transfers 2026 race has already delivered two record British-player deals, a £240 million Tottenham spree and fresh questions for every title contender, according to ESPN commentator Ian Darke.
Darke wrote that the coming season is hard to call before squads are finished, especially with new managers in charge at nearly half the league. His early read: the trophy fight still looks likely to come from the usual elite group.
Who has made the biggest Premier League transfers in 2026?
Darke reported that the British transfer record has fallen twice this summer. England World Cup midfielder Elliot Anderson moved from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City for £116 million, before Morgan Rogers left Aston Villa for Chelsea in a £117 million deal.
Tottenham, after two seasons flirting with relegation, have spent more than anyone else so far, according to Darke. Roberto De Zerbi’s side have added Sandro Tonali from Newcastle, Mateus Fernandes from West Ham and Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for a combined cost of about £240 million.
The transfer window is the period when Premier League clubs can register new signings. Darke’s point is that July business can reshape expectations, but the real picture does not settle until the deadline passes.
Arsenal and Liverpool still have holes to fill
Champions Arsenal have been quieter than some rivals. Darke said the club would not go above £80 million for Rogers and could instead look at Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez or Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, who he described as unsettled.
The Gunners also have Leandro Trossard leaving for Besiktas and William Saliba injured, while Darke reported that Arsenal have opened talks with Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães, who is keen on the move.
Liverpool, coming off what Darke called a disappointing campaign, have made Víctor Muñoz from Osasuna their only major arrival so far. Jérémy Jacquet, signed earlier for £60 million before returning to Rennes to finish last season, is expected to join up at Anfield.
New coach Andoni Iraola needs a winger after Liverpool missed out on Ivory Coast player Yan Diomande, Darke reported. The club have also lost Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konaté and Andy Robertson, while right back is an issue with Conor Bradley a long-term absentee.
Can Manchester United or Manchester City push on?
Manchester United finished third last season under Michael Carrick, and Darke said expectations will now be higher. United have responded to Casemiro’s departure by signing Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Brazilian international Andrey Santos, who did not establish himself at Chelsea.
Manchester City have a new head coach, Enzo Maresca, following Pep Guardiola. Darke wrote that Anderson could partner Rodri in midfield after Rodri’s Golden Ball-winning World Cup, while City’s squad depth keeps them firmly in the title discussion.
Darke also flagged a possible World Cup hangover for City, with many players involved this summer and some returning late after a mandatory three-week break. Erling Haaland’s emotional tournament with Norway was singled out as one factor to watch.
Chelsea, Villa and the rest are busy too
Aston Villa, Europa League winners and Champions League returnees, have lost Rogers and Tielemans. Darke added that André Onana suffered a bad injury with Belgium at the World Cup, while Lucas Digne and Emiliano Martínez could still leave.
Villa have brought in Swiss youngster Johan Manzambi, who scored three World Cup goals, as Rogers’ replacement, plus midfielder João Gomes. Chelsea, who finished 10th, have made the Rogers deal their big statement under new coach Xabi Alonso.
Darke reported that Alonso wanted former Bayer Leverkusen captain Granit Xhaka, but that move did not happen. Chelsea may instead look at veteran defender John Stones, a free agent after leaving Manchester City.
Elsewhere, Leeds have signed Harry Wilson from Fulham on a free after his 10-goal, seven-assist league season. Newcastle have £170 million from selling Tonali and Anthony Gordon, and have spent £42 million on Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Touré.
Everton added Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, while promoted Coventry have brought in Frank Onyeka, Loum Tchaouna and Aurele Amenda. Darke wrote that Hull and Ipswich face a difficult task, though Sunderland’s seventh-place finish last season showed promoted sides can surprise.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.