With the exception of the players who went furthest in the 2026 World Cup, all Premier League players are already working to be in the best possible shape for the opening day. The season will be kicked off by the reigning champions, Arsenal, who will host newly promoted Coventry at the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta’s side are looking to defend their title and will need to secure all three points to do so.

The other title contenders, primarily Manchester City and Liverpool, will kick off the season with some very tough fixtures. The Etihad Stadium side will host Bournemouth, one of last season’s surprise packages, who will be playing in the Europa League this year. The Anfield side, meanwhile, will travel to Newcastle for one of the standout matches of the opening day.

The other members of the Big Six – Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea – will begin the season away from home. The Spurs will play a London derby against Brighton; the Red Devils will visit newly promoted Hull City; and the Blues will play their derby against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Matchday 1 of the 2026/2027 Premier League

• Arsenal v Coventry (21/08 20:00)
• Hull City v Manchester United (22/08 12:30)
• Everton v Crystal Palace (22 August, 15:00)
• Ipswich Town v Sunderland (22 August, 15:00)
• Nottingham Forest v Leeds United (22 August, 15:00)
• Brentford v Tottenham (22 August, 17:30)
• Brighton v Aston Villa (23 August 14:00)
• Manchester City v Bournemouth (23 August 14:00)
• Newcastle v Liverpool (23 August 16:30)
• Fulham v Chelsea (24 August 20:00)

Multi-million transfers

The clubs’ preparations aren’t just taking place on the pitch. Behind the scenes, too, they’re working tirelessly to assemble the most competitive squads possible. As such, with almost a month to go before the ball starts rolling, there have already been several signings for which some teams have spent millions. And it’s possible we haven’t yet seen the most expensive transfer.

In this regard, two clubs stand out above the rest: Tottenham and Chelsea. The two have much in common, such as the need to make changes following last season’s disappointing campaign and the financial resources to do so. Tottenham have spent 229 million, with Tonali being their most expensive signing at 92.5 million. They have also paid 85 million for Mateus Fernandes.

Chelsea, for their part, have made the most expensive signing to date. The Stamford Bridge side have paid 118 million for Morgan Rogers, who has turned down the chance to play in the Champions League with Aston Villa to join Chelsea’s project. Another signing that will be the talk of the town is that of Elliot Anderson by Manchester City, who have paid 116 million for the midfielder.

Most expensive signings in the 2026/2027 Premier League

1. Morgan Rogers 118 million
2. Elliot Anderson 116 million
3. Sandro Tonali 92.5 million
4. Mateus Fernandes 85 million