Champions League 2025/26 – Notable New Players to Watch
Explore the top new players from Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, and more set to shape the Champions League 2025/26.
A New Chapter in the Champions League
The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League is the 71st edition of Europe’s most prestigious club tournament, and it’s the second year using the new format. This season features 36 teams in a single league phase instead of the traditional group stage. Each club will face eight different opponents. The top 8 teams go straight to the Round of 16. Teams placed 9th to 24th will compete in two-legged play-offs to secure a spot in the last 16. The remaining twelve teams will exit European competition entirely.
Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning champions, return with high expectations. But English clubs have made major moves in the transfer market, signing big names that could shift the balance. With the final scheduled for May 30, 2026 at Puskás Aréna in Budapest, fans are already watching who might make the biggest difference.
Liverpool
Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen): A highly creative attacking midfielder, Wirtz is expected to play just behind the striker. His vision and ability to connect plays should add spark to Liverpool’s front line.
Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt): After an impressive Bundesliga season, Ekitike brings pace and fresh energy. He could form a fast, unpredictable duo with Liverpool’s current stars.
Milos Kerkez (AFC Bournemouth): This young left-back may not be the flashiest name, but his balance of attack and defense offers solid support for Liverpool’s back line.
Arsenal
Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting): A classic number 9 that Arsenal has long needed. He’s strong, clinical, and ready for the European stage.
Martín Zubimendi (Real Sociedad, around £60M): Calm under pressure, Zubimendi will help Arsenal control big games from midfield.
Manchester City
Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan): A midfielder who carries the ball well and finds space. Reijnders could be a long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne.
Rayan Ait-Nouri (Wolves): A forward-thinking left-back who fits perfectly into City’s attacking shape.
Chelsea
Joao Pedro (Brighton): A flexible forward who can fill different roles in the attack. He brings creativity and movement.
Jamie Gittens (Borussia Dortmund, around £48.5M): An emerging talent with pace and technical skill. Gittens could become a key option out wide or through the middle.
Manchester United
Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford, around £45M): Fast, hardworking, and a consistent threat on the right wing. Mbeumo gives United a direct and reliable wide option.
Newcastle’s Return to the Spotlight
Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest): Known for his speed and sharp attacking runs, Elanga gives Newcastle more options as they step back into European competition.
A Few More to Watch
Gabriel Gudmundsson (Lille to Leeds United): Brings European experience and consistency. If Leeds reach the league phase, he’ll be useful.
These signings are more than just reinforcements. They reflect how teams are thinking long-term and trying to build squads that can adapt to different challenges. Some like Wirtz and Gyökeres might make headlines, but players like Zubimendi or Reijnders could quietly make the difference when it matters most.
Want to know more or plan your Champions League matchday experience?
Contact us at mickey@viptablesgroup.com to explore tickets, hospitality packages, or travel options for the 2025/26 season.