Last updated on September 4th, 2025
The Premier League season has begun. But how have the squads with the most value done so far?
If the history of the Premier League has taught us anything, it is that deep pockets help, but they don’t guarantee success. For a team to work coherently, it needs more than just the highest-paid stars and transfer fees. Psychology, morale and the board can play just as much a part. Of the four teams that have the highest value squads in the run-up to the 2025/2026 season, which have justified their spending?
Chelsea – €1.27 billion
Last season, Chelsea managed to bag two trophies. This was after an approach that seemed like it had been an open chequebook for a few seasons, with money being no problem. At the time of writing, Chelsea has had one win and one draw. This included a 5-1 drumming of West Ham and a goalless draw against the buoyant Crystal Palace.
In the win against West Ham, they had looked more likely to be finding their feet. Cole Palmer was out with an injury in the warm-up, but this did not hold them back. Estevao Willian stepped into his role and shone. Several of their players also looked transformed after the opening game. Enzo Fernandez stepped up after being lacklustre against Palace.
However, it was Brazilian Joao Pedro who really took the moment. He managed to net the first goal in the 15th minute, before going on to set up two assists. He was later named in the Premier League team of the week.
The top sportsbook odds in UK have Chelsea placed fourth to win the Premier League at odds of around 8/1. This puts them behind City at 9/2 and both Liverpool and Arsenal at 7/4. However, they may be worth a bet, as by no means are their signings done yet. Xavi Simmons is known to be a target, though he has also been linked to Spurs.
Manchester United – €1.23 billion
Things are not looking good for Manchester United despite a £200m summer rebuild programme. They started the season with a 1-0 defeat to rivals Arsenal. Arguably, this was a lucky mistake from the stand-in keeper Altay Bayindir. A Declan Rice corner twisted it toward the bar as he was trapped on the line. A weak hand only pushed it to Calafiori, who knocked it in.
This was followed by a one-all draw with Fulham, in which there were not as many excuses. Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty, and a lead by Leny Yoro was not defended effectively. United were almost the same team that was seen last season, not something the fans wanted to witness.
To crown all this was a huge defeat to Grimsby Town in the EFL Carabao Cup. United were down by two goals at halftime, and it was a lucky comeback that made them equal at 90 minutes. It was two all at full time as they played the League Two club in penalties and lost. This has put manager Amorim under huge amounts of pressure, and it is a giant-killing defeat he may not recover from.
Manchester City – €1.07 billion
Guardiola’s team seem eager to correct last season’s disappointment. Despite being strong throughout, they finished without a trophy for the first time in eight years.
Manchester City had a great start to this season by thrashing Wolves. Erling Haaland scored twice, and it was a great debut by Tijjani Reijnders. The Dutch midfielder managed to assist in the first goal and then hammer in the second. The depth of the squad was on display as Rayan Cherki came off the bench to convert.
This was followed up by a home defeat in which City seemed to be caught off guard. Spurs could have made the 0- 2 score higher if they had not missed a glut of chances. However, it was City’s poor possession, which lacked any forward momentum or rhythm, which really cost them the game. At every turn, Spurs players were on them, taking the offensive for most of the game.
Arsenal – €979.3 million
There is very little to criticise when you look at Arsenal’s flawless start to the season. They started the season with a 1 – 0 win over Manchester United. This was more a win that came from an uninspiring United as opposed to any greatness by the Gunners.
However, by the second match of the season, they had found their feet and pulled out a 5 – 0 drumming of Leeds. The astuteness of their spending was apparent as newcomer Viktor Gyokeres earned his transfer fee. Arriving from Sporting CP, the Swedish international converted one from the spot and was running into channels, with great synergy between him and Saka.
The season still has a long way to go, and at the time of writing, the transfer window is just around the corner. This will result in a last-minute rush, which is not always a good thing. As the dust settles, Chelsea and Arsenal are favourites to win the league, but nothing is certain in football.
