2026–27 Premier League Offseason Awards: Who Nailed the Best Transfer, Transformed Their Squad and Stole the Summer?

The 2026–27 Premier League season is just around the corner following an extraordinarily busy offseason for England's elite clubs.

Summer preparations were thrown into disarray by the World Cup, triggering a frantic wave of transfer activity as managers put the finishing touches on their squads.

Those teams have ventured across the globe on preseason tours, few of which passed without on-pitch stumbles, and several transfer storylines continue to hang over the upcoming campaign.

With that in mind, here's a yearbook-style rundown of the Premier League's offseason.

Most Improved Roster: Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham were in dire need of strengthening after narrowly avoiding relegation last season, and Roberto De Zerbi has been handed a wealth of new additions. Six fresh signings have been brought in, including three shrewd, budget-friendly free transfers in Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dúbravka.

Beyond that valuable injection of experience, Spurs have also been prepared to invest heavily in Premier League-tested talent. Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke have joined for a combined $317 million.

Squad upgrades should translate into a rapid improvement in form and results next season, particularly without European competition to contend with. Spurs will be hoping this marks the dawn of a new era under De Zerbi.

Honorable Mention: Ipswich Town

Most Likely to Succeed: Arsenal

It's Tottenham's north London rivals who look set for back-to-back championships, with Arsenal appearing a cut above the rest—demonstrated by last weekend's dominant 3–0 triumph over Manchester City in the Community Shield.

Their title-winning squad has been further strengthened by the arrival of Bruno Guimarães in midfield and the dynamic Christos Tzolis on the wing, with the possibility of further additions before the window closes on Sep. 1.

Arsenal's backline is rock solid, their midfield tireless and their attack formidable. At this moment, no one appears capable of stopping them.

Honorable Mention: Manchester City

Most Changed Roster: Chelsea

True to their nature, Chelsea have spent the summer as the transfer window's most active participants. They have brought in 11 players in total, mixing exciting young prospects with more seasoned options—and even two veterans in Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.

Their headline deal, however, is Morgan Rogers, who arrived for a club-record $157 million from Aston Villa. While the Blues may have overspent on the attacking midfielder, his quality when firing on all cylinders is undeniable.

There's also a change in the dugout. Xabi Alonso has taken the reins at Stamford Bridge and is expected to overhaul the team's shape and tactical identity, with a revamped system offering optimism heading into 2026–27.

Honorable Mentions: Ipswich Town, Coventry City

Biggest Slackers: Sunderland

It has been a subdued window for Sunderland and their fanbase. After investing heavily upon their Premier League return last summer and punching above their weight with a seventh-place finish, perhaps they are satisfied with what they have under the impressive Régis Le Bris.

Nevertheless, there are a couple of concerns. The Black Cats have only brought in the experienced Thomas Meunier at fullback, while a number of fringe players have been shown the door. With a Europa League campaign on the horizon, their thin numbers could become a problem.

Dishonorable Mention: Crystal Palace

Best Signing: Youri Tielemans

Manchester United have not been overly active in the market so far, but their acquisitions have been astute. Karl Darlow on a free makes perfect sense, Andrey Santos could prove a shrewd piece of business and Youri Tielemans—arguably the standout signing of the summer—offers outstanding value in the middle of the park.

The 29-year-old's vast experience and creative influence from a deep-lying position could be transformative for the Red Devils, particularly when facing stubborn defensive setups. At just $47 million, it's an easy decision.

Tielemans contributed 10 goals and 24 assists for Villa across his three seasons at the club and was Unai Emery's most relied-upon midfielder. He's a genuine game-changer, as United have already seen during preseason.

Honorable Mentions: Luka Vušković, Christos Tzolis, Jérémy Jacquet

Best Free Transfer: Harry Wilson

Leeds United will be delighted to have secured Harry Wilson at no cost whatsoever. The Welsh winger was frequently unplayable for Fulham last season, registering 10 goals and seven further assists in the Premier League.

The 29-year-old will be aiming to replicate those figures in Yorkshire, particularly with the in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin on hand to convert his dangerous deliveries into the box.

Wilson could prove to be one of the summer's most valuable acquisitions.

Honorable Mentions: Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson

Worst Preseason Performance: Newcastle United

It has been a turbulent summer at Newcastle United. Eddie Howe has left the club, several transfer targets have been snapped up by rivals and there has been a significant departure of key players—Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon have all said their goodbyes to St James' Park.

Matthias Jaissle has been entrusted with steadying the ship, but Newcastle's preseason displays suggest the road ahead may be bumpy.

The Magpies have managed just one win from six preseason friendlies, opening with a draw against Gateshead and a 4–1 defeat to second-tier Bristol City. After a 2–1 victory over Valencia, they fell to Everton and Bayer Leverkusen before sharing the spoils with Strasbourg.

Dishonorable Mentions: Aston Villa, Crystal Palace