Lauren Hemp, the 23-year old winger has extended her contract with Manchester City till 2027 on Friday. Though, there were rumours of her signing with FC Barcelona Femeni, the Lioness star decided to stay with the Blues for another three years.
Even at a young age, Hemp has been an absolute star for Gareth Taylor’s team, scoring 65 goals in 157 appearances for Manchester City. Moreover, she has won 4 Major trophies for them as well. The winger while featuring for Manchester City has been named PFA Young Player of the Year four times and included in the PFA WSL Teams of the Season twice.
The current European Champions FC Barcelona already have England stars Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze in their squad and adding Lauren Hemp to that squad was their plan for the next season. However, Hemp, whose contract with City would have ended at the end of the season, decided to stay with the English club.
“This is a special team. I want to take my game to the next level, and I feel like I’m capable of doing that here. The WSL is the best league to be in," Hemp said after signing for the WSL team.
“I feel at home here in Manchester. With the squad we have here, we are always learning and it’s so special to be involved at a Club where we’re capable of achieving anything.
“I’m so passionate about this Club and there’s no place I’d rather be. I’m very excited to keep this journey going for the next few years,” she added.
"The growth she has shown has been incredible"
Speaking about Hemp, the Manchester City women's coach Gareth Taylor said, “Lauren is an outstanding player and I’m looking forward to continuing the journey we started together four years ago.
“The growth she has shown has been incredible, and we know that she will continue to bring great things to the team for the next three years.
“There’s so much more to come and we’re really pleased that Lauren has extended her stay with the Club.”
Lauren Hemp's records for City
Though only 23, Hemp had a solid impact on Manchester City's progress in recent years.
With 157 appearances, she is the sixth on the list of players with most matches for Manchester City.
With 65 goals, she is now the club's third-highest goal scorer.
Four-time PFA Young Player of the Year award winner
Man City’s 2021-22 Player of the Season
15 goal contributions in this WSL season
Hemp has already scored 9 times and assisted 6 times for Manchester City in this Women's Super League 2023-24 season. She is one of the main reasons why City is leading the points table and charging for that WSL title this season.
Most English Top Flight Titles: Liverpool equal with United
With their 20th top-flight title, Liverpool FC have now equalled Manchester United for the record of most English top flight titles. Here are the other teams on the list.
With their 20th top-flight title, Liverpool FC have now equalled Manchester United for the record of most English top flight titles. Through the eras of English football, Manchester United and Liverpool FC have made themselves one of the most successful clubs in the league's history.
Founded in 1888, the English Football League started as the Football League, the oldest football league in the world. In 1892, the Football League First Division kicked off and continued till 1991 as the top flight football league in England.
Later, in 1992, the Premier League was created and replaced the Football League First Division as the top flight football league in England.
In this article, we will discuss all the teams with the most titles in England's top flight football. Till now, 24 clubs have been able to lift the top flight title.
10. Sheffield United, West Bromwich Albion, Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest, Leicester City | 1 title
Leicester City won the Premier League title in 2015-16 season.
Sheffield United, West Bromwich Albion, Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest and Leicester City have been crowned the champions of English football once. Sheffield United won the league in 1897–98, the tenth season of the Football League First Division. Since then, they have roamed between the first division and second division leagues.
West Bromwich Albion won the league in 1919–20, right after the First World War. Ipswich Town won the competition in 1961–62, while Nottingham Forest won in 1977–78.
Leicester City are the only team to win the league in the Premier League when they lifted the Premier League in a miraculous 2015–16 season.
9. Preston North End, Burnley, Portsmouth, Tottenham Hotspur, Derby County | 2 titles
Preston North End, the first ever champion of the Football League, won the title in back-to-back seasons. This made them the first ever team to win a football league and also defend it. They won the league in the 1888–89 and 1889–90 seasons. Preston now plays in the EFL Championship.
Burnley, who recently got promoted to the Premier League this season, won the league twice in the 1920–21 and 1959–60 seasons. Portsmouth won the title first time in the 1948-49 season and then defended the crown in the next season as well.
Spurs, one of the big six of English football, won the league in the 1950–51, 1960–61 seasons. Since then, they have not been able to win the league again. Derby County won the title in the 1971–72 and 1974–75 seasons.
Blackburn Rovers, one of the founding members of the Football League, won the league twice in the 1911–12 and 1913–14 seasons. Then, they were crowned the Premier League champions in 1994–95, when Alan Shearer brought them to glory with 34 goals. But in the next season, they were relegated to the second division.
Huddersfield Town were one of the stronger teams in English football, winning the First Division in three back-to-back seasons in 1923–24, 1924–25 and 1925–26. But, after many promotions and relegations, they now play in the third division in England.
Wolves, who are now competing in the Premier League, won the first-division title in the 1953–54, 1957–58, and 1958–59 seasons.
Leeds United, who also won promotion to the Premier League, won the first division in 1968–69, 1973–74, and 1991–92 seasons. They were the last champions of the Football League First Division before the Premier League took over.
7. Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle United | 4 titles
Sheffield Wednesday, the second-oldest professional association football club in England, have won the league four times and are one of the most successful clubs in English football. They won the league in the 1902–03, 1903–04, 1928–29, and 1929–30 seasons.
Newcastle United, one of the biggest names in English football, have spent 93 years in the top tier of English football. They and Sheffield Wednesday won the league in back-to-back seasons. Newcastle won in 1904–05, 1906–07, 1908–09, 1926–27.
6. Sunderland, Chelsea FC | 6 titles
Chelsea FC won their 6th top flight title in 2016-17 season.
Newcastle United's arch-rival, Sunderland, are one of the most underrated teams in tournament history. They were also the first winners of the Football League First Division in the 1892 season. Nicknamed Black Cats, they won the First Division titles in 1891–92, 1892–93, 1894–95, 1901–02, 1912–13, 1935–36.
Chelsea, one of the most prominent names in European football. Before the Premier League era started, Chelsea had only won the First Division league once in the 1954–55 season. But, after Roman Abramovich's takeover, Chelsea evolved as one of the strongest teams in the Premeier League.
In the Premier League era, they won the title in 2004–05, 2005–06, 2009–10, 2014–15, and 2016–17.
Although they have not won the league title in the Premier League era, Aston Villa are still one of the most successful clubs in England's top-tier football. In fact, it was William McGregor, the Aston Villa director, who founded the Football League in 1888, which was the World's First Football League as mentioned earlier.
Not only that, George Ramsay, who was Villa manager in 1886, was the world's first professional football manager.
With 7 titles in 1893–94, 1895–96, 1896–97, 1898–99, 1899–1900, 1909–10, and 1980–81, they still remain one of the oldest clubs to remain in the top-flight football.
4. Everton | 9 titles
Everton team with 1986-87 English First Division League.
Another club with great history and culture that lost the battle in modern football. Although Everton have stayed in the First Division of Football for more than 122 years now, is one of the three clubs to be a founding member of the Football League and Premier League.
Everton won the First Division titles in 1890–91, 1914–15, 1927–28, 1931–32, 1938–39, 1962–63, 1969–70, 1984–85, and 1986–87 seasons. This makes them the club with the fourth most English Top Flight titles.
3. Manchester City | 10 titles
Manchester City with their Premier League title in 2023-24 season.
Since then, they have won 6 Premier League titles, out of which four came in consecutive seasons from 2020 to 2024, which is a record in English top flight football. Before Pep Guardiola, it was Roberto Mancini, who led them to Premier League success in the 2011-12 season, the club's first league title in 45 years.
Till now, Manchester City have won 10 titles in top-flight English football. Their success came in 1936–37, 1967–68, 2011–12, 2013–14, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, and 2023–24.
Arsenal squad with their 2003-04 Premier League title.
One of the most loved and historical clubs in England, Arsenal, comes in the list as the third club with the most English top-flight titles. They were the second most successful club in the top flight before Manchester United went past them in the Premier League era.
From 1931 to 1938, they won the First Division League five times in 8 seasons, which made them one of the most loved and feared clubs in England. In the Premier League era, they won the league three times in 1997–98, 2001–02, and 2003–04.
Arsenal were crowned the champions of England in 1930–31, 1932–33, 1933–34, 1934–35, 1937–38, 1947–48, 1952–53, 1970–71, 1988–89, 1990–91, 1997–98, 2001–02, 2003–04.
Liverpool FC after wining the 2024-25 Premier League title.
After Liverpool FC's success in the Premier League 2024-25, they have now equalled Manchester United's record for most English Top Flight titles with 20 titles.
Both Liverpool and Manchester United are among the most popular football teams in World football. Liverpool were ahead of Manchester United in terms of top-flight titles, but Manchester United's resurgence under Sir Alex Ferguson left them behind.
Manchester United with their Premier League title in 2012-13 season.
In the Premier League era, Manchester United won the most titles. Their 13 Premier League titles are yet to be matched by any club, although they won the league title last time in the 2012-13 season.
Meantime, in the Premier League era, Liverpool have only won the league title twice, in the 2019-20 and 2024-25 seasons.
Manchester United have won the league in 1907–08, 1910–11, 1951–52, 1955–56, 1956–57, 1964–65, 1966–67, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13.
Meantime, Liverpool FC won the league in 1900–01, 1905–06, 1921–22, 1922–23, 1946–47, 1963–64, 1965–66, 1972–73, 1975–76, 1976–77, 1978–79, 1979–80, 1981–82, 1982–83,1983–84, 1985–86, 1987–88, 1989–90, 2019–20, 2024–25.
As Liverpool FC won their second title of the Premier League era, let's look at the clubs with the most Premier League titles in the history of English Football.
Premier League, also known as the English Premier League, is a top-tier football league in England. This league consists of 20 teams in a league system with a relegation and promotion system to/from the English Championship.
Each team plays 38 matches against every other team, 19 at home and away. The seasons generally start in August and run till May. The Premier League is the most-watched sports league globally and is broadcast in over 200 territories with an average number of viewers of 4.7 billion.
As Liverpool FC won their second title of the Premier League era, we will look at the clubs with the most Premier League titles in the history of English Football.
The Football League First Division was the top-tier football league in England from 1888. But in the post-1970s and early 1980s, the league started to reach a low point with incidents like the 1985 Heysel Stadium disaster, which banned them from UEFA Competitions for five years.
But after England reached the 1990 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, the downward trend started to reverse. The stadium started to get filled, and the Taylor Report on stadium safety standards also helped clubs to create better standard stadiums.
After a dispute over TV rights and maximising the club revenue, the big five clubs, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, and Arsenal, opted to come out of the Football League First Division and create another league.
At the close of the 1990-91 season, the FA Premier League was formed, and from 1992-93 the Premier League era started with 22 teams. Manchester United were the first Premier League champions and went on to win seven of the first nine trophies.
Who has won the most Premier League titles?
Till now, 51 teams have played in the Premier League since the tournament was rebranded in 1992. 7 teams have successfully won the Premier League title.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham are considered the 'Big Six' in the Premier League. Unfortunately, Tottenham haven't lifted any major title in their history, but still, they go toe to toe with every club and take part in the title race.
Manchester United, with 13 Premier League titles since 1992, are the most successful club in the Premier League era.
Most Premier League titles won by the clubs
Manchester United- 13
Manchester City- 8
Chelsea - 5
Arsenal- 3
Liverpool- 2
Blackburn Rovers - 1
Leicester City -1
Most Premier League Titles
7. Leicester City - 1 title
Leicester City won the Premier League title in the 2015-16 season | Image: Sky Sports
In the 2015-16 Premier League season, Leicester City won the title in the Premier League. They were considered to be an underdog before but they overcame the rough phase and won the Premier League title in the club's 132-year history.
Striker Jamie Vardy broke the record for consecutive games with a goal in the Premier League (11). Meanwhile, Riyad Mahrez became both the first African and Algerian player to be the recipient of the PFA Players' Player of the Year.
Blackburn won the title in the 1994-95 season | Image: Reuters
Blackburn Rovers was one of the 22 founding members of the Premier League era. They won the Premier League a long time ago in the 1994-95 season. Alan Shearer, with 34 goals for them, was the top scorer of the season. However, they were relegated in the 1998–99 season, becoming one of the 42 teams that were relegated as the Premier League champions.
Right after two seasons, they were promoted again in the 2000-01 season, but they were relegated yet once again, and that too in the same season. Unfortunately, they have not returned to the Premier League since then.
5. Liverpool FC - 2 titles
Liverpool FC after winning the Premier League 2024-25 title. Image | Liverpool FC
The Anfield Giants are one of the most popular English Clubs. Midfield maestros Steven Gerrard and William Shankly were a few of the legends that the club produced.
However, Liverpool had to wait for 30 years for their first-ever Premier League title. The club won the Premier League once in 2019-20 under German tactician Jurgen Klopp. That was Liverpool's nineteenth overall title in England's top-tier football.
Mohamed Salah, with 19 goals, was one of the star performers for the Reds in that season.
As their most recent league success, Liverpool won the Premier League 2024-25 title with 4 games to go in the season. Arne Slot's first season as the Liverpool manager gave them their 20th Title in the top flight and 2nd in the Premier League era.
Mohamed Salah again played a pivotal role in their success with 28 goals and counting.
4. Arsenal FC - 3 titles
Arsenal won the 2003-04 title as Invincibles | Image: Getty
The London Giants Arsenal are one of the most famous football clubs on planet earth. They have won the title 3 times in the years 1997-98, 2001-02, and 2003-04.
They were the first club to create Premier League history by maintaining a 38-game unbeaten streak to win the title in 2003-04.
In domestic football, Arsenal has won 13 league titles, a record 14 FA Cups, two League Cups, and 17 FA Community Shields, but they haven't won a single European title yet.
Chelsea won their first Premier League title under Jose Mourinho in 2004-05 season | Image: Chelsea
Another London club, Chelsea, is on this list, and there is no doubt why they are the best London Club in the Premier League. They won the title 5 times in the years 2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10, 2014-15, and 2016-17.
The Blues won their first Premier League title under the 'Special One'Jose Mourinho, who completely changed the face of this London Club alongside Roman Abramovich, who was the Chelsea owner at that time.
They have also won the Champions League 2 times, alongside 2 Europa League titles.
2. Manchester City - 8 titles
City players celebrating their sixth title in seven seaons.
Manchester City, the Blue side of Manchester, are the reigning champions of England and Europe. This team have won the title 7 times in the years 2011-12, 2013-14, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24.
In the 2023-24 season, Manchester City became the first club to win the Premier League for a record fourth consecutive season. No side in English football history had ever won the top-flight more than three years back-to-back.
They are the second Club after Manchester United to complete the three-pit in the Premier League and win the European treble.
The club has won nine league titles, seven FA Cups, eight League Cups, six FA Community Shields, one UEFA Champions League, one European Cup Winners' Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup.
Manchester United are the most successful club in the Premier League era | Image: X
The team with the most Premier League Titles is Manchester United, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester. They are the most successful team in the English Premier League and also the most famous English Club on the Entire Planet. United were also the first-ever team to win the Premier League.
They were the first English club to ever win the European treble, and that remained a record until Manchester City finally matched it in the 2022-23 season. Manchester United won the titles in 1992-93, 1993-94, 1995-96, 1996-97, 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2002-03, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2010-11, and 2012-13.
They have also won the most number of trophies in England, and that happened because of the Scottish manager Sir Alex Ferguson. He managed Manchester United from 1986 to 2013. Sir Alex is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time and has won more trophies than any other manager in the history of football
Last season, Real Madrid went on to win the UEFA Champions League for a record 15th time. As we inch closer to this season's final, we take a look at the Champions League winners list since 1956.
The Champions League was earlier called the European Cup, and it started in 1955, and the first winner was Real Madrid. For the next 5 years, Real Madrid did not let anyone get close to the trophy.
Since then, 23 teams have won the glory, with Manchester City being the most recent one. As we get close to another UEFA Champions League final, we take a look at the Champions League winners list since 1965.
Real Madrid with their 15th UCL title in 2023-24 season.
The Champions League winners list since 1955/56 is:
1956 - Real Madrid 1957 - Real Madrid 1958 - Real Madrid 1959 - Real Madrid 1960 - Real Madrid 1961 - Benfica 1962 - Benfica 1963 - AC Milan 1964 - Inter Milan 1965 - Inter Milan 1966 - Real Madrid 1967 - Celtic 1968 - Manchester United 1969- AC Milan 1970- Feyenoord 1971 - Ajax 1972 - Ajax 1973 - Ajax 1974 - Bayern 1975 - Bayern 1976 - Bayern 1977 - Liverpool 1978 - Liverpool 1979 - Nottingham Forest 1980 - Nottingham Forest 1981 - Liverpool 1982 - Aston Villa 1983 - Hamburger SV| 1984 - Liverpool 1985 - Juventus FC 1986 - Steaua București 1987 - FC Porto 1988 - PSV 1989 - AC Milan 1990 - AC Milan 1991 - Red Star Belgrade 1992 - Barcelona 1993 - Olympique de Marseille 1994 - AC Milan 1995 - Ajax 1996 - Juventus FC 1997 - Borussia Dortmund 1998 - Real Madrid 1999 - Manchester United 2000 - Real Madrid 2001 - Bayern 2002 - Real Madrid 2003 - AC Milan 2004 - Porto 2005 - Liverpool 2006 - Barcelona 2007 - AC Milan 2008 - Manchester United 2009 - Barcelona 2010 - Inter Milan 2011 - Barcelona 2012 - Chelsea FC 2013 - Bayern Munich 2014 - Real Madrid 2015 - Barcelona 2016 - Real Madrid 2017 - Real Madrid 2018 - Real Madrid 2019 - Liverpool 2020 - Bayern Munich 2021 - Chelsea FC 2022 - Real Madrid 2023 - Manchester City 2024 - Real Madrid
Let's have a look at the teams with the most trophies since 1955/56:
Real Madrid x 15 AC Milan x 7 Bayern x 6 Liverpool FC x 6 FC Barcelona x 5 Ajax x 4 Inter x 3 Manchester United x 3 Juventus x 2 Benfica x 2 Nottingham Forest x 2 Porto x 2 Chelsea x 3 Celtic x 1 Hamburger SV x 1 Steaua București x 1 Olympique de Marseille x 1 Borussia Dortmund x 1 Feyenoord x 1 Aston Villa x 1 PSV x 1 Red Star Belgrade x 1 Manchester City x 1
Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit
With Trent Alexander-Arnold reportedly getting closer to leaving Liverpool and joining Real Madrid on a free transfer, we explore the biggest free transfer exit for each of the 20 Premier League sides.
There have been a few massive Bosman moves over the years, and Alexander-Arnold would be the biggest ever to leave a Premier League club. Also, If he actually pens down to a move to Los Blancos, he would definitely replace an old teammate as the biggest in the Reds' Premier League record.
In this article, we explore the biggest free transfer exits for each of the 20 Premier League clubs.
Following eight long years at the North London club, Aaron Ramsey departed Arsenal on a free transfer in July 2019 to sign for Juventus.
Ramsey's departure was disappointing but no one could question him; the wages Juventus offered him were astronomical.
Aston Villa: Thomas Hitzlsperger
(Image Source | X)
Thomas Hitzlsperger, renowned as 'Der Hammer', departed Aston Villa to change sides with VfB Stuttgart in July 2005 on a free transfer.
However, he returned to England five years later, signing with West Ham United in July 2010 and spending most of 2012/13 at Everton.
Bournemouth: Jefferson Lerma
(Image Source | X)
Even though Lerma's exit was hardly convenient for Bournemouth in the build-up to returning to the top flight, it was a huge loss for them.
He was a key figure in the Cherries' midfield and has proved to be an inspirational free transfer recruit for Crystal Palace in July 2023.
Brentford: Christian Eriksen
(Image Source | X)
The former Tottenham Hotspur midfield maestro was forced out of Serie A following his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 and Brentford gave him a return to the Premier League, which was absolutely ideal in all respects.
Though he was desperate to retain him beyond the six-month deal he signed in January 2022, Brentford were unable to persuade Eriksen to put pen to paper, and the midfielder joined Manchester United.
Brighton: Jose Izquierdo
(Image Source | X)
Jose Izquierdo departed Brighton to join Club Brugge in the Summer of 2021 on a free transfer.
The Colombian winger's stay in Belgium, however, was brief, as he retired in 2022 soon after being released by Brugge.
Chelsea: Antonio Rudiger
(Image Source | X)
Thiago Silva, Andreas Christensen, Willian, Joe Cole, Michael Ballack, N'Golo Kante, Hernan Crespo, Nicolas Anelka, Andriy Shevchenko… Chelsea have a long list in this context to choose from.
Missing out on a top Antonio Rudiger would have hurt, though. The German centre-back was at Stamford Bridge for five years before he was roped in by Real Madrid in the Summer of 2022.
Crystal Palace: Wilfried Zaha
(Image Source | X)
Zaha is undoubtedly Palace's all-time best player. He departed when his deal ran out in the summer of 2023, signing for Turkish giants Galatasaray in a bold switch for Champions League action.
After years of transfer rumors that had him joining Arsenal, Zaha failed to sparkle in Turkey and was sent out on loan to French club Lyon after one season. That did not quite work out either, and he is now playing for Charlotte FC in the MLS.
Everton: Wayne Rooney
(Image Source | X)
Not the first time, as that was for a transfer fee, but the second time, Wayne Rooney departed Everton is likely their biggest Bosman loss of the Premier League era.
Rooney netted a staggering ten goals in 30 league games in 2017/18. His departure from Goodison Park was not only felt, but his arrival in America to play for D.C. United was shocking as well.
Fulham: Tosin Adarabioyo
(Image Source | X)
Fulham messed up by allowing Moussa Dembele to move to Celtic, but that is a regret rather than a huge transfer. Tosin Adarabioyo departed the Cottagers for London rivals Chelsea in the summer of last year, during his peak years.
Ipswich: Sylvain Legwinski
(Image Source | X)
Sylvain Legwinski, a former French midfielder, left Ipswich Town following the 2007/08 season and did not join a club until April of the following year before having a couple of months at St. Neots Town.
Leicester City: Youri Tielemans
(Image Source | X)
Caglar Soyuncu was a tragic loss, but nothing is close to Tielemans' departure at the end of the 2022/23 season.
The Belgian departed a club legend, having left with his FA Cup final goal in 2021. He was reportedly linked to Arsenal for ages before ending up with Aston Villa. Having had a struggling first year with Unai Emery, Tielemans is once again one of the top midfielders in the Premier League.
Liverpool: Georginio Wijnaldum
(Image Source | X)
Liverpool lost Wijnaldum to Paris Saint-Germain in a 2021 summer transfer window that also saw the signings of Lionel Messi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Sergio Ramos. It is little wonder that Wijnaldum's signing was overshadowed.
Manchester City: Ilkay Gundogan
(Image Source | X)
Alongside Erling Haaland and KDB, Gundogan was likely City's most crucial player in their Treble-winning 2022/23 season, with his final task as City captain being to hold aloft the Champions League trophy.
But after a year at his dream destination, Barcelona, the German midfielder renewed his connection to City, signing for the club in 2024.
Manchester United: Paul Pogba
(Image Source | X)
Pogba's experience at Manchester United was marred by debate. On His Day, he was a world beater. For the Red Devils' misfortune, he was quite literally only ever On His Day for France.
The best part of it all is that Man United let Pogba join Juventus for nothing in 2012, re-signed him for a world-record £89 million four years later, and then let him join Juventus for another free transfer in 2022.
Newcastle United: Jonas Gutierrez
(Image Source | X)
Gutierrez's departure in 2015 was typical of what Newcastle were like under Mike Ashley's ownership.
The Argentine preserved the Magpies in the Premier League after returning to the squad after suffering from cancer and wound up being let go over the telephone by John Carver.
Nottingham Forest: Stuart Pearce
(Image Source | X)
Following being at the club for 12 years, Pearce left on a Bosman move in 1997.
It was a miserable last season for Pearce, who took caretaker player-manager duties after Frank Clark's resignation. The job eventually shared with Dave Bassett, Forest slipped and a 35-year-old Pearce desired to be released, whereupon he became Newcastle United.
Southampton: Stuart Armstrong
(Image Source | X)
Stuart Armstrong departed from Southampton on a free transfer in September 2024 and signed for the Vancouver Whitecaps.
His contract at Southampton had run out at an earlier stage that summer. He was then signed as a Designated Player by the Whitecaps.
Tottenham Hotspur: Sol Campbell
(Image Source | X)
The greatest free transfer in Premier League history. The 'Big Sol' called an unexpected press conference, revealing his incredible transfer from Spurs to Arsenal in 2001, leaving everyone in sheer shock.
Campbell had already informed fans that he was remaining but rejected the opportunity to become the Spurs' best-paid player to achieve his ambition of playing in the Champions League. There was nothing to suggest Arsenal were even in the running for his signature, but stunned reporters watched the sensational and iconic unveiling.
Campbell went on to become an Arsenal legend and an integral part of the Arsenal Invicibles.
West Ham: Ben Johnson
(Image Source | X)
West Ham lost their academy gem, defender Ben Johnson, to Ipswich Town on a free transfer in July 2024.
Wolves: Adama Traore
(Image Source | X)
The Adama's future was the subject for ages' worth of talk. Spurs were in the running for a while, and most expected a switch to a big club when his Wolves deal ran out in 2023. Unfortunately, he signed for Fulham.
Wolves might have received a reasonable price for the Spanish midfielder but were unfortunate to lose him on a free transfer.
Manchester City trigger Gundogan Contract Extension amid De Bruyne departure
Manchester City has activated the clause to extend midfielder Ilkay Gundogan's contract by one more year at the club following De Bruyne's announcement to leave the club at the end of the season.
One of the Premier League's greats, De Bruyne, made an emotional post on social media on the 4th of April, announcing his plans to depart from City after a glorious decade which included winning various trophies. The Belgian midfielder now has new options in mind, with the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer (MLS) as possible destinations.
𝘽𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙆𝙄𝙉𝙂: Ilkay Gundogan’s one-year contract extension at #ManCity has been triggered. 🚨‼️
Pep Guardiola: “What’s going to happen I don’t know, but he has one more year contract now.” ❗️
Although De Bruyne's contract will expire this summer, he is not the only one who will experience a change. City intends to rejuvenate their squad after hiring several young talents in the January window. Nevertheless, in a contrasting action, Gundogan has won an extension at the club.
Gundogan will stay at Manchester City until 2026
(Image Source | Ilkay Gundogan on X)
Gundogan, who had played a central part in City's treble triumph in the 2022-23 season, had come back to Manchester following a season at FC Barcelona, signing for the Catalan club on a free transfer. He was not initially thought to feature as a main starter in his second spell at City.
However, following injuries to senior players, Gundogan has filled a bigger-than-anticipated role, playing 43 games across all competitions and recording more than 2700 minutes on the field.
Ilkay Gundogan: “He’s irreplaceable, what Kevin has done for the club is unbelievable. I think in the history of #ManCity, for me personally, there’s no better player than Kevin De Bruyne!
It was a pleasure for me to share the pitch with him for such a long time and seeing him… pic.twitter.com/YN8kl4Wth0
Gundogan, who has just turned 34, has now played more minutes than almost all of his teammates, except Josko Gvardiol. His regular performance and crucial contribution have earned him an automatic contract extension for one more season.
Pep Guardiola. (Image Source | X)
Guardiola affirmed Gundogan's contract status at a recent press conference, saying:
He has one more year contract, definitely. What’s going to happen in the summer, I don't know, but he has one more year contract now. The Gundo from Leicester, the Gundo from Bournemouth, the Gundo from today against Crystal Palace is the Gundo I remember, when we won the Treble and Quadruple and he was an important player. His activity, pace, and defensive intelligence have been massive for us. When the team plays well, the individuals rise. In modern football, you simply can’t do it any other way.
Even with this good news, Gundogan may still leave City again, with Galatasaray evidently showing great interest. If that happens, interested parties will need to present a transfer fee.
Despite being considered a City legend, Gundogan has struggled with his fitness and pace at times, citing a big difference on his return to the Premier League.
Guardiola himself admitted Gundogan's shortcomings by saying he doesn't "have the legs to run 40m", but now the German midfielder appears to be staying at the Etihad until 2026.