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Mike Dean set to end 28-year career as a professional official

Mike Dean, 55, became a dedicated Premier League video assistant referee last season after hanging up his whistle at the end of 2022.

Jul 15, 2023, 11:52 PMβ€’3 min read

Mike Dean set to end 28-year career as a professional official

Mike Dean, 55, became a dedicated Premier League video assistant referee last season after hanging up his whistle at the end of the 2021-22 campaign.

He began officiating in 1985 and progressed from refereeing in the Football League 10 years later to Premier League officiating in 2000.

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) say Dean will leave the organisation this summer.

Dean refereed over 550 matches in the top flight and he took charge of the FA Cup and League Cup finals at Wembley in 2008 and 2011 respectively.

Mike Dean is set to stand down from his position as a dedicated VAR - ending his legendary officiating career.

Dean, 55, had been named as a dedicated video assistant referee at the start of last season, after calling time on his on-field career. But the Telegraph report that after honest talks with chief of referees Howard Webb, it has been decided he is 'unsuited' to the role.

He was one of two officials exclusively tasked with working at Stockley Park, but struggled to make the transition and hadn't officiated a game since February. As a Premier League referee Dean took charge of more than 500 games and remains infamous for his unique style.

Dean's swift departure marks the latest move no-nonsense Webb has made since being appointed head of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) – the body which oversees officiating. Last season saw several apologies made to clubs after mistakes, with Lee Mason - the other dedicated VAR - leaving his position in February.

His departure also signifies the latest step to overhaul the use of technology within British football, which continues to divide supporters, players and pundits. Webb is pushing hard to make the whole process more transparent by allowing conversations between officials to be made public.

"We made a commitment to be more transparent and we know and recognise that people want more information about refereeing processes - particularly with the advent of VAR," he explained during an appearance on Monday Night Football earlier this year.

He was also included in world governing body Fifa's list of match officials.

"PGMOL would like to place on record its recognition of Mike's achievements as well as his immense contribution to refereeing and the game as a whole," said the organisation.

"We thank him for his dedication to the organisation over a sustained period of time and wish him every success for the future."

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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.

Apr 27, 2025, 10:26 PMβ€’8 min read

Most English Top Flight Titles: Liverpool equal with United | sportzpoint.com

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

Most English Top Flight Titles: Sheffield United, West Bromwich Albion, Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest, Leicester City - 1 title | sportzpoint.com
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.

8. Blackburn Rovers, Huddersfield Town, Wolves, Leeds United | 3 titles

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.

Read Also | Leeds United and Burnley secure promotion to the Premier League - Latest football news

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

Most English Top Flight Titles: Sunderland, Chelsea FC - 6 titles | sportzpoint.com
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. 

Read Also | Terry, Gerrard, Vieira, Keane and Kompany: Ranking the Greatest Premier League Captains

5. Aston Villa | 7 titles

Most English Top Flight Titles: Aston Villa - 7 titles | sportzpoint.com
Aston Villa squad with the 1980-81 title. 

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

Most English Top Flight Titles: Everton - 9 titles | sportzpoint.com
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

Most English Top Flight Titles: Manchester City - 10 titles | sportzpoint.com
Manchester City with their Premier League title in 2023-24 season. 

Manchester City are the second most successful football club in the Premier League era. They have revolutionised modern football after Pep Guardiola took over the manager's role in 2016. 

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.

Read Also | Most Premier League Titles till 2025

2. Arsenal | 13 titles

Most English Top Flight Titles - Arsenal - 13 titles | sportzpoint.com
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.

In the 2003-04 season, they won the Premier League without losing a single game, which is still a record in England's top-flight football. 

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. 

Read Also | The Invincibles: 8 times a football team won their league undefeated

1. Manchester United, Liverpool FC | 20 titles

Most English Top Flight Titles: Liverpool equal with United | sportzpoint.com
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 are the team with most Premier League titles since 1992 | sportzpoint.com
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.

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Most Premier League titles as a player

Ryan Giggs played 25 years at Manchester United and won 13 Premier League titles with the club. Giggs is at the top of the list in terms of winning the most premier league titles as a player.

Apr 27, 2025, 5:05 PMβ€’6 min read

Ryan Giggs has won the most Premier League titles in the history of this competition | Image: Wikipedia

Premier League, also known as English Premier League, is the 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 19 at home and away. The seasons generally start in August and run till May. This 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.

The English Premier League is the most valuable sports league in the world, with a valuation of 4 billion pounds. This league also has a direct effect on the economy of England. Different regions have different clubs with private ownership.

The 2023-24 season came to an end with Manchester City winning their ninth league title. The players need to give their everything for an entire season to win the league, and those players become legends by doing such things. In this article, we'll have a look at the players with the most Premier League titles in the history of the competition.

Read Also: Most goals in Europe's Top Five Leagues in 2023/24 Season

Most Premier League titles as a player (Top Five)

1. Ryan Giggs (Manchester United) | 13 titles

Most Premier League titles: Ryan Giggs won thirteen Premier League titles
Ryan Giggs won thirteen Premier League titles | Image: X

It's a testament to Manchester United's dominance throughout the Premier League's history that every player on this top-five list was one of Sir Alex Ferguson's former stars. Ryan Giggs comes at the top of this list with a record 13 league titles.

The Manchester United legend spent 25 years at the club and made 963 appearances. He was never a star or anything. Giggs was like someone who always gave his everything for the badge. He broke numerous records at Old Trafford, and the fact that he's lifted the Premier League trophy more than anyone else, is what sets him apart from the rest.

2. Paul Scholes (Manchester United) | 11 titles

Most Premier League titles: Paul Scholes won eleven Premier League titles
Paul Scholes won eleven Premier League titles | Image: Getty

One of the greatest central midfielders in Premier League and European football history, Paul Scholes tasted so much success at Manchester United. The Englishman spent his entire career at Old Trafford and won a remarkable 11 Premier League titles under Sir Alex Ferguson.

He was a star player and often considered the best midfielder to ever play for Manchester United and in the Premier League. The debate over whether Scholes was better than Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard is still going on to date, but if anyone judges by the numbers, then Scholes is miles ahead.

3. Gary Neville (Manchester United) | 8 titles

Most Premier League titles: Gary Neville won eight Premier League titles
Gary Neville won eight Premier League titles | Image: Getty

Gary Neville spent his entire career as a first-team figure at Old Trafford and won plenty of silverware during that time.

The former England right-back saw the most success domestically, though, winning the Premier League eight times and he was also the skipper on most occasions. Neville is often considered one of the most underrated players to ever play for Manchester United and England.

4. Denis Irwin (Manchester United) | 7 titles

Most Premier League titles: Irwin won seven Premier League titles
Denis Irwin won seven Premier League titles | Image: X

Denis Irwin is another Manchester United great who won numerous silverware, including 7 Premier League titles at the club. Irwin is the joint-most successful Irish footballer in history, a record he shares with fellow Manchester United stalwart Roy Keane, having won 19 trophies in his career.

The left-back appeared in 529 games for the Red Devils and also scored 33 goals. Irwin brought the curtain down on a glittering 12 years against Charlton Athletic at Old Trafford in May 2002. He remains United’s second-most-decorated player, with 13 winners’ medals.

5. Roy Keane (Manchester United) | 7 titles

Most Premier League titles: Roy Keane won seven Premier League titles
Roy Keane won seven Premier League titles | Image: X

Interestingly, almost all of Roy Keane and Denis Irwin's success in the league came together, winning six of their seven titles alongside one another.

Sir Alex Ferguson labelled him the best he ever worked with, which speaks volumes. It is enough to consider Roy Keane as one of the greats of Manchester United. The way he led the team from the front, on and off the pitch, and the fact that more than 70k United and Celtic fans paid their tributes to him at his testimonial before he retired in June 2006, says everything.

He played 480 games for the Red Devils in his 12-year stay and won everything, including 7 Premier League titles.

Read Also: 2023-24 Men's Football League Winners of Europe's top five leagues

Most Premier League titles as a player (Top 20)

Player PL titles Club Country Seasons
Ryan Giggs 13 Manchester United Wales 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
Paul Scholes 11 Manchester United England 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13
Gary Neville 8 Manchester United England 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2008–09
Denis Irwin 7 Manchester United Republic of Ireland 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01
Roy Keane 7 Manchester United Republic of Ireland 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03
David Beckham 6 Manchester United England 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03
Nicky Butt 6 Manchester United England 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03
Phil Neville 6 Manchester United England 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03
Ole Gunnar SolskjΓ¦r 6 Manchester United Norway 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07
Rio Ferdinand 6 Manchester United England 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13
Kevin De Bruyne 6 Manchester City Belgium 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023-24
Ederson 6 Manchester City Brazil 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023-24
Phil Foden 6 Manchester City England 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023-24
Bernardo Silva 6 Manchester City Portugal 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023-24
John Stones 6 Manchester City England 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023-24
Kyle Walker 6 Manchester City England 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023-24
Peter Schmeichel 5 Manchester United Denmark 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99
Andy Cole 5 Manchester United England 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01
Wes Brown 5 Manchester United England 1998–99, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08
John O'Shea 5 Manchester United England 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11
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Leeds United and Burnley secure promotion to the Premier League - Latest football news

Leeds United and Burnley have secured promotion to the Premier League for the next season after confirming the top places in the EFL Championship this season.

Apr 21, 2025, 10:30 PMβ€’3 min read

Leeds United and Burnley secure promotion to the Premier League - Latest football news

Leeds United and Burnley have secured promotion to the Premier League for the next season after confirming the top places in the EFL Championship this season on Monday. 

Leeds, who last played in the Premier League in the 2022/23 season, will return to the top flight after beating Stoke City by 6-0. Joel Piroe scored four goals for Daniel Farke's Whites to have a chance to secure the automatic promotion. 

Read Also | 20 Biggest Premier League Wins in History

Leeds United and Burnley secure promotion to the Premier League - Latest football news

Piroe is now leading the race for the Championship Golden Boot with 19 goals, two ahead of his next competitor, Norwich City's Borja Sainz.

Burnley beat Sheffield United by 2-1

 Josh Brownhill's first-half brace was enough for Burnley to secure an easy 2-1 win over the Blades to secure a Premier League promotion | sportzpoint.com
Josh Brownhill's first-half brace was enough for Burnley to secure an easy 2-1 win over the Blades

But Leeds needed Sheffield United to drop points at Turf Moor against Burnley later. Josh Brownhill's first-half brace was enough for Burnley to secure an easy 2-1 win over the Blades as both Clarets and the Whites confirmed their Premier League return. 

Burnley (W19 D11) are now just the second team in Championship history to go 30 consecutive games without losing after Reading (33) between August 2005 and February 2006.

Scott Parker has secured promotion with a Championship side for the third time | sportzpoint.com

Burnley, who played in the Premier League in the 2023/24 season, will return to the Premier League after a gap of one season. This means that this would be the third time Burnley head coach Scott Parker has secured promotion with a Championship side. Parker had taken Fulham to the Premier League in 2019/20 and AFC Bournemouth in 2021/22.

With Leeds' promotion, the Premier League will see the return of Daniel Farke, who coached Norwich City for 49 games in the top flight in two stints in 2018/19 and 2020/21.

Read Also | 15 most successful football clubs in England

Championship points table with two matches to go

Position Team Matches Played Goal Difference Points
1 Leeds United (P) 44 +60 94
2 Burnley (P) 44 +46 94
3 Sheffield United 44 +25 86
4 Sunderland 44 +17 76
5 Bristol City 44 +8 67
6 Coventry City 44 +5 66
7 Middlesbrough 44 +10 63
8 Millwall 44 -1 63
9 Blackburn Rovers 44 +4 62

Which other team can get the promotion?

Teams finishing third to sixth in the Championship points table will compete in the playoffs, before the mega final at Wembley Stadium. The winner of the final will finish in third place to earn a promotion to the Premier League alongside Leeds United and Burnley FC.

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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.

Apr 14, 2025, 11:56 AMβ€’7 min read

Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Reuters)

Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly set to leave Liverpool to join Real Madrid after his contract expires at the end of the season.

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.

Read Also | Trent to Real Madrid: Is it a done deal? Or is It just another rumor spreading?

Arsenal: Aaron Ramsey

Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit-sportzpoint.com
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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

Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit-sportzpoint.com
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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

Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit-sportzpoint.com
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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

Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit-sportzpoint.com
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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

Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit-sportzpoint.com
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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

Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit-sportzpoint.com
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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

Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit-sportzpoint.com
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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

Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit-sportzpoint.com
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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

Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit-sportzpoint.com
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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

Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit-sportzpoint.com
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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

Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit-sportzpoint.com
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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

Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit-sportzpoint.com
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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

Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit-sportzpoint.com
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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

Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit-sportzpoint.com
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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 Β£89 million four years later, and then let him join Juventus for another free transfer in 2022.

Newcastle United: Jonas Gutierrez

Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit-sportzpoint.com
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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

Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit-sportzpoint.com
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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

Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit-sportzpoint.com
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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

Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit-sportzpoint.com
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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

Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit-sportzpoint.com
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West Ham lost their academy gem, defender Ben Johnson, to Ipswich Town on a free transfer in July 2024.

Wolves: Adama Traore

Every Premier League club’s biggest Free Transfer Exit-sportzpoint.com
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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.

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Fewest games to reach 100 Premier League assists: Kevin De Bruyne leaves on a high note

In this article, we explore the footballers who needed the fewest games to reach 100 Premier League assists, as Kevin De Bruyne tops the list with 237 games.

Apr 5, 2025, 10:30 AMβ€’4 min read

Fewest games to reach 100 Premier League assists: Kevin De Bruyne leaves on a high note-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Manchester City)

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has announced his decision to leave the club at the end of the 2024-25 season. The Belgian midfield maestro joined the Blue side of Manchester in 2015 and went on to mark a glittering 10-year career with the club, winning numerous personal and team accolades.

The 33-year-old midfielder has accumulated a total of 118 assists in his Premier League career across two spells with Manchester City and Chelsea, having tallied 280 appearances.

However, Kevin De Bruyne is the fastest player to register 100 assists in the Premier League, having played the fewest games among the footballers who have reached this milestone.

Here are the footballers who needed the fewest games to reach 100 Premier League assists.

Fewest games to reach 100 Premier League assists

237 - Kevin De Bruyne*

Fewest games to reach 100 Premier League assists: Kevin De Bruyne leaves on a high note-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Manchester City)

Kevin de Bruyne reached the 100-assist milestone in the Premier League in just 237 games, leaving behind some legendary figures who made it to this mark.

City's legendary midfielder registered his 100th assist in the competition on 8 April 2023 in Man City's 4-1 away win against Southampton. He also became the fifth player to bag a hundred assists in Premier League history.

De Bruyne has a total of 118 assists in his Premier League career, spanning 280 games for Chelsea and Manchester City, which is also the second-most PL assists of all time.

Read Also | Most Premier League Assists in a Season

293 - Cesc Fabregas

Fewest games to reach 100 Premier League assists: Kevin De Bruyne leaves on a high note-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Chelsea)

Cesc Fabregas, the Spanish midfield wizard, bagged a total of 111 assists across his 350 appearances for Arsenal and Chelsea in the Premier League.

Fabregas, now retired, earned his 100th Premier League assist on 31 December 2016, in his 293rd appearance in Chelsea's 4–2 home victory over Stoke City.

Febregas is also the third player on the list who has the most assists in Premier League history, while 70 of these came at Arsenal, with the other 41 coming in a Chelsea shirt.

367 - Ryan Giggs

Fewest games to reach 100 Premier League assists: Kevin De Bruyne leaves on a high note-sportzpoint.com
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Ryan Giggs, the legendary Manchester United winger, tops the list for the most assists in Premier League history with a staggering 162 assists in 632 appearances, which is also the third-most PL appearances in history.

The Welsh legend took 367 games to reach the 100-assist milestone, having spent almost 25 years at Old Trafford before retiring in 2014.

Giggs is also the most decorated footballer in English football history, winning a record 34 trophies with Manchester United.

445 - Wayne Rooney

Fewest games to reach 100 Premier League assists: Kevin De Bruyne leaves on a high note-sportzpoint.com
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Wayne Rooney is another Manchester United legend who made it to this list, having bagged a total of 103 assists in the Premier League in 491 appearances across Manchester United and Everton.

The English football legend achieved his 100th Premier League assist on November 6, 2016, during Man United's 3-1 away victory against Swansea City, his 445th PL appearance. He had two assists in the match, both for Zlatan Ibrahimović, with the first of these being his milestone 100th assist in the league.

Interestingly, that first assist for Ibrahimović also marked the 25,000th goal scored in Premier League history.

559 - Frank Lampard

Fewest games to reach 100 Premier League assists: Kevin De Bruyne leaves on a high note-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | TFT)

Frank Lampard, the legendary midfielder for Chelsea, reached the 100-assist landmark in 559 appearances in the Premier League. The milestone assist came in Chelsea's memorable 7-1 victory at home against Aston Villa on March 27, 2010.

Lampard had a total of 102 assists in PL in a total of 609 appearances, having spent different spells across Chelsea, Manchester City, and West Ham United.

Remarkably, he is the only midfielder to have scored over 150 goals and provided over 100 assists in Premier League history.

(*the only active player on this list. The stats are accurate as of 5 April 2025)

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