UEFA Conference League 2024-25 Round of 16 Schedule and Fixtures
The UEFA Conference League 2024–25 Round of 16 fixtures are set, notable matchups include Chelsea facing Copenhagen, and Fiorentina taking on Panathinaikos. Leading up to the final on May 28, 2025, at Wroclaw Stadium in Poland.
The 2024/25 UEFA Conference LeagueRound of 16, Quarter-final, and Semi-final draw took place on Friday 21, 2025 at the House of Nyon in Switzerland.
Some high-intensity matchups like Fiorentina vs Panathinaikos meet for the first time in UEFA Conference League history. The ties will take place on March 6 and 13.
Unseeded Teams (Knock-out phase Play-offs winners)
Borac (BIH)
Celje (SVN)
Copenhagen (DEN)
Jagiellonia (POL)
Molde (NOR)
Pafos (CYP)
Panathinaikos (GRE)
Real Betis (ESP)
UEFA Conference League Round of 16 fixtures
First Leg
Date: Thursday 6 March 2025
Time: 18:45 CET & 23:15 IST
Copenhagen vs Chelsea
Molde vs Liga Warszawa
Panathinaikos vs Fiorentina
Real Betis vs Vitoria SC
Borac vs SK Rapid
Celje vs Lugano
Jagiellonia vs Cercle Brugge
Pafos vs Djurgarden
Second Leg
Date: Thursday 13 March 2025
Time: 18:45 CET & 23:15 IST
Cercle Brugge vs Jagiellonia
Djurgarden vs Pafos
Lugano vs Celje
SK Rapid vs Borac
Chelsea vs Copenhagen
Fiorentina vs Panathinaikos
Liga Warszawa vs Molde
Vitoria SC vs Real Betis
UEFA Conference League Quarter Finals Draw
Real Betis or Vitoria SC vs Jagiellonia or Cercle Brugge
Celje or Lugano vs Panathinaikos or Fiorentina
Copenhagen or Chelsea vs Molda or Legia Warszawa
Pafos or Djurgarden vs Borac or SK Rapid
UEFA Conference League Semi-Finals Draw:
Winner QF-1 vs Winner QF-2
Winner QF-3 vs Winner QF-4
Round of 16 Draw:
The clubs were paired based on their positions at the end of the league phase to form four seeded pairs (clubs in positions 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 5 and 6, and 7 and 8).
The clubs in each seeded pair were drawn into one of two positions in the round of 16 against the relevant winner of the knockout phase play-offs, whose position was determined by the knockout phase play-off draw.
Four bowls were prepared for the draw, with the balls containing the names of each pair of seeded teams placed in the corresponding marked bowls according to the league rankings.
The draw allocated the side of the bracket for all the seeded teams, starting with the teams ranked 7/8 and finishing with the teams 1/2.
One ball was taken from the bowl containing the two relevant ranked teams. For example, the teams ranked 7 and 8 and were opened to display the team. The first team drawn from this bowl was placed in their reserved spot on the silver side of the bracket. The other seeded team of the pairing was then drawn displayed and allocated in the corresponding reserved spot on the green side of the bracket.
The same procedure was carried out with the remaining seeded teams.
In principle, the seeded clubs play the return leg at home.
Road to Wroclaw
Round of 16: 6 and 13 March 2025 Quarter-finals: 10 and 17 April 2025 Semi-finals: 1 and 8 May 2025 Final: 28 May 2025
They have won it all: Here is trophy cabinet of Chelsea FC
From domestic league titles to European glory, they have won it all. With the recent addition of the UEFA Conference League 2025 to complete their historic collection; here is trophy cabinet of Chelsea FC for you to explore!
In the world of football, few clubs stand out like Chelsea FC. Their trophy cabinet tells a story of incredible success, proving that they have truly won it all!
With their recent UEFA Conference League 4-1 victory over Real Betis, Chelsea completed a historic sweep of all major UEFA titles.
Here is trophy cabinet of Chelsea FC that defines their successful journey in the football world. Take a look.
European Royalty: Conquering the Continent
Chelsea FC lifting the trophy of UEFA Champions League 2021 after their 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the final. Image | Twitter
Chelsea have battled across the continent's most prestigious stages and won every major UEFA club trophy, a feat few clubs can claim.
Their crowning achivements including 2 UEFA Champions League titles, notable defeating Bayern Munich [1-1 (4-3 pens)] in 2012 and Manchester City (1-0) in 2021.
Beyond the Champions League, Chelsea also lifted the UEFA Europa League twice (2013, 2019), and the now-defunct UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1971, famously against Real Madrid in the replay, and also in 1998.
Additionally, two UEFA Super Cup victories (1998, 2021) further highlight their continental dominance.
The collection was completed with their 2025 UEFA Conference League triumph, where Chelsea FC beat Real Betis 4-1 in the final.
The domestic dominance of Chelsea FC
Chelsea lifting their second FA Cup title in 1997 after defeating Middlesbrough (2-1) in the final. Image | Facebook
Beyond their European conquests, they have also established as masters of England by securing highest domestic honors.
The Blues clinched the First Division/Premier League title and impress six times (1955, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2015, 2017) along with eightFA Cup victories (1970, 1997, 2000, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2018). This makes them the competition's most successful team.
Their domestic dominance also extends to League Cup, which they have won fivetimes in the following years: 1965, 1998, 2005, 2007, 2015.
Completing the Set: Global and Historic Honors
Chelsea FC lifting the FIFA Club World Cup trophy after their 2-1 victory over Palmeiras in 2021. Image | Wikipedia
Chelsea's trophy cabinet truly lives upto the "won it all" status by having a collection of unique, historical, and global titles.
The FIFA Club World Cup win over Palmeiras (2-1) in 2021, made them only London club to win the Champions League as well as FIFA Club WC.
Further adding to their phenomenal collection are fourCharity/Community Shield triumphs (1955, 2000, 2005, 2009), which mark their traditional early-season dominance.
As we move down to the final count, Chelsea also holds two Full Members' Club Victories (1986, 1990).
Real Betis vs Chelsea FC Conference League Final: Chelsea beats Betis 4-1 to become the first club to win every UEFA trophy
Read the highlights of the Real Betis vs Chelsea FC Conference League Final match at Stadion Wrocław as Chelsea defeated Betis by 4-1 to lift the UEFA Conference League 2025.
Hello and welcome to another grand night of European football. As we reach the fag end of the season, we have the big UEFA Conference League final between Real Betis and Chelsea FC at the Stadion Wrocław.
After missing out on Champions League and Europa League football, both teams now have their opportunity to bring home the third tier of European football competition, the Conference League.
Chelsea have been dominating throughout the tournament, which was in fact expected from the double Champions League winners. Meanwhile, after the inclusion of Anthony, Real Betis have looked like a different beast in La Liga and the Conference League.
So, we can expect a great match tonight with both teams looking for the glory. This is Koushik Biswas with the buildup and real-time updates of the Real Betis vs Chelsea FC Conference League Final for you.
Enjoy the coverage.
LIVE Updates
May 28, 2025, 6:56 PM
Final Score
May 28, 2025, 9:22 PM
The Glory!
May 28, 2025, 9:14 PM
UEFA is BLUE!
𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘'𝐕𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐋! 💙
Chelsea, with their UEFA Conference League trophy, have now become the first team to win all the UEFA trophies.
— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) May 28, 2025
May 28, 2025, 8:34 PM
Two asssits!
May 28, 2025, 8:32 PM
73' | Change for Betis
In: Ruibal
Out: Bakambu
May 28, 2025, 8:31 PM
70' | JACCCCCKKKKKKKKKKSSSOOOOOONNNNN | BET 1-2 CHE
Chelsea have turned the game and final around.
It is Palmer again who made things happen. Another cross from Cole Plamer after a top-class dribbling, and it was Jacksoon who just headed the ball into the goal.
Chelsea take the lead.
Betis 1-2 Chelsea.
May 28, 2025, 8:28 PM
69' | Save from Adrian
Left-footed attempt from Plamer.
Although it was powerful but we expect Adrain to make the save and he made the save.
May 28, 2025, 8:26 PM
65' | EEEEENNNNNNNNZZZZZZOOOOOOO | BET 1-1 CHE
As I was saying, can they find the equaliser? Enzo does the job for Chelsea.
Cole Plamer with an inch-perfect cross and Enzo, who was coming running in, found the header to score.
— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) May 28, 2025
May 28, 2025, 8:09 PM
50' | Jackson offside
Although he went slightly too early, it is good that Jackson is trying to make a good run on the left.
May 28, 2025, 8:07 PM
48' | Positive from Chelsea
James tried to lob the ball across the turf, directly inside the final third. But, it was a bit long for Enzo.
May 28, 2025, 8:05 PM
46' | Second half starts
Second half starts in Poland with Chelsea's club captain Rece James getting into action.
May 28, 2025, 8:05 PM
Changes!
Chelsea - In: James; Out: Gusto
Betis - In: Perraud; Out: Rodriguez
May 28, 2025, 8:03 PM
Few changes for sure!
Looks like we are going to see a few changes from both sides.
May 28, 2025, 7:49 PM
Half-time | Betis 1-0 Chelsea
Strong finish from Betis, just like their strong start.
They led 1-0 with the lone goal from Ezzalzouli.
Chelsea looked good, but could not find the gap through the Betis defence.
See you on the other side of the break.
May 28, 2025, 7:47 PM
45' | 1 minute added
1 minute added as injury time.
May 28, 2025, 7:46 PM
43' | Fornals with a good interception
Chelsea was trying to run away with a counterattack after that block by Badiashile.
But Fornals came running and made the interception to clear the ball out.
He celebrated that like a goal. It proves how much focused Betis are at the moment.
May 28, 2025, 7:44 PM
42' | Block from Badiashile
Antony took the free kick and floated the ball for someone to head the ball inside the goal.
Jorgensen came out and punched the ball away. However, it fell perfectly for Natan to go for a volley.
The shot was blocked by Badiashile.
May 28, 2025, 7:42 PM
41' | Free-kick
Caicedo fouls Isco from behind and Betis gets the free-kick, 5 meters outside the box.
Yellow card for Caicedo.
May 28, 2025, 7:41 PM
39' | Caicedo floats it for Palmer
Caicedo floated the ball inside the box for Cole Palmer to go for a header. But, as we have been saying, Betis have not allowed Chelsea any space to work with inside the box.
Chelsea caught out, and here comes the first goal from any Betis player in a European final.
Isco with a beautiful pass from right to left inside the box, and Ezzalzouli finished the job for Betis.
Real Betis 1-0 Cheslea.
May 28, 2025, 7:08 PM
6' | Save from Adrian
Cole Palmer dribbled through the defence and took his chance with a left-footed shot.
But the shot was not strong enough to beat Adrian at the near post.
Actions from both sides.
May 28, 2025, 7:07 PM
5' | Antony in action
Early chance for Betis. Cardoso's cross from the left fell rightly for Antony inside the box.
But, Antony's header went over the goal.
May 28, 2025, 7:05 PM
Team Real Betis
May 28, 2025, 7:04 PM
2' | Nearly a mistake
Adrian, who was not supposed to start in the final, nearly messed up the start for Real Betis.
Jackson nearly had got the better off Adrian as the goalkeeper tried to cheeky inside the box.
May 28, 2025, 7:02 PM
Kick-off!
Here we go!
Chelsea start the proceedings!
May 28, 2025, 6:51 PM
Getting ready!
May 28, 2025, 6:48 PM
Young and how!
0 - The oldest player in Chelsea's starting XI tonight is Marc Cucurella (26). They are only the second side to start a major UEFA final without a player aged 27+ in their XI, after Crvena zvezda v Borussia Mönchengladbach in both legs of the 1978-79 UEFA Cup final. Exuberance. pic.twitter.com/95BuxWrqUR
Pellegrini is aiming to become the first Chilean coach to win a major European trophy. At 71 years and 254 days, he would also be the oldest to do so overall, surpassing Marseille coach Raymond Goethals (1993 Champions League) by 23 days.
May 28, 2025, 3:10 PM
Did you know this?
Did you know that this competition helps to develop football throughout Europe? We reinvest 97.5% of our net revenue back into the game! ⚽ @UEFA | #UECLfinal
— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) May 26, 2025
— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) May 26, 2025
May 28, 2025, 3:02 PM
This is how Chelsea qualified for the Conference League final
May 28, 2025, 2:58 PM
This is how Real Betis reached the final!
May 28, 2025, 2:56 PM
How to watch the final?
Football fans from India can watch the Real Betis vs Chelsea FC Conference League Final 2025 LIVE on Sony Sports Network TV Channels. They can also stream the match LIVE on Sony LIV app and website.
May 28, 2025, 2:54 PM
Match Details
Match: Real Betis vs Chelsea FC, UEFA Conference League Final 2025
Premier League teams to qualify for Champions League every season since 2016
Here are the Premier League teams to qualify for UEFA Champions League every season since 2016. A record six Premier League teams have already qualified for Champions League 2025-26.
The English Premier League, or the Premier League, has been the best football league in Europe for a long now. As per UEFA Club Coefficients, the Premier League is the best football league on the continent, with the best standard of football and competitiveness.
The competitiveness not only makes it tough for teams to finish at the summit of the points table, but the battle for the UEFA Champions League spot also intensifies. This season, Liverpool FC, Arsenal FC, Manchester City, Chelsea FC, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have already qualified for the UEFA Champions League from the Premier League.
This is the first time six teams from any league have qualified for the Champions League. Not only that, there is also a chance that another team can qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season, depending on Chelsea's performance in the Conference League final this season.
How do teams qualify for the Champions League from a league?
Till the 2022-23 season, every top-four team from the European Leagues used to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Along with the top four teams, the Europa League winners also qualified for the Champions League next season.
But, from the 2024 season, along with the top four teams and Europa League/Conference League winners, leagues started getting an additional European Performance Spot. EPS is awarded to the league with strong UEFA coefficient performances, which the Premier League earned this season as well.
Premier League teams to qualify for the Champions League every season since 2016
2015-16
In the 2025-16 Champions League season, Chelsea qualified as the champions of the Premier League 2014-15. Manchester City and Arsenal qualified as the second and third finishers of the league.
Meanwhile, Manchester United qualified for the Champions League play-off round as the UEFA Europa League 2014-15 winners.
Leicester City surprised everyone to win the 2015-16 Premier League after a historic season. They entered the Champions League as the champions of England. Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester City qualified as the second to fourth spot finishers.
Chelsea qualified for the Champions League by winning the 2016-17 Premier League. Spurs, who were very close of a title, finished second to qualify for Europe. Manchester City and Liverpool qualified as the third and fourth place finishers.
Meantime, Manchester United, who were sixth in the league qualified after winning the 2016-17 UEFA Europa League.
Manchester City's domination in the Premier League started with winning the 2017-18 season, as they entered the Champions League 2018-19 as the champions of England. Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Liverpool were the other teams to qualify for Champions League.
Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur played an all-England final where Liverpool defeated Spurs by 2-0 to win the title.
After winning the Champions League, Liverpool finished second in the Premier League, just one point behind the champions, Manchester City. Chelsea and Spurs qualified as the third and fourth team from Premier League.
Liverpool finally broke City's Premier League domination as they lifted 2019-20 Premier League title with 18 points lead over Manchester City, who finished second. Manchester United and Chelsea were the other teams to qualify for the Champions League.
Manchester City and Chelsea played an all-English Champions League in 2021, where Chelsea won their second UCL title.
Manchester City again won the Premier League title to qualify for Europe, with Manchester United finishing second in the league. Liverpool and Chelsea were the other tequalified as the third and fourth teams from the Premier League.
Liverpool lost the Champions League final against Real Madrid in the 2021-22 season.
City defended the Premier League title in the 2021-22 season and entered the Champions League 2022-23, which they eventually won, beating Inter Milan in the final.
Liverpool, who lost the Premier League race by just one point, qualified alongside Chelsea and Spurs.
City won their third consecutive Premier League title helped them earn the Champions League spot. Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League 2023-24.
Back-to-back four Premier League titles for City ensured them another go at the Champions League. Arsenal, Liverpool, and Aston Villa were the other teams from Premier League to qualify for the new format Champions Legaue.
Arsenal were the only team from the Premier League to play semi-final that season.
A record six teams qualified for the 2025-26 Champions League season from the Premier League. Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea qualified as the top four teams. The EPS allowed an added spot as Newcastle United qualified as the fifth team.
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.
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 £89 million four years later, and then let him join Juventus for another free transfer in 2022.
Newcastle United: Jonas Gutierrez
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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