Rio Ferdinand names the only true Premier League title contender teams for the 2025/26 season, dismissing Arsenal’s chances.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has made a bold prediction regarding the Premier League title contender for the upcoming 2025/26 season, stating that only two clubs have a realistic chance of lifting the trophy: Liverpool and Manchester City.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents‘, the pundit asserted that other contenders, including recent runners-up Arsenal, will likely fall short. This declaration comes after Arne Slot’s impressive debut season saw Liverpool clinch the Premier League title, finishing comfortably ahead of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who secured second place for the third consecutive year. Manchester City, despite a somewhat inconsistent campaign by their standards, finished third, ending their four-year reign as champions.
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Ferdinand highlighted the summer transfer activity of the two frontrunners as a key factor in his prediction. Liverpool have already made significant moves to strengthen their title-winning squad, strengthening Ferdinand’s belief. The club has made significant signings, including:
- Florian Wirtz, a record-breaking acquisition from Bayer Leverkusen
- Jeremie Frimpong, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold
- Milos Kerkez, adding depth to the defense
While Manchester City despite a third-place finish last season, remain a formidable force. Pep Guardiola’s side has retooled with the additions of:
- Rayan Cherki
- Rayan Ait-Nouri
- Tijjani Reijnders
When discussing Arsenal’s chances, Ferdinand suggested they might “kick up a fuss for a couple of months – six months maybe – [but nothing more].” He pointed to their lack of a marquee striker and underwhelming transfer activity so far, with potential signings like Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Christian Norgaard failing to impress him.
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