Xabi Alonso smiles in a press conference while working as Real Madrid manager
All 20 teams that will compete in the 2026/27 Premier League season have now had plenty of time to navigate the transfer market and shape their squads. Naturally, the first thing fans look for each summer is the star names signed - and, just as importantly, those who have been moved on or forced their way out.
For neutrals, however, judging a team's chances solely by the name on the back of the shirt can be something of a fool's errand. Indeed, Arsenal are the favourites to retain the title according to the Supercomputer, while Chelsea and Tottenham - having splashed out the most on net spend so far - will be hoping for much-improved campaigns.
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That said, experience and top-flight know-how can often be another overlooked but useful yardstick for success. There is a caveat, though: younger squads can play with a freedom and fearlessness that sometimes catches more seasoned opponents off guard. With that in mind, and thanks to Transfermarkt (via Tribuna), every squad has been ranked from oldest to youngest - and the results are interesting.
20-16
Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
The oldest squad in the Premier League as things stand is Fulham, who look set to need all the experience they can get if they are to avoid slipping down the table towards the relegation zone. The departures of long-term manager and goalscorer Marco Silva and Harry Wilson have already seen Jeff Stelling predict that they are doomed to go down.
Their average age of 27.5 just about edges out last season's Championship play-off winners Hull City (27.4), Leeds United (27.2) and Ipswich Town (27.1).
Aston Villa, who won the Europa League, have the fifth-oldest squad, with Emiliano Martinez, John McGinn and Tyrone Mings among their more seasoned players, while Ollie Watkins is no longer the young striker he once was at 30.
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Every 2026/27 Premier League squad ranked from oldest to youngest (20-16)
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15-11
Everton
In 15th, and therefore around the mid-table mark, are Coventry City, who will be hoping Frank Lampard can finally prove his Premier League management credentials this time around by avoiding relegation.
Sunderland are next, with their squad age of 26.3 reflecting a group that has constantly changed over the last 18 months. The hierarchy have given their full backing to manager Regis Le Bris, allowing a turnover of more than 20 players during that time.
Premier League trophy
Premier League trophy
Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, who have been locked in an unlikely rivalry over the course of the last season after their battles over Europa League qualification - as well as Evangelos Marinakis hiring Oliver Glasner and then suing the Eagles' fanbase over a banner at a match last season - are level on a squad age of 26.2. Everton, meanwhile, have an average age of 26.1, placing them just outside the top 10.
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Every 2026/27 Premier League squad ranked from oldest to youngest (15-11)
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10-6
Arsenal Players and Mikel Arteta With the Premier League Trophy
After going 22 years without winning a league title, it would seem Mikel Arteta is now at a point in his Arsenal tenure where he has struck the perfect balance between youth and experience to continue building a dynasty after last season's league triumph. An average age of just shy of 26 means most of their players are entering their prime years, with the signing of Bruno Guimaraes only strengthening that balance.
Manchester United have the same average age, with Michael Carrick now expected to build on a third-placed finish, while Tottenham (25.7) are tipped to undergo a huge transformation under Roberto De Zerbi after spending more than £330 million in the transfer window to ensure they are not operating precariously above the dotted line.
Newcastle (25.6) and Liverpool (25.5) round out this section. With 10 players aged 23 or under, the Magpies continue to let go of their star players while they are still in their prime, meaning they could be left thin on the ground next season and need to put their faith in youth to keep the squad fresh. Liverpool's sixth-youngest squad, meanwhile, could prove to be a strength for Andoni Iraola, with his high-pressing attacking system reliant on high energy rather than the experience needed to grind out results.
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Every 2026/27 Premier League squad ranked from oldest to youngest (10-6)
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5-1
Chelsea's Danny Welbeck via REUTERS/Tyrone Siu
Despite signing both Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck to try to bring their squad age up, Chelsea still have the youngest squad by some distance. Todd Boehly continues to pump money into youth, which often backfires as the Blues are then forced to pay huge amounts to either capture players from rival clubs or re-purchase academy players they had previously sold.
Their average age of 24.1 is nearly a year younger than second-placed Brentford, while Brighton's youthful approach isn't exclusive to a never-ending conveyor belt of academy prospects and a well-functioning scouting system reliant on statistical databases, but also manager Fabian Hurzeler - the Premier League's youngest-ever boss, who is still only 33.
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Manchester City (25.3) have only three players over the age of 30, which could work for or against them in life after Pep Guardiola. Rodri is by far their best leader, but he looks set for a move to Spain, with Ruben Dias next in line to prove his senior capabilities. Elsewhere, Bournemouth rank fifth and are also going through a transition period with new manager Marco Rose.