The dust has barely settled on the recent Champions League final, where Paris Saint-Germain secured their historic first title by defeating Inter 5-0, yet anticipation for next year is already building. While the complete lineup for the league phase isn`t finalized, history suggests that the eventual Champions League winners often come from teams automatically qualifying through league performance, rather than those navigating the playoff rounds.
Even though the 2024-25 final featured an unexpected pairing of Paris Saint-Germain and Inter, the probability still leans towards English and Spanish clubs dominating the final next season. Significant player movement is anticipated, including Trent Alexander-Arnold`s reported move from Real Madrid to Liverpool, Rayan Cherki potentially joining Manchester City, Florian Wirtz linked with Liverpool, and the notable arrival of Xabi Alonso as manager at Real Madrid`s Santiago Bernabeu, raising many questions for the summer. The upcoming Club World Cup will offer an early glimpse into some participating Champions League teams, potentially shedding light on these uncertainties. Let`s examine the teams considered favorites for the next tournament and the reasoning behind their ranking.
Incomplete: Real Madrid
While the addition of Alexander-Arnold could address some of Madrid`s creative deficiencies from this past season, it doesn`t solve their overall structural imbalance. Manager Xabi Alonso faces a significant challenge in integrating stars like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior without them occupying similar attacking zones. The midfield also requires attention, and further squad reinforcements are probable. Given these uncertainties, predicting Real Madrid`s form next season makes it difficult to position them among the definitive top contenders for the Champions League title. Despite their immense individual talent, which could certainly coalesce into a world-class side, they must first demonstrate their characteristic Real Madrid resilience and performance level before being included in a top-five prediction for the UCL.
5. Liverpool
Liverpool face defensive uncertainties following Alexander-Arnold`s exit, though Mohamed Salah`s strong recent season provides some reassurance. With reported arrivals like Florian Wirtz nearing and Jeremie Frimpong already joining, the Reds appear set to add significant talent, potentially enabling them to surpass their performance level from this season. Having secured the Premier League title in Arne Slot`s debut year, expectations will be high for his second campaign. As the squad becomes more familiar with his tactical approach, Liverpool is expected to remain firmly in contention. Their squad depth, necessary for competing across multiple fronts, and the potential for young players emerging from the academy suggest further improvement is possible.
4. Arsenal
Arsenal boast an exceptionally high defensive standard compared to most global teams, but they must elevate their offensive output to consistently match other elite sides. Last season highlighted the Gunners` urgent need for a striker addition to reach the next tier. This summer presents an opportunity to address this gap, though even without a premier forward, Arsenal remain competitive as long as key players like Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka stay fit.
3. Barcelona
At just 17, Lamine Yamal`s presence alone is a major factor; simply maintaining his current exceptional level could propel Barcelona into contention for the final next season. Even more remarkable is the certainty that Yamal will continue to develop with age. Combined with Pedri in midfield and Raphinha performing at a level approaching Ballon d`Or standards, Barcelona`s attack looks promising. Should Robert Lewandowski`s impact wane with age, Ferran Torres has demonstrated his capability to effectively lead the attack. Defensively, the return of Marc Andre Ter-Stegen from injury, having missed a significant portion of the past season, will be a boost. While manager Hansi Flick will likely need further defensive reinforcements, considering Barcelona`s performance last season, even a modest defensive improvement next campaign could make them a formidable force.
2. Paris Saint-Germain
Having recently claimed their inaugural Champions League title, Paris Saint-Germain are undoubtedly strong candidates to defend their crown next season. Their squad is notably young, suggesting they are poised to remain a dominant force for the foreseeable future, building upon their achievements this season. With key players like Joao Neves, Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, Nuno Mendes, Willian Pacho, Vitinha, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia all aged 25 or under, they have gained invaluable experience in crucial matches under manager Luis Enrique. While competing teams will inevitably strengthen, PSG possess a formidable squad even without major star signings this summer.
1. Manchester City
Despite experiencing what could be considered their least successful season under Pep Guardiola, Manchester City still secured a top-four Premier League finish, ensuring their place in next season`s Champions League. With key midfielder Rodri available again and expected squad reinforcements, a return to their peak form seems highly probable – a daunting prospect for opponents. Europe was perhaps fortunate to avoid City`s full intensity this season, but they are unlikely to remain below their usual standard for long.
