Seven Premier League clubs in Champions League next season?! Actually, it's possible
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 08.04.26. | 18:46
OK, it would require a bit of maths and some (un)expected outcomes, but the EPL dominance could become almost palpable
Seven heaven? The Premier League could be on the verge of sending a staggering seven clubs into next season's UEFA Champions League - a scenario that would underline its growing dominance across Europe.
The pathway is complex, but very real.
England is already guaranteed at least five Champions League spots thanks to its UEFA coefficient ranking. But that number could rise even further depending on European success.
If either Aston Villa - currently sitting fourth - or Nottingham Forest win this season's UEFA Europa League, they would secure automatic qualification for the Champions League, regardless of their league position.
Add another twist: if Liverpool fail to finish in the top five but go on to win the Champions League, they would also book their place in next season's competition.
Put those scenarios together, and the number could climb to seven.
There is, however, a balancing mechanism. If a club wins a European trophy but also qualifies through its league position, the extra spot is passed down the table, effectively shifting the cut-off point further.
The Premier League is no stranger to expanded representation. This season, six English clubs featured in the Champions League after Tottenham Hotspur qualified by winning the Europa League despite finishing 17th domestically.
And once again, the race is fierce.
Arsenal have already secured a top-five finish, while Manchester City, Manchester United and Villa are well-positioned. Just behind them, a tightly packed chasing group, including Chelsea, Brentford, Everton and Newcastle United, which are all still in contention.
What makes the prospect even more striking is England's performance in Europe this season. All nine Premier League clubs reached the knockout stages across UEFA competitions, with Arsenal and Liverpool still alive in the Champions League, Villa and Forest pushing in the Europa League, and Crystal Palace competing in the Conference League.