Premier League clubs return for pre-season

Premier League players have started returning to their clubs as preparations for the new 2025/26 season officially begin with pre-season.

But what exactly is pre-season? 

Well, put simply, it is the period before a season begins, where players ramp up their fitness to get in the best possible shape for when the campaign kicks off in August. 

The 2024/25 Premier League season ended on Sunday 25 May, giving some players the opportunity to have several deserved weeks off.

Indeed, the 2025/26 season start date - Friday 15 August - allows players the maximum rest time available from the end of the 2024/25 campaign. 

While players often stay fit and active when on holiday, their time off provides them a chance to relax, away from the stresses and strains of being a professional athlete. As you may have seen on social media, many choose to unwind on a beach, visit different places, and spend time with friends and family. 

But now the hard work begins. After the first few days of training, pre-season friendly matches get under way later this week, on Saturday, 12 July.

How pre-season has looked so far

Aston Villa

The first day back at Villa's training ground featured a running session for players including Andres Garcia and Ross Barkley.

AFC Bournemouth

Bournemouth players returned to work at the weekend, when they underwent a range of physical tests to assess their fitness levels following the summer break.

Brentford

Keith Andrews took charge of his first pre-season training session following his summer appointment as Brentford's new head coach. 

Brighton & Hove Albion

Danny Welbeck is among the Brighton players back for pre-season, with the striker getting ready to begin his 18th campaign in the Premier League.

Burnley

The preparations for newly-promoted Burnley are being made under the watchful eye of Scott Parker, now managing his third Premier League side, following his stints at Fulham and Bournemouth.

Everton

Pedal power was the order of the day for Everton's players as they underwent a gruelling static cycling session at Finch Farm.

Leeds United

Leeds are gearing up for their first Premier League season since 2022/23, with players such as Jayden Bogle, Dan James, Joel Piroe and Pascal Struijk being pictured in pre-season on the club's official X account.

Manchester United

The Man Utd players reporting for pre-season training at Carrington on Monday included summer signings Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon.

Newcastle United

Brazil star Joelinton was all smiles as he greeted his team-mates on Day 1 of pre-season training, having missed the last nine matches of 2024/25 through injury.

Nottingham Forest

Forest defender Murillo received a gift on his return to work, a babygrow in club colours, as he and his wife Mabili look forward to the arrival of their first child.

Sunderland

Sunderland players are being put through their paces at the club's Academy of Light training ground, ahead of their first Premier League season since 2016/17.

West Ham United

There were smiles and handshakes all round as the West Ham players returned to the Rush Green training ground this week.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Brazilian midfielder Andre and French forward Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, who thrived under the guidance of head coach Vitor Pereira last season, both gave a thumbs up on their return to work with Wolves.