As the Premier League prepares for the 2025–26 season, new data shows a significant divide in squad-building strategies across the league, with some clubs banking heavily on youthful energy while others rely on veteran stability. Chelsea tops the list with the youngest squad, averaging 23.4 years.
The Blues’ emphasis on youth development is so pronounced that Raheem Sterling (30) is the only player aged above his twenties, placing the club firmly at the forefront of long-term squad planning.
Sunderland follows closely with an average squad age of 24.2 years. The newly promoted side blends young talent with experienced figures such as Granit Xhaka (32) and Arthur Masuaku (31). Analysts increasingly view Sunderland as one of the league’s most intriguing developmental projects.
Other top-tier clubs like Tottenham Hotspur (24.5) and Arsenal (24.7) also appear on the younger end of the list, reflecting ongoing rebuilds designed around speed, versatility, and long-term squad cohesion.
Meanwhile, Manchester City and Brentford, each averaging 25.0 years, maintain balanced squad structures that combine emerging prospects with seasoned leaders—a strategy that has proven effective for clubs seeking both stability and competitive edge.
At the opposite end of the spectrum is Fulham, which holds the league’s oldest squad at 27.5 years, signalling a preference for established performance and veteran influence.
The 2025–26 season thus divides the league into two broad squad-building approaches:
– Clubs prioritising youth, development, and future competitiveness
– Clubs leaning on experience to deliver immediate consistency
Below is the full ranking of Premier League squads by average age:
- Chelsea – 23.4 years
- Sunderland – 24.2 years
- Tottenham Hotspur – 24.5 years
- Arsenal – 24.7 years
- Manchester City – 25.0 years
- Brentford – 25.0 years
- AFC Bournemouth – 25.0 years
- Brighton & Hove Albion – 25.5 years
- Manchester United – 25.6 years
- Nottingham Forest – 25.7 years
- Wolverhampton Wanderers – 25.8 years
- Liverpool – 26.2 years
- Crystal Palace – 26.2 years
- Leeds United – 26.2 years
- Burnley – 26.4 years
- Newcastle United – 26.6 years
- West Ham United – 26.9 years
- Everton – 27.1 years
- Aston Villa – 27.2 years
- Fulham – 27.5 years
