The curtain has officially come down on the 2025-26 Premier League season.
Players will depart and squads will be strengthened when the summer transfer window opens on Monday, 15 June.
With Wolves, Burnley and West Ham United all heading down to the Championship - would you be keen to poach any of their players?
Who would be good value for money and why? Which name would be best to avoid?
Daniel Austin
BBC Sport senior journalist
Arsenal might have ended their 22-year wait to the win the title, but is there any metric by which the Gunners wouldn't have been champions?
Very few people would suggest Arsenal were not worthy champions, so is there some insight for us to gain by assessing the performances of all 20 teams in alternative ways?
Just for fun, BBC Sport and Opta have crunched all the numbers to find out.
Image source, Getty ImagesBring on the screamers.
Below is the Premier League table if only goals scored from outside the box had counted in 2025-26. Villa lead the way with 15 - a full three above second-place Bournemouth.
Have you got a massive St George's cross covering the entire front of your house yet? Face paint stored safely in the cupboard ready for kick-off against Croatia?
No? Pfft, some England fan you are!
With the Three Lions aiming to bring the trophy home, what if the Football Association had prepared for the tournament by asking the Premier League to rank the table using only goals scored by English players this season?
Again Villa lead the way, spearheaded by Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers. More of that from the pair in the USA this summer please!
Arsenal have conducted extensive preparation for a deal to sign midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. (Football Transfers, external)
Oscar Mingueza wants a Premier League move this summer, with Villa among the clubs tracking the 27-year-old Celta Vigo and Spain defender, who is set to become a free agent. (Sky Sports), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesPerhaps this method will catch on.
Against Manchester City, Aston Villa recorded what would, if taken out of the very specific context of last week, otherwise stand as the most eye-catching single result of their season after preparations what must have been, how can we put it, unorthodox... Partying is good for the soul, clearly.
As they float off into summer, either at the World Cup or on the beach, Villa's players and staff could hardly be in a more different frame of mind compared to this time last year. The sullen sense of grievance after their narrow failure to qualify for the Champions League then, along with the prospect of a summer of relative austerity in the transfer market, seemed to linger into the start of this season.
But it's funny how things work out. Without that disappointment, there would have been no Europa League run, no Istanbul, and no grand procession to halt Birmingham traffic. Imagine what Villa might achieve next term if they again start the campaign in the mood they finished the last one? Even in this hyper-prepped age, sometimes football is more vibes than technicalities.
The glorious outcome of this campaign does not mean there is nothing to improve. Villa's year changed mood with the seasons - the stormy summer, the dazzling autumn, the grey winter and the new life of spring. Consistency of both individual players and the team rose and fell. Their resources were put through a serious stress-test by the injuries in midfield which exposed weakness, although things worked out.
Even if their progress had been smoother, however, Unai Emery would no doubt be setting his sights higher anyway. That relentless drive to improve – and to show that improvement could be possible at a rate not envisaged by many supporters – will be undimmed by their recent euphoria.
That work will include a summer of choices. Achieving Champions League status should widen Villa's margins a little, but they will be mindful both of financial regulations and their own patchy record on transfers. Larger investments have not always been successful.
Having talented players means sometimes your resolve to keep them will be tested by clubs with bigger budgets, and there may be smart deals to make. Whether or not any more improvement can possibly be wrung out of the core players Emery inherited – and having come so far together, they will give everything for him – Villa will need better transfer outcomes to take advantage of the chances they have earned. Get more of them right, and there may be further still to rise.
Hannah Gowen
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesSeason score out of 10 and overriding emotion?
9/10. This season has been Aston Villa's best of the 21st Century. After failing to score in the first four games, and only having three points on the Premier League board after five matches, the outlook was concerning. Yet, here we stand at the end of May, with a major European trophy and fourth place in the league.
There's been plenty of highs and lows, but the seismic achievements of this campaign far outweigh the challenges.
Best moment and why?
Villa lifting their first trophy in 30 years, and first European silverware since 1982, is the best moment of the season. Fans of all ages will agree - that night in Istanbul is immortalised.
Player of season and why?
Matty Cash has been excellent. With no trusted deputy at right-back, he has carried the weight of the position on his shoulders, playing 45 games and adding goals and assists. His improvement has been significant.
Unsung hero and why?
Emiliano Buendia's return last summer failed to excite at the time, but he has provided some of Villa's most impactful and memorable moments of the campaign. Whether it be the stunning goal against Freiburg or his last-gasp winner against Arsenal, the Argentine proved himself to be invaluable.
Biggest disappointment?
The loan of Donyell Malen to Roma in January did not make much sense at the time, and still doesn't. Since his move to Serie A he has registered 14 goals in 18 appearances. Signing Tammy Abraham as a Malen replacement currently seems like a bad bit of business.
What needs to change this summer?
The club's recruitment has generally been poor over the past few years. A summer transfer window that retains the club's best, sells in the right places and recruits new stars will be essential to take Unai Emery's Villa to the next level.
Major hope for next season?
The hope for next season and beyond is to build momentum from this moment of success. Fans cannot wait another 30 years for silverware, so continuing to battle among the elite and add trophies is essential.
Find more from Hannah Gowen at UTV, external
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Image source, Aston Villa FCAston Villa have unveiled their new home kit for the 2026-27 season, which has been inspired by the club's kit designs from the 1960s.
The Villans have moved away from their "modern era raglan-sleeved" home shirts and opted for "a more unconventional" claret and blue colourway.
Bold "glow blue" shorts and socks finish off the home kit, which will not only be worn in the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, but also in the Champions League.
Aston Villa, AC Milan and Besiktas are keen on Liverpool's England defender Joe Gomez, 29. (Mail), external
Meanwhile, Arsenal are ready to step up their interest in Villa and Three Lions forward Morgan Rogers, 23. (Talksport), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty Images
Now the curtain has come down on the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, here is my end-of-season review - with a look back to what I predicted in August.
Prediction: 5th
What more can be said about Unai Emery's work at Aston Villa? Back to the Champions League and the club's first trophy since 1996 with his fifth Europa League win.
Emery's perfectionist streak makes his management of Villa a work of art, with work-rate, organisation and talent making for a top-class team.
Morgan Rogers is the centrepiece, but the key to it all is Emery and a team and club built in his own image and likeness. He is on course to go down in history as a Villa legend.
What I said in August: "I fully expect them to be at the sharp end of the Premier League once more under the outstanding guidance of Emery."
Aston Villa are eyeing a move for Newcastle's 28-year-old England winger Harvey Barnes as they prepare for the Champions League next season. (Mail), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
We asked for your views on Aston Villa's season now that the 2025-26 campaign has come to a close.
Here are some of your comments:
Matt: Fantastic season considering the appalling start we had. Unbelievable achievement with hopefully our first of many trophies. Next task? Keep the vultures away that will come circling for our manager and amazing team. Up the Villa.
Ron: Wonderful season, after it started so badly with no goals or wins in first five games. Who knows what would have happened if we had a good start. Nice one, Unai, thank you. UTV.
Mossy: Wow! I wasn't expecting to win that game after the week we have had but incredibly they turned it around after half-time to cap a truly exceptional season. To finish five points clear in fourth and win the Europa League is the stuff of dreams for Villa. Unai Emery has spectacularly turned this massive club fully around from relegation fodder to European champions and Champions League contenders. Onwards and upwards. UTV!
Stew: What a way to finish the season! European trophy, fourth in the Premier League, doing the double over last year's champions. This Villa team has been amazing, and as for Unai Emery, simply... thank you!
Brendan: What a brilliant way to finish the season and what a season we have had. From a terrible start with our first six games to an unbelievable run up to Christmas. We hung in there, got our Champions League place and brought some silverware back to Villa. Thank you Villa for making an old man so happy. UTV!
Emma: Wow... What a season - fourth in the league and Europa League winners. Been amazing. Thank you, Unai Emery, and all the players for giving us some wonderful memories.
Deb: Couldn't be more proud of Villa and the shift everyone has put in - the best season in 40 years of watching. At 68, my only hope is another trophy before I hit 80! Not too greedy I hope - oh, and Emery stays until retirement. UTV.
Pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from all 10 fixtures on the final day of the Premier League season.
And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery speaking to BBC Match of the day: "It's been an outstanding week and season, especially the way we finished. The last three matches, our focus was very important. We recovered our energy and quality to beat Liverpool. Manchester City and finish with 65 points and fourth in the league.
"A huge honour me to compete with Pep Guardiola. He is the best. I built my career a lot of time competing against him, especially in Spain. I didn't beat him. I came here to England, with Villa I could beat him.
"That makes me a privileged man to compete against him. The level he has - he is the best coach in the world. It is very difficult to prepare a game plan against him."
Listen to more from Emery on BBC Sounds
Did you know?
Aston Villa have won back-to-back Premier League matches for the first time in 2026 – the Villans won five of their seven Premier League games this season against teams starting the day in the top four positions (L2).
Ollie Watins is the first player in Premier League history to score a brace against each of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea in the same campaign.
Since the start of April, Watkins (11) is one of only two players playing in Europe's big-five leagues with 10+ goals across all competitions, along with Harry Kane (13).
Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesAston Villa had already secured a Champions League spot for next season following their victory over Liverpool last time out, so could enjoy their day out in the Manchester sun after a week to remember.
Unai Emery's side came into the contest against Manchester City on the back of lifting their first trophy in 30 years by thumping German side Freiburg on Wednesday, a win that rubberstamped the remarkable turnaround in fortunes since the Spaniard took over at Villa Park.
The ex-Arsenal boss warmly greeted his compatriot Pep Guardiola before kick-off and watched a lacklustre first half, during which the much-changed visitors failed to get going.
But they restored parity immediately after the restart as Ollie Watkins stabbed home from close range before scoring a brilliant second after managing to stay onside.
The striker, who is expected to be understudy to England captain Harry Kane at the World Cup, heads to North America in fine form, scoring eight goals in his past 10 league games.
Aston Villa signed off their season with a 2-1 win at Manchester City.
Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know how you're feeling now the curtain has come down on the 2025-26 campaign?
Get in touch with your views here
Come back to this page for a selection of your replies - reaction and analysis to follow shortly
Pep Guardiola has named his final Manchester City squad after confirming he will step down as manager following this game.
The Premier League is gone and there is nothing to play for so fringe players such as James Trafford, Rico Lewis, Nico Gonzalez and Savinho are given starts, while topscorer Erling Haaland is given the day off.
Captain Bernardo Silva and John Stones both start in their final games for the club.
Man City XI: Trafford, Lewis, Stone, Dias, Ake, Gonzalez, Silva, Reijnders, Foden, Savinho, Semenyo.
Aston Villa will still be coming back down to earth following their brilliant Europa League triumph on Wednesday and Unai Emery makes numerous changes too.
Only England international Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Buendia and Victor Lindelof start from the midweek win over Freiburg.
Aston Villa XI: Bizot, Bogarde, Mings, Garcia, Maatsen, Lindelof, Luiz, Barkley, Bailey, Buendia, Watkins.
It is the last day of the Premier League, every side is in action this Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.
Brighton v Manchester United - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3
Burnley v Wolves
Crystal Palace v Arsenal - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2
Fulham v Newcastle
Liverpool v Brentford
Manchester City v Aston Villa
Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth
Sunderland v Chelsea
Tottenham v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
West Ham v Leeds - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
Kick-off times 16:00 BST
Follow all of the action and reaction here
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Leeds", for instance.
Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds
Nick Mashiter
Football reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesAston Villa left Manchester at the end of last season with a sense of frustration and failure.
Controversially denied a Champions League spot - Morgan Rogers' goal dramatically ruled out before Emi Martinez was sent off in defeat by Manchester United which cost them a top four place, external - Villa went back down the M6 fuming.
This time, days after their Europa League win in Istanbul against Freiburg,, external the mood is totally different.
Back in the Champions League - having guaranteed a top-five spot in the Premier League - and having ended a 30-year trophy drought with a European title, it is party time.
Fans packed Birmingham for Thursday's parade - following the 20,000 who made the trip to Turkey - with Villa potentially entering a defining period in their history.
They are still expected to sell a major player - Rogers the most likely to generate cash to comply with Profit and Sustainability regulations - and a summer of change is expected.
There is an acknowledgement the squad needs reshaping and several departures are expected so the transfer window is crucial to help Villa and Unai Emery carve their future.
Emery will be given the trust - as he has always been - to make the changes he feels are needed.
He has brought Villa the success they so desperately craved and after last season's sense of injustice, which then bled into a wretched start this term, time is a great healer.
Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist
This one gets a little bit confusing, but Aston Villa's Europa League final win over Freiburg make things clearer.
Because England has won one of two Elite Performance Spots (EPS) for next season's Champions League, five Premier League clubs will feature in the competition instead of four. Like England, Spain have also guaranteed five clubs.
We already know that Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Villa are four of those.
But because of Villa winning the Europa League, there is a scenario where six English clubs qualify for the Champions League next term.
For that to happen, Villa would need to finish fifth.
Currently, they are fourth - three points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool. That means Liverpool would need to beat Brentford and hope Villa lose at City for them to overtake Unai Emery's team.
Fans of Bournemouth and Brighton will also hope this happens. If it does, it means one of them would join Liverpool and be a sixth English team in the Champions League.
The Cherries only need a point at Nottingham Forest to guarantee a top-six finish.
Meanwhile, the Seagulls would need to beat Manchester United and for Bournemouth to lose to finish sixth.
Liverpool only need a point to guarantee a top-five finish. But if they lose at home to the Bees, they would only not finish fifth if Bournemouth win at Forest and the Cherries overturned a six-goal deficit in goal difference. Of course, if they ended up in sixth then it would be Europa League and not Champions League for the Anfield side.
Whoever finishes in seventh will also enter the Europa League.
A win for Brighton would guarantee them Europa League football at least. If the Seagulls fail to win and Chelsea win at Sunderland, the Blues would overtake Albion.
Chelsea can also overtake Brighton with a draw, if Brighton were to lose by two goals and Brentford fail to win at Liverpool.
Whoever finishes eighth will enter the Conference League next season.
Got it?
Next season is going to feel really odd without Pep Guardiola in the Premier League.
News of his impending departure broke at the start of the week and he has been such a big part of our game with the way City have played, and the way he has changed how coaches think and how we all think about football.
I think Pep will go out on a high, helped by the fact Aston Villa will still be celebrating after their brilliant Europa League win.
City have got plenty to celebrate too, though. Yes, they missed out on the league title but they have still won two cups this season, which is not to be sniffed at.
Sutton's prediction: 4-2
