Crystal Palace are the latest Premier League club to secure a spot in Europe next season, with almost half of the league set to be played on the continent in 2026/27.
There will be 9 clubs in Europe in the Premier League next season (Image: Getty Images)
Crystal Palace’s victory in the Conference League means the Premier League will retain nine clubs next season, the most in Europe. The Eagles won their first European title in Leipzig, defeating Rayo Vallecano thanks to a second-half goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta.
It was their third major trophy in just 12 months and Palace also secured a spot in next season’s Europa League. In total, they became the ninth English team to earn a trip to Europe this season, a Premier League record.
The division boasted nine teams last season as well, but there are some notable adjustments for next season. Let’s start with the Champions League.
Premier League champions Arsenal will naturally take part in the competition, as will Manchester United and Manchester City. Aston Villa will also return to the Champions League. Unai Emery’s side finished fourth and also won the Europa League, giving them two routes to qualification.
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The Premier League has also secured further Champions League spots courtesy of UEFA players. Arne Slott’s Liverpool finished fifth, securing their place.
There was a potential six Champions League spots in the Premier League, but only if Villa finished fifth. Currently there are only five.
Other European spots are normally awarded to clubs that win their respective cup competitions. However, with Man City winning both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in Josep Guardiola’s final season as manager, those spots were instead handed to players in league positions.
Jean-Philippe Mateta helped Crystal Palace reach the Conference League with Leipzig (Image: Getty Images)
Bournemouth qualified for Europe for the first time, finishing sixth and qualifying for the Europa League. The Cherries will be joined by Sunderland, who qualified for the continental competition in their first season back in the Premier League. Palace are the third team to qualify in the Premier League after winning the Conference League.
Next season, the Premier League will also have one representative appear in the conference league. Despite having a chance to qualify for the Europa League, Brighton confirmed their place in the UEFA Third Division on the final day of the season.
The Seagulls reached the last 16 of the Europa League under manager Roberto De Zerbi and finished bottom of Europe in the 2023/24 season.
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