UEFA Euro 2024 is now in the history books, and attention turns to the club season ahead of a groundbreaking year. This season marks the first UEFA Champions League campaign under the new “Swiss Model,” which will see an enhanced initial league phase with an increased 36 teams. As well as that, several new contenders have risen across the continent in recent years, and it remains to be seen how much pressure they can apply on the favorites for silverware in their respective countries.
One such team that has already achieved the impossible is Bayer Leverkusen. The German outfit ended Bayern Munich’s 11 years of dominance in the Bundesliga as they romped to the title last term without losing a game, the first team in the history of German football to achieve such a feat. They also went on to claim the DFB Pokal as well, and if it wasn’t for a blistering display from Atalanta in the Europa League final, Leverkusen would have ended the season as invincible treble winners.
So, with the new campaign just around the corner, let’s take a look at the favorites for glory in Europe’s top four leagues.
Premier League: Manchester City
Manchester City has been a juggernaut under Pep Guardiola, romping to the last four Premier League titles on the spin and they are favored to do the same once more next term. The latest soccer betting odds make the reigning champions a +110 frontrunner to make it five on the bounce next term.
The Blues boast an enviable squad depth, with world-class players in nearly every position twice over. Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, and last season’s Premier League Player of the Year Phil Foden are just a few names that highlight their attacking prowess. The addition of young talents like Julian Alvarez adds further dynamism to an already lethal front line.
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Their midfield, orchestrated by De Bruyne and Spanish sensation Rodri, provides both creativity and stability, while their defense, anchored by Ruben Dias and John Stones, remains perhaps the toughest in the top flight to break down. However, there could be changes on the horizon at the Etihad this term.
The mercurial De Bruyne is rumored to be on his way to Saudi Arabia, while Barcelona simply will not relent in their pursuit of Bernardo Silva. Add to that the potential departure of Matteo Kovacic and it is clear to see that a rebuilding job could be on the cards for the blue half of Manchester this summer.
Over the last two years, Arsenal has pushed the Blues close in the title race, taking things down to the final game of the season last term. They are the second favorites for glory and Mikel Arteta will be aiming to finally get his team over the line next season.
Bundesliga: Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich’s dominance in the Bundesliga is well-documented, but it came to a screeching halt last season following the rise of the aforementioned Leverkusen. Next term, they are the favorites to regain the Meisterschale at odds of -200, and new manager Vincent Kompany will certainly have the title in his sights. He has already raided the Premier League for two new signings, bringing in Michael Olise from Crystal Palace and Joao Palhinha from Fulham for over €100m combined.
One player that the Bavarians already have in their ranks is England striker Harry Kane. The former Spurs man was in blistering form for the German giants last season, bagging a whopping 44 goals in 45 appearances last season. With a supporting cast consisting of the aforementioned Olise and Jamal Musiala, who was one of the stars of the show at the recent Euros, it’s clear to see why Bayern are the frontrunners.
Leverkusen isn’t too far behind them in the betting, however, and they will be hoping to put up an admirable defense of their crown. They managed to cling on to manager Xabi Alonso, who rejected moves to both Bayern and Liverpool to remain at the BayArena, and he will be aiming to continue building the stunning campaign he enjoyed last term.
La Liga: Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti led Real Madrid to a La Liga and UEFA Champions League double last term, following the addition of a certain Jude Bellingham. And now, even more heavyweight ammo has been brought to the Bernabeu. The mercurial Kylian Mbappe has swapped Paris Saint-Germain for the Spanish capital and he will be joined by Brazilian teenage sensation Endrick. Now, Los Blancos will be aiming to dominate like never before.
Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo once offered youthful exuberance and flair, but they have now developed into genuine world-beaters. The aforementioned Bellingham is joined in the midfield by the likes of Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, and the evergreen Luka Modric, but Toni Kroos is no more, following his retirement this summer.
Carlo Ancelotti’s calm and composed leadership provides stability and confidence. He has swapped tactical nous for creative freedom, and that has brought plenty of success. Next term, more is sure to follow.
