Premier League Summer 2026 Managerial Merry-Go-Round: 8 Clubs Hunting New Bosses + Top 5 Favourites for Each Job

Premier League Summer Managerial Merry-Go-Round: At Least 8 Clubs Could Be Hunting New Bosses. 

So people we are in the final International Break of the year, the season’s winding down, and the managerial carousel is already spinning at full tilt. Out of the 20 clubs in the league, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Fulham, Brighton, Newcastle, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham, aka at least eight look set for a change this summer (or are already in the market). Contracts are expiring, interims are keeping seats warm, pressure is mounting after poor runs, and the post-World Cup landscape is creating a perfect storm. The World Cup is always a reset year, the merry go round looks like it is going to be in full swing after or possibly even before this summer’s festivities as a pile of quality managers end up available or at the Dole office.

At StatrDraft we score the full picture, it’s kinda what we do when we are building Fantasy Football but Better, tackles, recoveries, key passes, set-piece involvements, the lot. A new manager almost always triggers a tactical reset: more high press = more ball recoveries for your mids and defenders; a shift to direct play = aerial duels and long-throw bonuses; a new set-piece coach = instant points spikes for whippers and headers. This summer’s shake-up could hand out serious fantasy edges before a ball is even kicked in 2026/27, if you know where to look.

Here’s the club-by-club breakdown, with the latest on each situation, why the club is hunting (or the manager might be leaving), and the top 5 favourites according to current betting markets and reports (as of 26 March 2026).

Manchester United – Michael Carrick interim until June

Ruben Amorim was sacked in January after a bad run that left them hovering outside the Champions League positions, but more importantly the things he said about the club (albeit he was right) and despite big spending. Carrick has steadied the ship impressively in the short term, but the board is still expected to seek a permanent high-profile appointment to lead the long-term rebuild under INEOS. Top 5 favourites:

1. Michael Carrick (4/5 – 10/11)
2. Roberto De Zerbi (8/1)
3. Julian Nagelsmann (8/1)
4. Oliver Glasner (10/1)
5. Diego Simeone / Gareth Southgate (outsiders ~12-14/1)

Liverpool – Arne Slot is feeling the pressure 

Arne Slot took Liverpool all the way to the Premier League Title in his maiden season, having taken the reins from Jurgen Klopp, but it’s never felt like the right fit for some reason. Results have dipped dramatically this season, they have been outrun in 26 of their 30 league games this season and they are statistically the worst defending champions having lost 10 matches already. Defensive frailty, no consistency, tactical inefficiency and most importantly having lost the love of the Anfield faithful the only thing saving Slot is the Champions League. With the news that Mo Salah is heading off into the sunset, it feels like a time of change in Merseyside. The Anfield heirarchy is growing impatient and by all accounts has started sounding out replacements. Top 5 favourites:

1. Xabi Alonso (4/7 – 1/2)
2. Luis Enrique (2/1 – 3/1)
3. Steven Gerrard (8/1)
4. Julian Nagelsmann (8/1 – 14/1)
5. Jurgen Klopp (return) or Oliver Glasner (12/1 – 16/1)

Chelsea – Liam Rosenior under mounting pressure

Rosenior was appointed in early 2026 as the latest attempt at stability, but poor results, inconsistent performances and some eyebrow-raising public comments (to put it nicely Mr Linked Wanker himself) have left him on thin ice at the Bridge. Chelsea’s ownership model means another reset is very much on the cards. Top 5 favourites:

1. Filipe Luís (2/1)
2. Oliver Glasner (4/1)
3. Xavi Hernández (5/1)
4. Cesc Fàbregas (6/1)
5. Roberto De Zerbi (6/1)

Fulham – Marco Silva contract expires this summer

Silva has been a model of stability since 2021, steering Fulham to their best-ever Premier League points tally last season with it being beaten this season. However, no extension has been agreed and he is being linked with bigger clubs, leaving the Cottagers braced for a potential exit. Top 5 favourites (if he leaves):

1. Brendan Rodgers
2. Liam Rosenior
3. Roberto De Zerbi
4. Marco Rose
5. Enzo Maresca (markets still forming but Silva himself is 8/1-10/1 to stay or jump).

Brighton – Fabian Hurzeler relatively secure (for now)

The young German has bedded in well and the Seagulls’ recruitment model continues to deliver results. Brighton aren’t in the “definite change” bracket and Hurzeler’s contract gives them breathing room, low immediate risk of a hunt.

Newcastle – Eddie Howe under fan pressure after derby woes

Howe has done an excellent job overall since the PIF takeover, but a string of poor results, heavy defeats (including recent derby humiliation) and fan frustration over style and recruitment have put him under the microscope. The owners are reviewing but the pressure is real. Top 5 favourites:

1. Andoni Iraola (7/2)
2. Oliver Glasner (5/1)
3. Marco Silva (11/2)
4. Xavi (6/1)
5. Roberto De Zerbi / Kieran McKenna (longer shots)

Bournemouth – Andoni Iraola contract expires this summer

Iraola has been outstanding, turning Bournemouth into a solid top-half side with an attractive style. Extension talks are ongoing, but he is being heavily linked with bigger jobs (Tottenham, La Liga), meaning the Cherries could lose him unless they tie him down quickly. Top 5 favourites (if he leaves): Likely internal promotion or a name like Kieran McKenna / Graham Potter, but the market is quiet until his decision.

Crystal Palace – Oliver Glasner confirmed leaving end of season

Glasner has already announced he will depart when his contract expires this summer after a mixed campaign that has seen results slide and tensions rise behind the scenes. A definite vacancy at Selhurst Park. Top 5 favourites:

1. Robbie Keane (13/8 – 5/4)
2. Thomas Frank (3/1 – 5/2)
3. Sean Dyche (4/1)
4. Paddy McCarthy / Roger Schmidt (5/1 – 9/1)
5. Kieran McKenna or Inigo Pérez (longer)

Nottingham Forest – Vitor Pereira interim after Sean Dyche sacking (Feb 2026)

Dyche was dismissed in February after a slump left Forest in the relegation mix; Pereira was brought in as a short-term fix and has done enough to make himself the overwhelming favourite to stay permanently. The club wants stability after multiple changes. Top 5 favourites:

1. Vitor Pereira (1/6 – 2/1)
2. Thomas Frank (4/1 – 5/1)
3. Roberto De Zerbi (11/2 – 12/1)
4. Mauricio Pochettino (5/1 – 16/1)
5. Ruben Amorim / Enzo Maresca (outsiders)

Tottenham – Igor Tudor interim and already under fire

Tudor was installed mid-season as a stop-gap but patchy results, no clear identity and continued fan unrest have made the hot seat basically lava. Spurs are actively planning for a big-name permanent appointment. Top 5 favourites:

1. Roberto De Zerbi (1/2 – 2/1) or Sean Dyche (5/4)
2. Adi Hutter (4/1)
3. Mauricio Pochettino (3/1 – 6/1)
4. Harry Redknapp / Ryan Mason (4/1 – 8/1)
5. Marco Silva / Enzo Maresca (8/1 – 14/1)

The summer of 2026 is going to be chaos — and in StatrDraft that chaos prints points for the smart drafters who read the tactical tea leaves early.

Which of these jobs is the one you’re most excited (or terrified) about? Drop your thoughts below — we’re tracking every rumour so you don’t have to.