Okay, hear me out on this one before you set off with the pitchforks and social media abuse.
The idea of a European Super League (ESL) has long been a contentious topic in football. When plans were first announced in 2021, the proposal was widely condemned. The idea of a closed-shop competition, where the richest clubs could compete without the risk of relegation, felt like an attack on the principles of the sport. Fans, pundits, and even some players protested vehemently, leading to the project’s collapse—at least temporarily.
However, what if the Premier League’s biggest clubs did break away? What if Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham decided to abandon English football in pursuit of their European ambitions? While it might sound disastrous at first, there is an argument to be made that their departure could actually benefit the domestic game.
Here’s why English football might be better off without the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
A More Competitive and Exciting Domestic League
One of the biggest criticisms of the Premier League in recent years is its predictability. While Leicester City’s 2015/16 triumph was a once-in-a-lifetime story, the reality is that England’s top flight is dominated by a handful of super-rich clubs. Since 1992, only seven different clubs have won the league, and in the last decade, it has largely been a two-horse race between Manchester City and Liverpool.
Contrast that with the Championship, which is widely regarded as one of the most unpredictable and exciting leagues in the world. Each season, a different set of clubs find themselves in the title race, and the battle for promotion is thrilling from start to finish. Without the financial behemoths of the Premier League distorting the competition, the top tier of English football could become far more competitive, with different clubs having a realistic shot at the title.
Imagine a league where Newcastle, Aston Villa, Brighton, and West Ham are genuinely competing for the championship, where teams like Leeds, Sunderland, or Sheffield Wednesday can rise again without being permanently locked out of the elite.
A Fairer Financial Landscape for the Rest of the Pyramid
The financial gap between the Premier League and the rest of English football is staggering. The Premier League’s global appeal generates billions in revenue while clubs in the lower divisions struggle to stay afloat. Parachute payments keep relegated clubs artificially stronger than their rivals in the Championship, and the financial gulf makes it increasingly difficult for newly promoted sides to compete at the top level.
If the Premier League’s wealthiest clubs were to leave for a European Super League, the financial ecosystem of English football could be reset. Television money could be more evenly distributed, the EFL could reclaim its identity, and clubs outside of the elite could have a more sustainable future. English football could become healthier and more balanced instead of the constant threat of financial ruin for smaller clubs.
A breakaway of the richest clubs might initially cause short-term chaos, but it could ultimately lead to a more equitable system—one where clubs survive on merit rather than financial muscle.
The Return of Football to the Fans
Over the past two decades, English football has drifted further away from its traditional fanbase. Premier League ticket prices have soared, matchday atmospheres have suffered, and kick-off times are dictated by overseas television deals rather than local supporters. The top six clubs are increasingly global brands rather than community institutions, prioritising commercial growth over fan experience.
If these clubs were to leave for a European Super League, English football could rediscover its soul. The domestic game would again be about clubs representing their cities and communities rather than chasing international markets. Traditional rivalries would regain their importance, and matchdays could again feel like authentic football experiences rather than corporate events.
Look at the Championship, where packed stadiums, passionate fans, and unpredictable football make it one of the most entertaining divisions in Europe. A Premier League without its elite clubs could provide a similar experience—one that values fans as more than just consumers.
Conclusion
At first glance, the idea of England’s biggest clubs leaving for a European Super League seems disastrous. But dig a little deeper, and their departure could actually be the best thing for English football.
A more competitive and unpredictable domestic league, a fairer financial structure for clubs outside the elite, and a return to a fan-focused experience could all emerge from the so-called ‘big six’ leaving. While traditionalists might not welcome the European Super League, its creation could ironically restore the values that make English football special in the first place.
Sometimes, losing something you think you need can be the best thing that ever happens to you.
