The 2024/25 Europa League campaign kicks off this week with several big hitters ready to participate in a competition that has grown in stature and prestige over the last few years.
Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Galatasaray, Roma and many other big clubs are aiming to make a run to the final in Bilbao. Here are five storylines to follow throughout the Europa League campaign.
Has Victor Osimhen made Galatasaray genuine contenders?
Galatasaray pulled off arguably the most surprising transfer of the summer window by landing Victor Osimhen on loan from Napoli. The Turkish champions took advantage of a political tug-of-war between the Nigerian striker and the leadership at the Serie A club to add one of the best forwards in the world to their squad.
Okan Buruk’s team are fresh from asserting their domestic dominance in a 3-1 victory over Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the Intercontinental Derby on Saturday and have the attacking talent to make their mark on the Europa League after failing to qualify for the Champions League group stage. Osimhen’s signing could supercharge them.
Would Europa League glory prove Man Utd are making progress?
Manchester United don’t want to be in the Europa League. The Old Trafford club expects to qualify for the Champions League every season and so it’s possible Erik ten Hag and his players could prioritise other competitions. A 1-1 draw to FC Twente in their opening match did little to dispel this notion. However, winning the Europa League would surely help ten Hag prove United are making progress under his stewardship.
Under ten Hag, Manchester United have struggled for an identity, but there have been some signs of improvement in this regard this season. While the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool was damaging, the Old Trafford outfit have at least attempted to construct possession sequences and grow more comfortable on the ball. Europa League glory could be a welcome distraction from their Premier League struggles.
How will Roma fare after the firing of Daniele De Rossi?
Roma made the decision to fire Daniele De Rossi after just four games of the new season. While those four games had been difficult, many believed the former midfielder should have been given more time to turn around the situation with supporters now targeting the ownership and board for showing so little faith in a club legend.
Ivan Juric has been hired as De Rossi’s replacement and started life as Roma manager with a comfortable 3-0 win over Udinese. The summer transfer window was an impressive one for the Stadio Olimpico club with Matias Soule and Artem Dovbyk both joining. Paulo Dybala’s decision to stay in Italy rather than move to Saudi Arabia was also a boost. This talent could still make an impact on the continent.
Could a Europa League run accelerate Ajax’s rebuild?
Ajax have gone through a few difficult seasons. Francesco Farioli was appointed by the Amsterdam club over the summer after a successful 2023/24 campaign at Nice and has been charged with remoulding and rebuilding the Dutch giants. Under Farioli, Ajax have made a strong start to the season, losing just once in all competitions.
Wout Weghorst joined Ajax from Burnley in the summer and reflects how Ajax are now playing a more direct game than they traditionally have done in the past. Farioli was a pragmatist as a coach during his time at Nice and he has carried that into his new job in the Netherlands. A run in the Europa League could accelerate Ajax’s progress.
Will things come together for Ange Postecoglou and Spurs in the Europa League?
Tottenham Hotspur have endured a challenging start to the season. Indeed, Spurs have won just two of their five opening league fixtures, but Ange Postecoglou remains bullish on his team’s chances of success. The Australian coach has reminded his critics that he has won a trophy in every second season in his managerial career.
Dominic Solanke scored his first goal as a Tottenham player in the 3-1 win over Brentford on Saturday while James Maddison looks more like the player who hit the ground running after joining from Leicester City last season. It’s certainly not beyond the realms of possibility that Postecoglou’s second season prediction could come true in the Europa League.