Full list: UEFA Champions League quarter-final fixtures
The Premier League will have at least five teams in next season’s UEFA Champions League after securing an additional European Performance Spot (EPS).

The extra place was confirmed after Arsenal claimed a 1-0 victory over Sporting CP in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal on Tuesday. The result ensured England will finish among UEFA’s top two leagues in this season’s coefficient rankings.

It marks the second consecutive year that the Premier League has earned a bonus slot. This season, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle United featured in the competition, while Tottenham Hotspur also qualified as a sixth entrant after winning the UEFA Europa League.

UEFA awards the additional place to the two best-performing leagues across its three major competitions — the Champions League, Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League — and England has topped the standings for most of the campaign.

All nine English teams that entered European competitions progressed beyond the group stage, although only five have reached the quarterfinals.

The battle for fifth place in the Premier League — which now guarantees Champions League qualification — remains tightly contested.

Liverpool currently sit fifth on 49 points, just one point ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea. Brentford and Everton are also within striking distance, only three points behind. In total, just seven points separate fifth from 13th in a congested table.

Path to even more spots
There is also a possibility of increased English representation in next season’s Champions League.

If Aston Villa — currently fourth — win the Europa League but finish outside the top five, they would still qualify automatically, potentially giving the Premier League six teams in the competition.

A similar situation could benefit Liverpool if they win the Champions League but finish outside the top four.

Should either scenario occur, and the winning team finishes fifth, sixth place could also secure qualification. If two English clubs win European titles while finishing fifth and sixth, even seventh place could earn a Champions League spot.

Liverpool are reportedly exploring a potential move involving Mohamed Salah, who has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season after nine memorable years.

The Reds are said to be considering a deal that could see Salah move to the Saudi Pro League, with Saudi side Al Hilal reportedly interested in accommodating the Egyptian star.

In return, Liverpool may target Marcus Leonardo, the 22-year-old Brazilian forward who has impressed with his pace and finishing ability in the Saudi league. Sources suggest Liverpool see this as an opportunity to secure a young, high-potential striker while capitalizing on Salah’s departure.

Salah’s tenure at Liverpool has been defined by record-breaking goals, Premier League glory, and a Champions League title, making him one of the most influential figures in the club’s modern era. With negotiations in their early stages, the coming weeks could see a major reshaping of Liverpool’s attacking options ahead of the 2026/27 season

Transfermart released the latest standing for the most valuable right-backs as Trent Arnold steps down.

Most Valuable right-backs by Transfermart(Early April edition):

1. Achraf Hakimi PSG €80m

2. Jurrien Timber Arsenal €70m

3. Kounde FC Barcelona €65m

4. Trent Alexander-Arnold Real Madrid €65m

5. Reece James Chelsea €60m

6. Matheus Nunes Manchester City €45m

7. Wesley Lima Roma €40m

8. Livramento Newcastle United €40m

9. Porro Tottenham Hotspur €40m

10. Michael Kayode Brentford €35m