Do you already miss the 2016/17 seasons? Odds are you do – if you are a true fan of the beautiful game. Last season brought excitement, joy – for some heartbreak – and thrilling encounters.
There are games over the next few months to look forward to – the Confederations Cup and International Champions Cup for example. However, fans are probably waiting for next season’s kick-off.
Due to relegations and promotions, Europe’s top leagues will have new contenders for 2017/18. Here’s a roundup of who went down and who the newcomers in the top five leagues are.
Premier League
Relegated
Hull City
Middlesbrough
Sunderland
Sunderland were unable to repeat the miracle of last season and were thus relegated
Promoted
Newcastle
Brighton and Hove Albion
Playoff winners: Huddersfield Town
Look who's back: after only a season away, Newcastle return to the Premier League after winning the Championship
La Liga
Relegated
Sporting Gijon
Osasuna
Granada
Promoted
Levante
Girona
Play-off: Yet to be played
Serie A
Relegated
Empoli
Palermo
Pescara
Promoted
SPAL 2013
Hellas Verona
SPAL 2013 are back in Serie A for the first time since 1968!
Playoff winners: Benevento
Bundesliga
Relegated
Ingolstadt
Darmstadt
Promoted
Stuttgart
Hannover
Relegation playoff winners: Wolfsburg
Ligue 1
Relegated
Lorient
Nancy
Bastia
Promoted
Strasbourg
Amiens
Playoff winners: Troyes
Amiens earned promotion thanks to a 95th-minute winner in the final game of the season