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What the Eight-Man Line-up Should Have Been

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The Premier League Darts always delivers a fascinating chapter of the season. The consistency required to win the testing 17-week tournament is a barometer of quality in the sport, but for the fans, there’s often drama and debate before the first dart is even thrown.

Outside the automatic places held by the Order of Merit’s top four players — Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen, and Michael van Gerwen — the PDC have some tough decisions to make regarding the four remaining wildcard slots. And as 2026’s line-up has predictably shown, fans and pundits very rarely agree with all four of the PDC’s choices, with even Wayne Mardle shocked at one exclusion in particular.

Previous winner, Jonny Clayton, makes his return after missing out in 2024 and seven-time major winner Gerwyn Price retains his wildcard spot. The Iceman was runner-up in 2023. Josh Rock will make his Premier League Darts debut after triumphing at the World Cup of Darts during an impressive 2025. The final and most controversial spot was given to Stephen Bunting, who slumped to a disappointing last-place finish at the tournament in 2025.

But based on the debate surrounding the PDC’s choices, who should have been the wildcards alongside Littler, Humphries, Van Veen, and Van Gerwen? Based on their efforts during the 2025 season, here’s who should be heading out on the road alongside the world’s top four for the Premier League Darts in February.

Wildcard no. 1: Jonny Clayton

Jonny Clayton

Clayton endured a tough 2024. His best result was a solitary quarter-final at the World Grand Prix, with his poor results leading to a disappointing snub for the Premier League last year. But it was clearly the kick up the backside The Ferret needed.

Clayton was on fire in the opening stages of 2025, making the final at the World Masters before recording four consecutive semi-final appearances in premier events. He also made the final of the World Cup of Darts alongside Gerwyn Price. His 2025 form has seen him climb back up the world rankings to fifth, making him nigh-on impossible to exclude from the tournament.

Wildcard no. 2: Gerwyn Price

Gerwyn Price

The other Welsh wildcard is none other than the man with ice in his veins, Gerwyn Price. The Iceman made the semi-finals of the Premier League last year and was a consistent threat throughout the season, securing two semi-finals in two premier events and a further three quarter-finals overall.

Price hasn’t won a major since his 2022 victory at the World Series of Darts Finals, but his consistency and experience makes him a player that’s always in contention. A former world no. 1 and seven-time Major winner, Price has transformed himself from a pantomime villain to a crowd favourite in recent months. It may be the momentum shift that returns him to the winner’s circle.

Wildcard no. 3: Danny Noppert

Danny Noppert

The Iceman cometh to Newcastle on the 5th of February, but the Freeze will have to wait for his Premier League berth. Noppert’s snub was the most harshly felt among fans and pundits alike, with many pointing to the Dutchman’s consistency throughout 2025.

Noppert made four semi-finals in premier televised events, as well as partnering Van Veen to the World Cup of Darts semi-finals. By comparison, Bunting only made one semi-final in the same period. A new peak ranking of no. 6 came with Noppert’s success, so The Freeze will feel that his exclusion is unwarranted. Some fans and pundits may suggest that his lack of box office persona may have played against him, but his performances should have been more than enough to see him selected.

Wildcard no. 4: Josh Rock

Josh Rock

Rock is a man on the rise, and at just 24, he has a very high ceiling. Rocky delivered on his promise, winning the World Cup alongside Daryl Gurney in 2025. In singles competition, he also went deep into a number of premier events, with his semi-final runs at the UK Open and World Matchplay among his personal highlights.

As a result, Rocky has climbed into the top 10 of the Order of Merit, narrowly leapfrogging Noppert with two quarter-final finishes in the final two premier events of 2025. In contrast to Noppert, Rock has already displayed a penchant for crowd interaction which will serve him well during the 17-week tour for the Premier League showcase.

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Tottenham Want to Sign Eli Kroupi Junior After Fernandes and Tonali

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Tottenham Hotspur have been the busiest team in the summer transfer window so far and they do not show any sign of slowing down.

Spurs have already confirmed four completed deals, with goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and defenders Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson arriving on free transfers. They also spent big on signing Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton in a £52million deal.

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi has set out his stall to revitalise the ailing squad that he inherited at the end of March and the Spurs owners have backed their new boss with signings he has asked for.

Midfield duo set to arrive in north London

Sandro Tonali via Reuters

A fifth signing is imminent, with Tottenham having agreed a deal with West Ham to sign Mateus Fernandes after winning the race with Manchester United. Fernandes will become Spurs’ new record signing in a deal worth £85million.

Spurs are still in talks with Newcastle United over a deal to sign Sandro Tonali, with an initial £80million bid rejected by the Magpies. Should they manage to negotiate a fee, it is likely the Italian would then break the transfer record once more.

Tonali’s arrival would add major strength to the midfield department, which has already been boosted by Fernandes’ signing. And having bolstered his defence and goalkeeping department, all that would seemingly remain for De Zerbi would be to upgrade his forward line.

There are a number of players who will be like new signings for the Italian, with Dejan Kulusevski having not featured at all last season and Mohammed Kudus yet to play under De Zerbi.

But there are likely to be new figures arriving in that department too. Richarlison could leave if the right offer comes in for him, while the likes of Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert will remain sidelined for the start of the campaign, which leaves Spurs a little light.

Spurs turn attention to forward signing

AFC Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi celebrates
AFC Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi celebrates

GIVEMESPORT understands Tottenham will look at the market for a new No.9 this summer and Eli Kroupi Junior has emerged as a potential candidate to arrive in north London, according to Spurs insider Paul O’Keefe.

The Bournemouth striker broke the Premier League record last season for the number of goals scored by a teenager in a season, taking the mantel from Robbie Keane and Robbie Fowler before him.

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In his first season in the English top flight, the now 20-year-old notched 13 goals in 33 appearances, although nine of those goals came in the 21 starts he was handed by then boss Andoni Iraola.

Kroupi has plenty of admirers, with Arsenal and Chelsea both also understood to be keen on signing him this summer, but as Spurs attentions turn to their forward line, the Bournemouth star is in their sights, although they will have to spend big once more to sign him, with the Cherries demanding between £80million and £100million to sell him this summer.

The forward has been described as a ‘phenomenon’ and likened in style to Kylian Mbappe by Tiemoue Bakayoko.


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Arsenal Eye West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville as Morgan Rogers Price Tag Soars

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Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move to sign Morgan Rogers in the summer transfer window, but due to his hefty price tag, they might want to consider exploring alternatives.

Rogers is a player who is attracting plenty of interest in the summer, which is no surprise after his impressive performances with Villa.

The England international has kicked on massively since his move to Villa Park from Middlesbrough, quickly becoming a key figure for the Midlands club and England.

Due to his performance levels and the fact that the market is heavily inflated at the moment, Villa are reportedly demanding in the region of £130m for Rogers to depart.

Whether this is out of reach for Arsenal remains to be seen, but they do appear to have serious interest in the forward.


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Arsenal are busy in the summer transfer window.

Arsenal Eyeing Alternative Target

Morgan Rogers Caean Couto (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)

According to reports, an alternative target for Arsenal in the summer transfer window is West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville.

The Dutch international, who has been representing the Netherlands at the World Cup, is believed to be valued in the region of £50m following West Ham’s relegation.

Summerville would, of course, be significantly cheaper than Rogers, so it would certainly make more sense financially.

The West Ham winger, described as ‘elite’, is destined to return to the Premier League during the summer transfer window, and there is no doubt there will be clubs lining up to secure his signature in the coming weeks and months.

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Summerville Better Signing Than Rogers

Crysencio Summerville

Taking everything into account, Summerville would be a better signing than Rogers for Arsenal in the summer transfer window.

The Dutch international is naturally a left-sided attacker, which is the position that Arsenal desperately need to strengthen.

The Gunners currently have Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli for the left-sided position, but neither of them have nailed down a starting role in the side.

Rogers is more of a number 10 who is capable of playing on the left-hand side.

Arsenal will need to bring in a player who specialises in playing off the left, and considering he costs £80m more than Rogers, it would be a smarter move to secure the West Ham winger’s signature this summer.

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Liverpool Eyeing Summer Move for Wolves Midfielder Mateus Mane

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Liverpool could now look to reignite their interest in a young talent as they aim to reinforce Andoni Iraola’s squad in the summer transfer window.

If Liverpool want their new manager to be successful, then there’s no doubt they need to bring in reinforcements over the coming weeks.

It is, however, incredibly important that their recruitment improves after Arne Slot struggled following a busy summer transfer window last year.

Some of their new additions have struggled to hit the ground running, which is forcing the Reds back into the market.

Liverpool also need to replace some of their outgoing stars, with Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate and Mohamed Salah all leaving on free transfers.

It could be another busy window for the Merseyside club.


Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola


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Liverpool Eyeing Young Talent

Andoni Iraola gives thumbs-up after Bournemouth Premier League game REUTERS/Peter Powell

According to reports, Liverpool are one of the sides once again showing an interest in signing Wolves midfielder Mateus Mane in the summer transfer window.

The Reds are yet to submit an official approach, while Wolves value him in the region of £35m.

Liverpool face strong competition for his signature, including from three Premier League clubs, while Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt are also keen on the young talent.

Wolves are determined to keep hold of Mane, described as ‘special’, heading into the new season, despite them being relegated from the Premier League last term.

Whether the stance changes if a big offer arrives on the table remains to be seen.

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Mane Tipped to Become One of the Best

Mateus Mane

Mane enjoyed a phenomenal breakout season with Wolves despite them being relegated from the Premier League.

Former Wolves manager Vitor Pereira was full of praise for the 18-year-old during his time at the club, tipping him to become “one of the best players not just at our club, but in this league.”

Mane took on a lot of responsibility last season, and it takes a big personality to be able to shine in a side struggling so much in the Premier League.

As it stands, he looks set to be dropping down a league to the Championship. At the age of 18, there’s certainly no shame in plying your trade in the second tier.

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