Relegation Rollercoaster: Five European Giants Staring Down the Barrel in 2025/26

Picture this: it's late in the 2025/26 season, and some of Europe's fanciest clubs are sweating bullets over the drop. We're talking Fiorentina in Serie A, Tottenham in the Prem, Sevilla in La Liga, Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, and Nice in Ligue 1. These lot are usually chasing Europe, not the Championship (or equivalent). But here we are, with drama thicker than a post-match kebab.

Fiorentina are just two points above the trapdoor with eight games left. Stefano Pioli got the boot amid chaos, and Paolo Vanoli has steadied the ship somewhat. Yet, it's all hanging by a thread. Meanwhile, across the continent, the peril spreads.

Spurs' Shambolic Slide: From Europa Glory to Relegation Scrap

Tottenham won the Europa League last term – their first silverware since 2008 – but finished a dire 17th in the league. That sparked a summer splash: Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha, and Randal Kolo Muani rolled in. Thomas Frank, the Brentford boffin, took the helm, but it went pear-shaped fast.

No wins in 2026 so far, cue the Igor Tudor experiment after his Juventus sacking. Blimey, it's been grim: keeper Kinsky hooked after 17 minutes for Guglielmo Vicario, a 5-2 Champions League tonking by Atletico Madrid, and a 3-0 pantsing by Nottingham Forest pre-winter break. West Ham, third-bottom, lurk one point behind on 30 to 29. Igor's dealing with personal tragedy too – lost his dad. Pundits whisper Sean Dyche might parachute in, the English Ballardini.

Sevilla's Ramos Rally and Wolfsburg's Deja Vu

Down in Spain, Sevilla are three points clear of doom, fans baying for a Sergio Ramos takeover. He's the prodigal son who bookended his career there. Mallorca breathe down their necks. Sebastian Almeyda got the chop; now it's Luis Garcia Plaza, fresh off stints at Mallorca and Alaves – both in the mire. Ex-Inter duo Sandro Agoume and Alexis Sanchez need to dig deep.

Over in Germany, Wolfsburg – fifth-highest wage bill in the Bundesliga – are second-bottom, three points shy of St. Pauli's playoff spot on 24. They splashed €70m on stars like Rene Arnold, Christian Eriksen, Luka Majer, Leopold Wimmer, Koopmeiners Grabara, Koulierakis, and Amoura. No Europe since Oliver Glasner's days (now at Crystal Palace).

Third gaffer of the season: Dieter Hecking, back from 2012. He won the DFB-Pokal in 2015, reached Champions League last-16 in 2016 (edged by Real's late show). That golden era had Perisic, Schurrle, De Bruyne. Can he repeat the trick, or is 29 years without relegation toast?

Nice's INEOS Nightmare and Viola Vibes

Nice, 15th in Ligue 1 on 27 points, lead Auxerre by five in the playoffs. INEOS (Jim Ratcliffe's mob, United co-owners) pumped millions, but it's flop city. Europa League disaster: 33rd in groups, lost to Roma. Squad has Tanguy Ndombele and Elye Wahi, but fans went feral – stormed training, roughed up Jeremie Boga and Terem Moffi. Boga sued and legged to Juventus.

Claude Puel replaced the sacked Haise. Tensions boiling, but survival's within reach.

Back to Fiorentina: amid the sackings and steadying, they're mirroring this continental clown show. Five historic sides risking the abyss – talk about a perfect storm. Will they scramble clear, or join the footnotes? Buckle up, it's going to be a nervy finish.