Around two months ago, the European body that aids in the governance of football, Union of European Football Associations or UEFA, released a list of nine clubs they thought could never be caught. ‘Caught’ in terms of how successful they are, how self-sustaining they are – for the most part – and how much commercial value they have – something that continues to help them greatly in the battle of transfers.
And yet, we've seen multiple clubs challenge these so called 'super clubs’ to domestic and European titles now and in the past. Premier League minnows Leicester City finished last season ten points above ‘super club', Arsenal, to win the title.
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Similarly, La Liga witnessed Atletico Madrid winning the title in 2014 above arguably two of the world's biggest ‘super clubs’ in Real Madrid and Barcelona. So, if there are teams that continue to challenge these elite clubs, who are they and could they sustain this charge long enough to get into the bracket?
Here’s looking at five clubs from Europe’s top leagues who are on their way to becoming ‘super clubs’:
#1 RB Leipzig
A young brooding squad, an adept manager, outside money – although it’s a shaky topic – and Ralf Rangnick. RB Leipzig are on their way to becoming a ‘super club’. Yes, they were promoted only this year but the quality of their performances, the thought and precision of their scouting and their financial model all mean they’re here to stay.
They’re the most un-Bundesliga side the Bundesliga has had yet – and we’re talking about a league that has the likes of Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg. Dietrich Mateschitz’s brainchild, RB Leipzig were in the fourth tier of German football only seven years ago.
Now? They’re second in the Bundesliga only behind Bayern Munich and above the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Hertha Berlin and Hoffenheim. With them in the UEFA Champions League next season, as well as continuing to improve in the domestic scene, it’s clear that they have a plan of ruffling some feathers in Germany and should they succeed, they’re en route to becoming a super club themselves.
#2 Atletico Madrid
Under Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid have won a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey title, a Supercopa de Espana title and have reached the finals of the UEFA Champions League twice – albeit ending up on the losing side on both occasions.
Additionally, they’ve signed incredibly talented youngsters in Antoine Griezmann, Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco and Jan Oblak to name a few, to help them challenge for more trophies in the coming years. They’ve got a productive youth academy that churns out highly motivated focused individuals ready for the first team from the get-go.
All those factors contribute to Atletico Madrid’s rise and they will continue to do so without their charismatic Argentine manager. The new stadium and the challenging of the hierarchy in Spain has been evident in recent seasons and they finally look like a side capable of breathing some much-needed fresh air into the Spanish league.
#3 AS Roma
Luciano Spaletti is back managing the Roman club in his second spell and under him, they already look like a side capable of winning the Serie A barring a few hiccups – the biggest one being that unstoppable Italian juggernaut in Juventus.
Roma have, for long, enjoyed a squad of capable footballers who could mix it with the best but needed the right kind of mentor and guide to help them get to the finish line. And under Spaletti – again – they have someone who could do just that.
The Serie A side have been on fire recently despite failing to win trophies in either of the domestic or European competitions they’re a part of. They’re getting closer and closer to that elusive trophy and once they get their hands on one piece of silverware, there’s no stopping them in terms of how they could grow from that win.
#4 Tottenham Hotspur
The last time Tottenham Hotspur won a meaningful trophy was back in 2007-08 when they beat Chelsea in the Carling Cup final – and even that some of you might argue whether it’s worth counting or not. Yet, they’re seemingly among the top clubs in England and could hold on to that title should they keep hold of Mauricio Pochettino.
The Argentine manager has brought to life the club and has transformed the side from also-rans to ones who genuinely challenge for the title – albeit not this year. The North London club have been making all the right moves in all the departments and it’s beginning to pay off.
With an excellent scouting network that’s picked up the likes of Dele Alli, Harry Kane and more in recent years, they have a squad capable of challenging the usual suspects in England. And they have the money from the new TV deal to ensure they can outbid most European clubs for top talent.
The only thing holding them back is a title and should they keep hold of Pochettino for a little longer, who’s to say they can’t win some of those, too?
#5 AS Monaco
The club from the principality have silently been on the rise this past couple of years and now finally look like they’re at the final base camp before hitting the peak. AS Monaco have a bursting youth academy full of young stars more than capable of taking on the best in the years to come.
And with Leonardo Jardim at the helm, they have a tactician and a manager who wholeheartedly believes in the power of youth. He’s taken plenty of youngsters from Monaco’s younger sides, promoted them to the first team and pushed them beyond what a lot of people thought possible.
AS Monaco also have an owner who’s playing things in a safe way. He started brashly but has since learnt his lesson and moved on to a more sustainable model for growth in Europe. All these qualities mean the club in red and white are here to stay.
Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Marseille finally have someone to look over their shoulders for.
