Top 5 Longest-Serving Managers In The Premier League

The Premier League has developed a reputation for giving managers very little time to build lasting projects. Results often dictate the mood at a club, while poor runs can quickly lead to changes in the dugout. Yet, five current managers have enjoyed considerably longer spells than most of their rivals.

As of October 7, 2026, Mikel Arteta remains the longest-serving manager in the division. The Arsenal boss has stayed in his position for more than six years, having taken charge in December 2019. Arteta’s tenure stands well ahead of the other four managers on this list and he has just penned a new contract, with Arsenal locking him down to a new contract running for another 3 years from the end of the current season.

❤️ BREAKING: Mikel Arteta signs new deal at Arsenal until June 2030, club confirms. The agreement reported in the recent weeks has now been validated and confirmed by #AFC. Arteta and his backroom staff key members, staying for 4 more years — pay rise also part of the deal. https://t.co/wLUUHK2ahc

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 7, 2026

The figures below rank each manager by the length of his current spell at his Premier League club at the time of writing.

Managers in charge of their the clubs the longest

1. Mikel Arteta – Arsenal – 6 years and 289 days

Mikel Arteta sits comfortably at the top of the list after spending more than six years as Arsenal manager. The Spaniard took charge in December 2019 and has remained in the job through several major changes at the club.

Arteta inherited a team that needed significant improvement and gradually changed Arsenal’s squad, playing style and ambitions. His tenure has included a return to regular Champions League football and a Premier League title win.

The length of his stay gives him a clear advantage over every other current manager in the division. Arsenal have continued to back his plans, while Arteta has built a squad capable of competing at the highest level.

2. Unai Emery – Aston Villa – 3 years and 340 days

Unai Emery ranks second after spending almost four years in charge of Aston Villa. He arrived in October 2022 following Steven Gerrard’s departure and quickly changed the club’s direction.

Villa improved under Emery and returned to European competition, while his tactical approach helped the team challenge established Premier League sides. His experience across several major European leagues has proved valuable at Villa Park.

3. Daniel Farke – Leeds United – 3 years and 95 days

Daniel Farke has spent 3 years and 95 days as Leeds United manager. He joined the club in July 2023 after Leeds dropped into the Championship and immediately faced the task of restoring top-flight status.

Farke achieved promotion and secured his place among the division’s longest-serving current managers. His previous Championship experience helped Leeds compete effectively during their promotion campaign.

4. Fabian Hurzeler – Brighton – 2 years and 114 days

Fabian Hurzeler has managed Brighton for 2 years and 114 days. His appointment attracted major attention because he became the youngest permanent manager in Premier League history.

Brighton handed Hurzeler responsibility for continuing the club’s progressive approach after Roberto De Zerbi’s departure. He has since gained valuable Premier League experience while working with a squad known for developing young players.

5. Regis Le Bris – Sunderland – 2 years and 98 days

Regis Le Bris completes the list with 2 years and 98 days as Sunderland manager. He arrived in July 2024 and helped Sunderland return to the Premier League after a long absence from the top division.

His tenure now places him ahead of many managers who arrived more recently. Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has given Le Bris the chance to test his methods against England’s strongest clubs.

The current ranking of the longest-serving managers in the Premier League therefore starts with Arteta, followed by Emery, Farke, Hurzeler and Le Bris. Managers of the other big 6 clubs like newly appointed Michael Carrick, Andoni Iraola, Xabi Alonso, Enzo Maresca and Roberto De Zerbi will be dreaming of the patience the Arsenal owners have shown in Mikel Arteta and it shows that being patient pays off when you back the manager in the transfer market and buy into his vision.

Man United’s Carrick and Spurs’ De Zerbi in particular will be hoping they are not imminent casualties given their odds in the Premier League sack race to be the next managers replaced.