Transfer Window Grades: Europe’s Biggest Teams Ranked (Summer 2025)
The 2025 summer transfer window was full of drama, record-breaking deals, and high-profile failures. While some clubs strengthened their squads with smart signings, others stumbled in chaotic or underwhelming markets. Here’s how Europe’s 10 biggest teams fared, ranked from worst to best.
10. Bayern Munich – Grade: D-
Bayern Munich endured a chaotic window that left their squad worryingly thin. While Luis Diaz and Jonathan Tah added quality, the overpaid Nicolas Jackson deal summed up their desperation. Losing key players like Coman, Müller, and Sané without adequate replacements has alarm bells ringing in Munich.
9. Barcelona – Grade: D+
Barcelona spent more time balancing the books than improving the squad. Joan Garcia and teenage prospect Roony Bardghji came in, but missing out on Nico Williams and Luis Diaz was a major blow. With Inigo Martinez departing for free, the squad looks no stronger than last season.
8. Paris Saint-Germain – Grade: C
PSG avoided big changes after last year’s treble, but Luis Enrique made two key moves. Illia Zabarnyi arrived to bolster the defence, while Lucas Chevalier controversially replaced Donnarumma in goal. However, the failure to sell Kolo Muani permanently highlighted their unfinished business.
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7. Manchester United – Grade: C+
Manchester United continued their rebuild by offloading several big names, including Garnacho and Antony. New attackers Cunha, Mbeumo, and Sesko offer fresh hope, though early performances have been underwhelming. Midfield issues and goalkeeping uncertainty suggest another tough season ahead.
6. Tottenham – Grade: B-
Tottenham’s window looked bleak after missing out on Eberechi Eze, but late moves improved the outlook. Xavi Simons, Kolo Muani, and Joao Palhinha all add much-needed quality to Thomas Frank’s squad. Defensive depth remains a concern, yet the attack looks far more promising.
5. Manchester City – Grade: B-
Manchester City refreshed their squad with Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Rayan Aït-Nouri, alongside Donnarumma in goal. However, selling Jack Grealish and failing to sign a right-back raised eyebrows. Guardiola’s team still has questions to answer despite strong individual signings.
4. Real Madrid – Grade: B-
Real Madrid took a pragmatic approach, focusing on defence with Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Exciting youngster Franco Mastantuono has already shown promise, but midfield doubts linger. Without a true replacement for Toni Kroos, Madrid’s balance is still questionable.
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3. Chelsea – Grade: B
Chelsea once again dominated the market with massive spending balanced by big sales. Joao Pedro has already impressed, while Estevao Willian looks like a future star. Despite concerns over signing too many wingers, their efficient selling keeps the squad competitive.
2. Arsenal – Grade: B+
Arsenal finally landed a prolific striker in Viktor Gyokeres, alongside Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke. Midfield upgrades like Martin Zubimendi promise to unlock Declan Rice’s full potential. With defensive reinforcements too, Arteta now has arguably the strongest squad in England.
1. Liverpool – Grade: A-
Liverpool had a near-perfect summer, breaking records with huge deals for Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Alexander Isak. Smart planning and impressive player sales balanced the books despite enormous investment. Missing out on Marc Guehi cost them an A+, but the Reds remain Europe’s big winners.
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