Biggest Football Transfers of Summer 2025
The 2025 summer transfer window has delivered fireworks. With clubs across Europe and beyond flexing financial muscle, familiar faces are on the move, some in expected directions, others far more surprising. Liverpool and Manchester United are leading the charge with multiple nine-figure deals, while Saudi clubs and Galatasaray have pulled off scoops of their own.
From jaw-dropping Premier League trades to Real Madrid and PSG raiding Bournemouth, this summer’s market has been anything but predictable. Here’s a countdown of the 20 most expensive signings based on initial transfer fees, including all the eyebrow-raising add-ons that could follow.
20. Alvaro Carreras Returns to Madrid — £43m
Five years after leaving Real Madrid on a free transfer, Spanish full-back Alvaro Carreras is heading back to the Bernabeu. Benfica cash in with a hefty £43 million deal for a player they developed impressively. A full-circle moment at a steep price.
19. Darwin Nunez Heads to Saudi Arabia — £45.9m + Add-ons
Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez joins Al Hilal, with the fee rising via undisclosed bonuses. The Uruguayan forward’s departure could open the door, and the finances, for the Reds to push through their move for Alexander Isak.
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18. Tijjani Reijnders Bolsters Man City Midfield — £46.6m Rising to £59.2m
Voted Serie A’s best midfielder for 2024/25, Tijjani Reijnders becomes Manchester City’s fourth signing as they prepare for the Club World Cup. This one might prove the most intriguing of the lot.
17. Noni Madueke Makes Surprise Switch to Arsenal — £48.5m Rising to £52m
Chelsea fans launched an actual petition against Noni Madueke’s move to Arsenal, but Mikel Arteta clearly saw a player who could fill a gap. He might have come in handy last season when Sterling didn’t quite fill Saka’s shoes.
16. Jamie Gittens Joins Chelsea — £48.5m Rising to £52m
The west London club add another forward to their already-packed front line, this time prising Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund. Another youthful, high-potential bet from Chelsea.
15. Dean Huijsen’s Rapid Rise to Real — £50m
Just a year after Bournemouth signed him for £12.6m, Real Madrid have matched Dean Huijsen’s release clause. Juve and Malaga benefit from sell-on clauses, as Real pay in three instalments for the fast-developing defender.
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14. Anthony Elanga Heads to Newcastle — £52m Rising to £55m
After previous frustrations in the market, Newcastle have finally landed a right winger. Elanga joins Gordon and Isak in a dynamic, pacey front three that could cause real damage this season.
13. Illia Zabarnyi to PSG — £54.3m Rising to £57m
Paris Saint-Germain secure the Bournemouth centre-back, marking the Cherries' third major defensive sale of the summer. It took some resistance, but the European champions ultimately got their man.
12. Mohammed Kudus Joins Spurs — £55m
West Ham lose one of their standout talents as Kudus crosses London to join Tottenham. It’s a bold statement of intent from Spurs, and likely a sore one for Hammers fans.
11. Joao Pedro to Chelsea — £55m Rising to £60m
Brighton turn another tidy profit as Joao Pedro becomes the latest Seagull to fly into Chelsea’s nest. Signed from Watford for a club-record fee two years ago, he’s now worth double.
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10. Viktor Gyokeres Signs for Arsenal — £55m Rising to £63m
After months of speculation, it’s finally official. Arsenal have landed Viktor Gyokeres, the Swedish striker who’s bound to draw eyes and opinions. “At last we can rest for five minutes,” joked the report.
9. Mateo Retegui Heads to Al Qadsiah — £56.3m
Saudi side Al Qadsiah land Serie A’s top scorer. After bagging 25 goals for Atalanta last season, Mateo Retegui becomes one of the window’s most unexpected big-money movers.
8. Martin Zubimendi Joins Arsenal — £60m
Liverpool tried a year earlier, but it’s Arsenal who convinced Zubimendi to leave Real Sociedad. The Basque midfielder leaves behind San Sebastian’s mountains and cuisine for a Premier League title challenge.
7. Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich — £60.5m Rising to £64.8m
Bayern Munich snap up Luis Diaz from Liverpool in a deal that may have wider implications. The transfer could pave the way for Isak’s move to Anfield, and Newcastle fans aren’t thrilled.
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6. Matheus Cunha to Manchester United — £62.5m
A rejected ‘cost-cutting’ request didn’t stop United from getting their man. Cunha becomes one of several big-ticket additions under Sir Jim Ratcliffe's watch, meeting Wolves' full asking price in the end.
5. Victor Osimhen’s Unexpected Move to Galatasaray — £64.8m
After years of Chelsea rumours and Premier League speculation, Osimhen surprisingly joins Galatasaray. He rejected Saudi riches for a different kind of challenge in Turkey, a move few predicted.
4. Bryan Mbeumo to Man United — £65m Rising to £71m
Manchester United's pursuit of Mbeumo dragged on, but they finally got there. Brentford held their ground, proving even Sir Jim Ratcliffe can be “held to ransom.”
3. Benjamin Sesko Signs for United — £66.2m Rising to £73.4m
After missing out on Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres, United turned to Sesko. At 22, he’s seen as another high-upside gamble, eerily reminiscent of the Rasmus Hojlund approach. Meanwhile, Ollie Watkins continues to be overlooked.
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2. Hugo Ekitike Follows Wirtz to Liverpool — £69m Rising to £79m
When Newcastle wouldn’t part with Alexander Isak, Liverpool turned to Frankfurt’s Ekitike. Ironically, the Magpies had tried (and failed) to sign him themselves before the Reds swooped in.
1. Florian Wirtz Becomes Liverpool’s Record Signing — £100m Rising to £116m
After a quiet 2024 window, Liverpool have come roaring back. Fresh off another Premier League title, they’ve splashed nine figures on Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz. It's the summer's biggest statement, so far.
