Grading the 2025 Summer Transfer Window’s Biggest Moves
The 2025 summer transfer window delivered a whirlwind of high-profile moves, surprise destinations, and career-defining decisions. While clubs spent vast sums to reshape their squads, the biggest question for players was whether their transfers would elevate or derail their careers. From veterans seeking a final challenge to rising stars making bold leaps, not every move made equal sense for the individuals involved.
30. Bryan Mbeumo – Manchester United – Grade: D
A massive pay rise, but a poor footballing decision. United are a mess, and Mbeumo left a better situation behind.
29. Joao Felix – Al-Nassr – Grade: C-
Too young to be exiting Europe. He trades elite competition for comfort, and that says everything.
28. Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray – Grade: C
Wanted a super-club, got Turkey instead. A huge talent risks becoming a forgotten one.
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27. Trent Alexander-Arnold – Real Madrid – Grade: C
Bold but bitter. Left Liverpool poorly and enters a Madrid squad stacked with competition and expectation.
26. Noni Madueke – Arsenal – Grade: B-
A puzzling fit. Will sit behind Saka unless he reinvents himself quickly.
25. Luka Modric – AC Milan – Grade: B-
Sentimental move to a fading Milan. May struggle to make a real sporting impact at 40.
24. Joao Pedro – Chelsea – Grade: B-
Gambles on a chaotic club where attackers rarely settle. He'll need immediate consistency.
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23. Alvaro Carreras – Real Madrid – Grade: B-
Nice story, tough reality. Faces stiff competition at left-back and could be a bench regular.
22. Jamie Gittens – Chelsea – Grade: B
Plenty of talent, but joins a volatile club. Could explode — or vanish into loan limbo.
21. Jobe Bellingham – Dortmund – Grade: B
The name brings pressure, and comparisons with Jude won't stop. Still, a smart step in theory.
20. Joao Palhinha – Tottenham – Grade: B
Returns to England with a point to prove. Spurs may be a short-term boost, but it's only a loan.
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19. Marcus Rashford – Barcelona – Grade: B
Gets his dream move, but nothing is guaranteed. Needs a strong reset to salvage his career.
18. Hugo Ekitike – Liverpool – Grade: B
Huge opportunity at a top club. Has the talent, but must deliver immediately to justify the fee.
17. Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal – Grade: B+
Fits the system, knows the manager, and joins an ambitious project. Quietly excellent decision.
16. James Trafford – Manchester City – Grade: B+
Returns as a better player and now has a path to the No.1 shirt. Needs patience and game time.
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15. Jorrel Hato – Chelsea – Grade: B+
One of the best defensive prospects in Europe. If given time and support, he could thrive.
14. Cristhian Mosquera – Arsenal – Grade: B+
A brave step from guaranteed minutes to world-class competition. Shows long-term ambition.
13. Matheus Cunha – Wolves to Manchester City – Grade: B+
Moves to one of the best clubs in the world, trading minutes for medals. He’ll need to embrace a rotational role but gains elite coaching and a trophy platform.
12. Liam Delap – Manchester City to Wolves – Grade: A
Leaves the loan cycle behind and gets a real shot at first-team football. A smart move to relaunch his Premier League career in a system that suits him.
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11. Dean Huijsen – Real Madrid – Grade: A
From Bournemouth back to La Liga giants. Proof that strategic loans pay off — a dream return.
10. Anthony Elanga – Newcastle – Grade: A
Gets Champions League football and reunites with Isak. Should thrive with confidence and minutes.
9. Rodrigo De Paul – Inter Miami – Grade: A
Follows Messi while still at peak fitness. Will be central to Miami’s midfield and culture.
8. Rayan Cherki – Manchester City – Grade: A
The maturity finally came — and now the platform does too. Pep may be the best thing that ever happened to him.
7. Sverre Nypan – Manchester City – Grade: A
Perfect long-term plan with likely Girona loan. Should thrive with smart guidance and low pressure.
6. Jeremie Frimpong – Liverpool – Grade: A
A club he’s dreamed of, in a role built for him. Anfield could be his stage for years to come.
5. Kevin De Bruyne – Napoli – Grade: A+
Rejects retirement money for real football. Will dominate Serie A if fitness holds.
4. Viktor Gyökeres – Arsenal – Grade: A+
Gets the move he wanted and becomes the No.9 in a title-challenging team. Could explode at the Emirates.
3. Florian Wirtz – Liverpool – Grade: A+
Becomes the centerpiece of a new attacking era. Liverpool gets their superstar, and he gets the spotlight.
2. Christian Norgaard – Arsenal – Grade: A+
A stunning late-career elevation. Goes from midfield enforcer to title challenger — fully deserved.
1. Tijjani Reijnders – Manchester City – Grade: A+
The most perfectly-timed move of the window. Steps into his prime and into Pep’s ideal setup.
