Football

List of the Biggest Transfers This Summer – Ranked

The 2025 summer transfer window was one of the busiest in recent memory. From blockbuster moves to surprise deadline-day switches, clubs across Europe reshaped their squads. Here’s a full breakdown of all 60 transfers, ranked by the buying club’s grade — starting with the lowest-rated deals.

Grade: D – Jack Grealish → Everton (Loan)

Jack Grealish
Photo: ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Everton gave Grealish a lifeline after his £100m Manchester City move collapsed into disappointment. His decline has been stark, and this loan feels like a last chance to prove himself in the Premier League.

Grade: D – Bryan Mbeumo → Manchester United (£71m)

United overspent heavily on Mbeumo, a player with only one prolific campaign behind him. While he has pace and work rate, this looks like another case of the Red Devils paying over the odds.

Grade: D – Jadon Sancho → Aston Villa (Loan)

Jordan Sancho
feelphoto / Shutterstock.com

Sancho’s career revival hinges on his time at Villa Park. Despite his talent, he’s failed to settle at multiple clubs, and this loan feels more like survival than resurgence.

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Grade: C- – Alejandro Garnacho → Chelsea (£40m)

Alejandro Garnacho
Cesar Ortiz Gonzalez / Shutterstock.com

Chelsea love gambling on young wingers, but Garnacho’s inconsistency makes this risky. He may shine, but he may just as easily disappear into the chaos of Stamford Bridge’s revolving door.

Grade: C- – Nicolas Jackson → Bayern Munich (Loan with obligation)

Nicolas Jackson
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Bayern needed cover for Harry Kane but ended up committing to Jackson, whose erratic finishing has been costly in the past. This deal reeks of desperation more than planning.

Grade: C+ – Gianluigi Donnarumma → Manchester City (£30m)

gianluigi donnarumma
Victor Velter / Shutterstock.com

Pep Guardiola’s move for Donnarumma is puzzling, given his struggles with the ball at his feet. Still, he remains a world-class shot-stopper who may force a tactical shift at City.

Grade: B- – Illia Zabarnyi → Paris Saint-Germain (€67m)

Ilya Zabarnyi
Stefan Constantin 22 / Shutterstock.com

PSG finally got their man after long negotiations, securing Zabarnyi’s potential. Yet, for such a fee, he’ll need to develop quickly to justify the price.

Read also: Premier League xG Rankings After Three Matches – From Lowest to Highest

Grade: B- – Giovanni Leoni → Liverpool (£26m)

Giovanni Leoni
Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com

Leoni is a promising teenager, but Liverpool have paid a hefty sum for a backup defender. This deal is a gamble on potential more than immediate impact.

Grade: B- – Cristhian Mosquera → Arsenal (£17m)

Cristhian Mosquera
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Mosquera arrives with youth and promise but is unlikely to start ahead of Gabriel and Saliba. Arsenal see him as a long-term project rather than a short-term solution.

Grade: B – Joao Palhinha → Tottenham (Loan)

 Joao Palhinha
cristiano barni / Shutterstock.com

Palhinha adds steel and experience to Spurs’ midfield without big financial risk. If he rediscovers his Fulham form, this could be one of the smartest low-cost deals of the summer.

Grade: B – Facundo Buonanotte → Chelsea (Loan)

Facundo Buonanotte
ErreRoberto / Shutterstock.com

Chelsea surprised many with this move, bringing in Buonanotte as backup for Cole Palmer. His talent is clear, but limited game time could stall his development.

Read also: The 20 Greatest Players Who Never Won the Champions League

Grade: B – Piero Hincapié → Arsenal (Loan with obligation)

Piero Hincapié
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Hincapié strengthens Arsenal’s defensive depth, especially with Saliba injured. However, his immediate role is likely limited, making this more about long-term planning.

Grade: B – Benjamin Sesko → Manchester United (£74m)

Benjamin Šeško
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Sesko brings pace and physicality, offering an upgrade on Højlund. Still, his Bundesliga scoring record doesn’t quite justify such a huge fee, so pressure will be immense.

Grade: B – Darwin Núñez → Al-Hilal (£54m)

Darwin Núñez
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Al-Hilal landed a Premier League striker still in his prime, though known for erratic finishing. In Saudi Arabia’s slower tempo, Nunez might finally regain his confidence.

Grade: B – Randal Kolo Muani → Tottenham (Loan)

Randal Kolo Muani
Victor Velter / Shutterstock.com

Kolo Muani has the talent to make an impact, but Spurs’ need for him is questionable. Frank must find a role for him alongside Solanke and Richarlison.

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Grade: B – Antony → Real Betis (€25m)

Antony
Photo: MDI / Shutterstock.com

Betis welcome back a winger who shone on loan last season. Antony finally gets a fresh start, and his creativity could reignite their attack.

Grade: B – Luis Díaz → Bayern Munich (€75m)

Luis Diaz
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Diaz offers pace and dribbling on the left wing, an area Bayern badly needed to strengthen. At 28, the price feels high, but he should immediately slot in.

Grade: B – Marcus Rashford → Barcelona (Loan)

Marcus Rashford
Photo: MDI / Shutterstock.com

Rashford’s dream move gives him the chance to reset his career. If he adapts quickly, he could become an important rotation option in Flick’s frontline.

Grade: B – Jorrel Hato → Chelsea (£37m)

Jorrel Hato
Orange Pictures / Shutterstock.com

A highly promising defender, Hato is one for the future. His Ajax background gives him technical assurance, though first-team minutes at Chelsea are far from guaranteed.

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Grade: B+ – Nicolas Jackson → Bayern Munich (Loan with obligation)

Nicolas Jackson
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Despite doubts, Jackson does bring youth and athleticism to Bayern’s squad. If he can find consistency behind Harry Kane, the Bavarians may justify the gamble.

Grade: B+ – Christopher Nkunku → AC Milan (€42m)

Nkunku
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Nkunku’s versatility gives Milan much-needed attacking options. Injuries derailed his Chelsea stint, but San Siro offers him the platform for a fresh start.

Grade: B+ – Eberechi Eze → Arsenal (£67.5m)

Eze
Stefan Constantin 22 / Shutterstock.com

Eze adds flair and creativity to Arsenal’s attack, especially with Havertz sidelined. A thrilling hijack from Spurs, he could quickly become a fan favourite at the Emirates.

Grade: B+ – Viktor Gyökeres → Arsenal (£64m)

Viktor Gyokeres
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Gyökeres finally gives Arsenal a true penalty-box striker. His prolific scoring in Portugal suggests he could thrive in a team that creates plenty of chances.

Grade: B+ – Rayan Cherki → Manchester City (£34m)

Rayan Cherki
Victor Velter / Shutterstock.com

Cherki is a creative livewire who thrives in tight spaces. Pep Guardiola must manage his temperament, but his talent could make him a bargain.

Grade: B+ – Matheus Cunha → Manchester United (£62.5m)

Matheus Cunha
A.Taoualit / Shutterstock.com

United badly needed attacking invention, and Cunha offers exactly that. Though not prolific, his movement and dribbling can change games.

Grade: B+ – Jeremie Frimpong → Liverpool (£30m)

Jeremie Frimpong
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

One of Europe’s most dynamic full-backs, Frimpong fits perfectly into Liverpool’s high-energy system. His attacking numbers from Leverkusen underline his potential impact.

Grade: B+ – Jonathan Tah → Bayern Munich (Free)

Jonathan Tah
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

A reliable Bundesliga defender, Tah strengthens Bayern’s back line without a transfer fee. His experience and leadership make this smart business.

Grade: B+ – Franco Mastantuono → Real Madrid (€40m)

Franco Mastantuono
By Club Atlético River Plate - https://x.com/RiverPlate/status/1923189646227324969, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=165360144

Madrid continue their tradition of signing South American wonderkids. At just 17, Mastantuono will need time, but the talent is undeniable.

Grade: B+ – Martin Zubimendi → Arsenal (£60m)

Martin Zubimendi
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

One of La Liga’s finest defensive midfielders, Zubimendi brings composure and intelligence. Arsenal finally add depth behind Declan Rice.

Grade: B+ – Sverre Nypan → Manchester City (£12.5m)

Sverre Nypan
Photo: Footballtalentscout.net

City snapped up Nypan as a future midfield star, likened to Martin Ødegaard. He’s unlikely to feature much this season but could develop into a gem.

Grade: B+ – Anthony Elanga → Newcastle United (£55m)

Anthony Elanga
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Elanga adds directness and creativity to Newcastle’s attack. The price is steep, but his pace and work ethic could prove vital in Champions League nights.

Grade: B+ – Álvaro Carreras → Real Madrid (€50m)

Alvaro,Carreras
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Madrid secured a young left-back with attacking promise. The fee is hefty, but his potential to provide depth behind Ferland Mendy is clear.

Grade: B+ – Joao Pedro → Chelsea (£60m)

João Pedro
Photo: premierleague.com

A volatile but talented forward, Pedro could become a game-changer under Enzo Maresca. If his attitude holds, Chelsea may have found a bargain in disguise.

Grade: B+ – Jamie Gittens → Chelsea (£55m)

Jamie Gittens
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Chelsea continued their youth strategy with Gittens, a tricky winger. The pressure is on him to adapt quickly to the Premier League spotlight.

Grade: B+ – Paul Pogba → Monaco (Free)

Paul Pogba
Photo: Raffaele Conti 88 / Shutterstock.com

Pogba returns to France in a low-risk, high-reward move. If he stays fit, Monaco could have pulled off one of the smartest signings of the window.

Grade: B+ – Liam Delap → Chelsea (£30m)

Liam Delap
By The White House - https://www.flickr.com/photos/202101414@N05/54653509497/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=169977267

Chelsea’s gamble on Delap reflects belief in his raw potential. If nurtured correctly, he could become a future No.9 for club and country.

Grade: B+ – Trent Alexander-Arnold → Real Madrid (Free)

Trent Alexander Arnold
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

A bold signing by Madrid, Alexander-Arnold fits Xabi Alonso’s system perfectly. His passing range could redefine their right flank in La Liga and Europe.

Grade: B+ – Luka Modric → AC Milan (Free)

Luka Modric
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Milan gain a legend who still has magic in his boots. Even at 39, Modric’s experience and vision could guide their younger talents.

Grade: A – Florian Wirtz → Liverpool (£116m)

Florian Wirtz
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Liverpool broke the Bundesliga transfer record for Wirtz, a future Ballon d’Or contender. His creativity and vision should make him the centerpiece of Arne Slot’s side.

Grade: A – Milos Kerkez → Liverpool (£40m)

Milos Kerkez
Vasiljevic Dimitrije / Shutterstock.com

Kerkez is the natural heir to Andy Robertson at left-back. At just 20, he has the energy and quality to dominate the position for years.

Grade: A – Rayan Aït-Nouri → Manchester City (£31m)

Rayan Ait-Nouri
By Æthelred - Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=146737385

Aït-Nouri finally solves City’s long-standing left-back issue. His attacking instincts and composure on the ball make him tailor-made for Guardiola.

Grade: A – Tijjani Reijnders → Manchester City (£46m)

Tijjani Reijnders
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Reijnders is a technically superb midfielder with shades of Gundogan. His arrival gives Pep more depth and tactical variety in the middle.

Grade: A – Christian Nørgaard → Arsenal (£10m)

Christian Nørgaard
daykung / Shutterstock.com

Nørgaard brings experience and leadership to Arsenal’s midfield. For just £10m, this is a bargain move for reliable squad depth.

Grade: A – Kevin De Bruyne → Napoli (Free)

Kevin de Bruyne
Photo: ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Napoli landed a modern legend for nothing. If he stays fit, De Bruyne’s vision and passing could light up Serie A.

Grade: A – Senne Lammens → Manchester United (£18.5m)

Senne Lammens
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Lammens is a gamble on potential but one with huge upside. Compared to Courtois, he could finally solve United’s goalkeeper woes.

Grade: A – Harvey Elliott → Aston Villa (Loan)

Harvey Elliott
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Villa secured a creative midfielder hungry for minutes. Under Unai Emery, Elliott has the perfect environment to flourish.

Grade: A – Rasmus Højlund → Napoli (Loan)

Rasmus Hojlund
Stefan Constantin 22 / Shutterstock.com

Højlund gets the chance to revive his career under Antonio Conte. With an obligation to buy, Napoli believe they can unlock his Atalanta form.

Grade: A – James Trafford → Manchester City (£27m)

James Trafford
By Timmy96 - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=164504573

City admitted their mistake in selling Trafford and wisely bought him back. He could be the long-term replacement for Ederson.

Grade: A – Son Heung-min → LAFC ($26.5m)

Son Heung-Min
MDI / Shutterstock.com

Son’s switch to MLS marks the end of an era at Tottenham. LAFC gain a global superstar whose professionalism and charisma will lift the entire franchise.

Grade: A – Rodrigo de Paul → Inter Miami ($15m)

Rodrigo De Paul
Marta Fernandez Jimenez / Shutterstock.com

De Paul joins Messi once again, bringing energy and aggression to Miami’s midfield. His presence strengthens Inter Miami on and off the pitch.

Grade: A – Hugo Ekitike → Liverpool (£79m)

Hugo Ekitike
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Liverpool may have overpaid, but Ekitike’s blend of pace and link-up play makes him an exciting addition. Playing alongside Salah and Wirtz, he could explode.

Grade: A+ – Alexander Isak → Liverpool (£125m)

Alexander Isak
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Liverpool smashed the British transfer record to land Isak, arguably the best striker in the Premier League. Slot now has a lethal front line with Isak, Salah, and Wirtz, giving the Reds a terrifying attack.

Grade: A+ – Nick Woltemade → Newcastle United (£69m)

woltemade
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Woltemade’s meteoric rise from Stuttgart benchwarmer to Newcastle’s record signing is remarkable. At 6’6” with dribbling flair, he could become an instant cult hero on Tyneside.

Grade: A+ – Victor Osimhen → Galatasaray (€75m)

Victor Osihmen
Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com

Galatasaray pulled off the shock of the window by permanently signing one of the world’s top strikers. Osimhen may have expected PSG or the Premier League, but in Turkey he will be treated like royalty.

Grade: A+ – Joao Felix → Al-Nassr (€50m)

Joao Felix
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Al-Nassr’s ties with Cristiano Ronaldo helped lure Felix to Riyadh. For Chelsea, recouping their investment on a struggling forward makes this one of their smartest exits in years.

Oliver Obel

Oliver Obel – Sports Content Creator & Football Specialist I’m a passionate Sports Content Creator with a strong focus on football. I write for LenteDesportiva, where I produce high-quality content that informs, entertains, and connects with football fans around the world. My work revolves around player rankings, transfer analysis, and in-depth features that explore the modern game. I combine a sharp editorial instinct with a deep understanding of football’s evolution, always aiming to deliver content that captures both insight and emotion.