The 20 Biggest Transfers of the 2025 Summer Window – Ranked

September 27, 2025 Oliver Obel

The 2025 summer transfer window will go down as one of the most dramatic in football history. Clubs across Europe and beyond smashed records, re-shaped their squads, and pushed financial boundaries in pursuit of glory. Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal led the way in the Premier League, while surprising moves to Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and even PSG grabbed headlines around the world. Deadline day was no quieter either, with Newcastle United and Real Madrid making last-minute deals to shake things up.
This window was about more than just big fees – it was about statements of intent, title ambitions, and long-term rebuilds. Whether it’s Liverpool breaking the bank for Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, or Galatasaray pulling off the stunning signing of Victor Osimhen, every deal on this list carries major implications for the coming season. Here’s our full countdown of the 20 biggest transfers of the summer, ranked by their initial fee.

20) Dean Huijsen – Bournemouth to Real Madrid (£50m)

Real Madrid activated Huijsen’s £50m release clause just a year after Bournemouth signed him for £12.6m. The Spanish giants will pay the fee in three instalments, with Juventus and Malaga receiving sell-on percentages.

19) Yoane Wissa – Brentford to Newcastle United (£50m rising to £55m)

Newcastle sealed a deadline-day deal for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa to strengthen their forward line. The transfer was completed after a tense negotiation process, with Brentford holding out for a premium fee.

18) Anthony Elanga – Nottingham Forest to Newcastle United (£52m rising to £55m)

Elanga finally made his move to St. James’ Park after weeks of speculation. Newcastle fans are excited to see him form a front three alongside Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade.

17) Illia Zabarnyi – Bournemouth to Paris Saint-Germain (£54.3m rising to £57m)

Ilya Zabarnyi — Stefan Constantin 22 / Shutterstock.com

PSG bolstered their defensive options with the signing of Zabarnyi, who had impressed in the Premier League. Bournemouth resisted for as long as they could but eventually cashed in on their star defender.

16) Mohammed Kudus – West Ham to Tottenham (£55m)

Kudus swapped East London for North London in one of Spurs’ most popular moves of the window. His creativity and flair should add another dimension to Tottenham’s attack.

15) Joao Pedro – Brighton to Chelsea (£55m rising to £60m)

João Pedro — instagram/joaopedro.oficial

Chelsea continued their spending spree by landing Joao Pedro, doubling Brighton’s investment in the forward. The move highlights Chelsea’s ongoing commitment to securing young, versatile attackers.

14) Viktor Gyokeres – Sporting CP to Arsenal (£55m rising to £63m)

After months of rumours, Arsenal finally got their man. Gyokeres arrives to give the Gunners extra firepower and competition in their forward line.

13) Mateo Retegui – Atalanta to Al Qadsiah (£56.3m)

The Saudi Pro League landed a huge coup by signing Serie A’s top scorer. Retegui’s 25 goals last season made him one of Europe’s most in-demand strikers.

12) Xavi Simons – RB Leipzig to Tottenham (£56.3m)

Spurs swooped in to sign Xavi Simons after Chelsea appeared favourites for his signature. The talented Dutchman will bring creativity and energy to Postecoglou’s midfield.

11) Martin Zubimendi – Real Sociedad to Arsenal (£60m)

After turning down Liverpool the previous year, Zubimendi finally made the leap to the Premier League. Arsenal see him as a key piece of their midfield rebuild.

10) Eberechi Eze – Crystal Palace to Arsenal (£60m rising to £67.5m)

Eze — Stefan Constantin 22 / Shutterstock.com

Arsenal moved decisively to beat Tottenham to Eze’s signature. His dribbling and flair will give Mikel Arteta’s team an extra spark in the final third.

9) Luis Diaz – Liverpool to Bayern Munich (£60.5m rising to £64.8m)

Diaz left Liverpool after a successful spell to join Bayern Munich. The move allowed Liverpool to refresh their front line with several new signings.

8) Matheus Cunha – Wolves to Manchester United (£62.5m)

United eventually met Wolves’ valuation for Cunha after prolonged negotiations. His versatility makes him a valuable addition to Erik ten Hag’s squad.

7) Nick Woltemade – Stuttgart to Newcastle United (£64.7m rising to £69m)

Newcastle acted quickly to secure Woltemade, a move that helped facilitate Isak’s transfer to Liverpool. The young German striker is seen as a long-term project.

6) Victor Osimhen – Napoli to Galatasaray (£64.8m)

Victor Osihmen — Ettore Griffoni / Shutterstock.com

Osimhen’s move to Turkey surprised many after years of links with Premier League clubs. He rejected lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia to join Galatasaray in a landmark deal.

5) Bryan Mbeumo – Brentford to Manchester United (£65m rising to £71m)

Manchester United finally landed Mbeumo after a drawn-out pursuit. His arrival adds more pace and directness to their attacking options.

4) Benjamin Sesko – RB Leipzig to Manchester United (£66.2m rising to £73.4m)

Sesko becomes United’s latest big-money striker signing. The club hope he can avoid the struggles of previous forwards and become a consistent goalscorer.

3) Hugo Ekitike – Eintracht Frankfurt to Liverpool (£69m rising to £79m)

Liverpool strengthened their attack further by signing Ekitike. He joins Isak and Wirtz to form a formidable attacking trio for the Reds.

2) Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool (£100m rising to £116m)

Liverpool smashed the £100m barrier to bring in one of Europe’s most sought-after playmakers. Wirtz will add creativity and vision to an already powerful midfield.

1) Alexander Isak – Newcastle United to Liverpool (£125m)

The biggest deal of the summer saw Isak swap Newcastle for Liverpool in a British-record transfer. Jurgen Klopp now has the striker he wanted to spearhead Liverpool’s attack for years to come.