Football

The Definitive Ranking of All 102 Major Transfers from the 2025 Summer Window – Ranked

The 2025 summer transfer window will go down as one of the most dramatic in football history. Spending records were shattered, with Premier League clubs alone breaking the single-window record once again, and Europe’s giants engaged in tense, drawn-out sagas that kept fans on edge until deadline day.

This was also a unique window because it was split into two parts due to the FIFA Club World Cup, meaning clubs had to be more strategic than ever — either moving quickly in the early June phase or gambling late as squads took shape. We saw blockbuster moves like Liverpool smashing their transfer record for Alexander Isak, Real Madrid continuing their youth revolution with Dean Huijsen, Franco Mastantuono, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Barcelona betting on the high-upside potential of Roony Bardghji.

But not every deal was a masterstroke. Some moves felt rushed, overpriced, or simply unnecessary, while others were clever bargains that could transform a club’s future. This ranking focuses purely on the buying club’s grade — evaluating value for money, tactical fit, age profile, and long-term potential — to determine who came out of the 2025 summer window as winners and losers.

102. Yoane Wissa – Newcastle United (D)

Yoane Wissa
Photo: Wikicommons.com

Newcastle splashed £50m on a 29-year-old forward in a late scramble for depth. It’s a desperate, short-term move that looks expensive for the output they’ll likely get.

Read also: Inside Football’s Most Expensive Squads: Who Tops the List?

101. Bryan Mbeumo – Manchester United (C)

Bryan Mbeumo
By ESTAC Troyes - YouTube: Coupe|Mbeumo: " L' aborder comme un match de championnat – View/save archived versions on archive.org and archive.today", CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=157491976

Mbeumo is a fine Premier League winger, but United paid top dollar just as his stats suggest regression. It feels like a move driven by panic rather than long-term planning.

100. Jadon Sancho – Aston Villa (C)

Jadon Sancho
Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

Villa take Sancho on loan, covering nearly all of his wages without an option to buy. It might spark him back to life, but it’s a pricey gamble for a short-term fix.

99. Ansu Fati – AS Monaco (C+)

Photo: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

Fati remains hugely talented, but his injury history is concerning. Monaco are betting big wages on a player who hasn’t had consistent minutes in years.

98. Jamie Gittens – Chelsea (C+)

Jamie Bynoe-Gittens
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Chelsea invested heavily in potential, but Gittens must prove he’s more than just flashes of brilliance. He has talent, but will need to improve quickly to justify the fee.

Read also: The 10 F1 Teams with the Biggest Budgets - Ranked

97. Dango Ouattara – Brentford (C+)

Dango Ouattara
By AFC Bournemouth - YouTube: Dango Ouattara's first AFC Bournemouth training session (Time: 3s) – View/save archived versions on archive.org and archive.today, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=128354449

Ouattara is solid but not a game-changer, and Brentford paid a premium in a tough summer. This feels more like survival mode than strategic squad building.

96. Ben Doak – Bournemouth (C+)

Ben Doak
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Doak has only three Premier League appearances yet cost £25m. It’s a high-risk bet on upside as Bournemouth rebuild their squad.

95. Gio Reyna – Borussia Mönchengladbach (C+)

Giovanni Reyna
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Reyna’s career stalled at Dortmund, and this move is a reset. Gladbach could look smart if he stays fit, but that’s been the big problem.

94. Mateus Fernandes – West Ham (C+)

Mateus Fernandes
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

West Ham overpaid £10m beyond their initial budget after a bad start to the season. Fernandes is good, but the circumstances scream panic buy.

Read also: The 25 Best Penalty Takers in Football History

93. Xavi Simons – Tottenham (C+)

Xavi Simons
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Simons is a gifted dribbler but still hasn’t found consistency. Tottenham hope a change of scenery will unlock his potential.

92. Gianluigi Donnarumma – Manchester City (C+)

gianluigi donnarumma
Victor Velter / Shutterstock.com

City get an elite shot-stopper, but his struggles with distribution are well-known. It’s a strange fit for Guardiola’s system and carries tactical risk.

91. Jack Grealish – Everton (C+)

Jack Grealish
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Everton are paying big money for a player whose output has plummeted. If he rediscovers his old form, it could be brilliant — but that’s a big question.

90. Nicolas Jackson – Bayern Munich (C+)

Nicolas Jackson
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Bayern agreed to an expensive loan plus obligation for a player they’re not fully convinced by. He’ll need to find top form to justify the cost.

Read also: Ranking the Greatest British & Irish Lions Rugby Team

89. Luis Díaz – Bayern Munich (C+)

Luis Diaz
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Liverpool sold at peak value, leaving Bayern paying premium price for a 28-year-old winger. This reeks of desperation after Musiala’s injury.

88. Benjamin Sesko – Manchester United (B-)

Benjamin Sesko
Manchester United Press Photo / manutd.com

Sesko is one of Europe’s hottest prospects but came at a huge fee. He will face immediate pressure to become United’s long-term No. 9 solution.

87. Darwin Núñez – Al Hilal (B-)

Darwin Núñez
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Núñez never fully fit at Liverpool, so a sale made sense, but the price is hefty. He needs to deliver consistent goals to avoid being seen as another expensive gamble.

86. Jonathan Tah – Bayern Munich (B-)

Jonathan Tah
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Bayern get a proven Bundesliga defender, but they’re committing major wages. He must replicate his Leverkusen form to justify this deal.

Read also: The Most Successful Clubs of the Past 25 Years - Ranked

85. Kevin – Fulham (B-)

Kevin Santos Lopes de Macedo
Robert Skalski / Shutterstock.com

Kevin is flashy and fun but must add end product to thrive in the Premier League. At a record fee, Fulham will expect immediate impact.

84. Álvaro Carreras - Real Madrid (B-)

Alvaro,Carreras
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Carreras is a tall, athletic full-back who drives forward aggressively. The price is steep, but Madrid are banking on his two-way potential to balance their defense.

83. Noni Madueke – Arsenal (B-)

Noni Madueke
Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

Madueke has developed well but faces competition with Bukayo Saka. Arsenal needed a left winger, making this an odd but potentially useful signing.

82. Giovanni Leoni – Liverpool (B-)

Giovanni Leoni
Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com

Leoni is just 18 with limited top-flight experience, making this a long-term project. Liverpool see him as a future star, but he won’t solve problems now.

81. Eberechi Eze – Arsenal (B-)

Eberechi Eze
Photo: Arsenal.com

Eze is a creative magician and should fit Arsenal well. The price is high, and he’ll be expected to deliver straight away.

80+. Omari Hutchinson – Nottingham Forest (B-)

Omari Hutchinson
By James Cracknell - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=157415762

Forest paid £37.5m for a talented winger from a relegated side. This could be a masterstroke if he develops quickly, but it’s a big outlay.

79. Carney Chukwuemeka - Borussia Dortmund (-B)

Carney Chukwuemeka
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Full of talent but often injured, Chukwuemeka is a high-upside bet. Dortmund’s track record with developing young attackers makes this a calculated gamble despite the risk.

78. Christopher Nkunku – AC Milan (B-)

Nkunku
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Nkunku never clicked at Chelsea and now gets a fresh start. If he stays fit, he can become one of Milan’s attacking leaders.

77. Nick Woltemade – Newcastle United (B-)

Nick Woltemade
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Woltemade is technically gifted but stylistically awkward for Newcastle. This is a future play that might take time to pay off.

76. Álex Baena – Atlético Madrid (B-)

Alex Baena
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Baena is LaLiga’s top creator but must adapt to Simeone’s combative system. This is a high-upside move if he clicks in Madrid.

75. João Pedro – Chelsea (B-)

joao pedro
Photo: Chelseafc.com

Pedro is clever and link-up oriented, but Chelsea paid a big fee. Balancing him with Palmer and Delap will be a challenge.

74. Alexander Isak - Liverpool (B-)

Alexander Isak
Photo: Liverpoolfc.com

Liverpool broke the British transfer record to land one of the best strikers in the world in his prime. The fee and transfer saga pile enormous pressure on him, and the B- grade reflects the high cost and the risk attached.

73. Florian Wirtz – Liverpool (B)

Florian Wirtz,
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

One of Europe’s best creators joins Liverpool for £100m. The price brings pressure, but he could elevate Klopp’s attack to new heights.

72. Tim Weah – Marseille (B)

Timothy Weah
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Marseille get a versatile, hardworking player who can cover multiple roles. A smart low-risk loan that strengthens their right flank.

71. Senne Lammens - Manchester United (B)

Senne Lammens
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

United turned to a young Belgian keeper with great size and penalty-saving ability. He’s still inexperienced at senior level, but this is a smart long-term investment if his development stays on track.

70. Rasmus Højlund - Napoli (B)

Rasmus Højlund
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

After a difficult spell at Manchester United, Højlund gets a chance to reboot his career in Serie A. Under Antonio Conte he should thrive as a traditional No. 9, though the B grade shows he still has plenty to prove.

69. Yunus Musah – Atalanta (B)

 Yunus Musah
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Musah gets a new environment perfect for his energy and box-to-box style. Atalanta will hope he takes the next step in his career.

68. Loïs Openda – Juventus (B)

Loïs Openda
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Juventus turn to Openda after missing other striker targets. His pace and directness make him a good fit, but he must add goals quickly.

67. Mathys Tel - Tottenham Hotspur (B)

Mathys Tel
Orange Pictures / Shutterstock.com

Once one of Europe’s most hyped prospects, Tel never got regular minutes at Bayern. Spurs are betting that consistent playing time will unlock his explosiveness and finishing.

66. Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray (B)

Victor Osihmen
Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com

Osimhen smashes the Turkish transfer record in a headline-grabbing move. If he dominates the Süper Lig, this could look like a bargain.

65. João Palhinha – Tottenham (B)

Joao Palhinha
cristiano barni / Shutterstock.com

Palhinha adds steel to Spurs’ midfield. A smart loan deal that gives Ange Postecoglou options without tying the club down.

64. Hugo Ekitike – Liverpool (B)

Hugo Ekitike
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Ekitike is a strong stylistic fit for Liverpool’s attack. His dribbling and movement should open space for Salah and Núñez’s replacement.

63. Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal (B)

Martin Zubimendi
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Zubimendi is a deep-lying playmaker who makes teammates better. Arsenal finally get the metronome they have craved, though the fee reflects their desperation.

62. Mohammed Kudus – Tottenham (B)

Mohammed Kudus
cristiano barni / Shutterstock.com

Kudus is an electric dribbler who can change games on his own. Spurs are betting big that Thomas Frank can sharpen his decision-making and turn him into an elite creator.

61. Matheus Cunha – Manchester United (B)

Matheus Cunha
A.Taoualit / Shutterstock.com

Cunha is a tireless forward who can press, dribble, and score. If he maintains his Wolves form, he could become a vital part of United’s frontline.

60. Johnny Cardoso – Atlético Madrid (B)

Johnny Cardoso
Vazquez Fernando / Shutterstock.com

Cardoso is a defensive-minded midfielder who wins tackles and keeps the ball moving. Simeone will love his intensity, and the fee looks like good value.

59. Alejandro Garnacho – Chelsea (B)

garnacho
Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com

Garnacho is fearless and direct, bringing pace and creativity to Chelsea’s attack. The £40m fee is fair if he develops the end product his game still lacks.

58. Jarell Quansah – Bayer Leverkusen (B)

Jarell Quansah
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Leverkusen have replaced Jonathan Tah with a talented young English defender. If Quansah plays regularly, this could be an inspired move.

57. James McAtee – Nottingham Forest (B)

James McAtee
lev radin / Shutterstock.com

McAtee is a left-footed playmaker with vision and flair. Forest get a high-upside talent with resale value, while City smartly include a buy-back clause.

56. Tyler Dibling – Everton (B)

Tyler Dibling
Photo: evertonfc.com

Dibling is an elite dribbler with raw potential. Playing alongside experienced wingers should help him develop quickly.

55. Jacob Ramsey – Newcastle United (B)

Jacob Ramsey
Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

Ramsey is an athletic, attacking midfielder who suits Eddie Howe’s high-energy game. Fitness remains the only question mark over his impact.

54. Dan Ndoye - Nottingham Forrest (B)

Dan Ndoye
ErreRoberto / Shutterstock.com

Ndoye had a breakout season for Bologna and starred at Euro 2024. Forest get a strong, direct winger who can replace Anthony Elanga’s pace and power right away.

53. Illia Zabarnyi – PSG (B)

Zabarnyi
Photo: psg.com

Zabarnyi is a calm, ball-playing defender who improves PSG’s back line. Bournemouth got a big fee, but this is a sensible buy for the French champions.

52. Giacomo Raspadori – Atlético Madrid (B)

Giacomo Raspadori
sbonsi / Shutterstock.com

Raspadori is a clever finisher who thrives in tight spaces. He should fit well in Simeone’s system and help replace departing forwards.

51. Viktor Gyökeres – Arsenal (B)

Viktor Gyokeres
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Gyökeres is a powerful striker who leads the line with aggression. Arsenal will hope he can replicate his Sporting CP form in the Premier League.

50. Kevin De Bruyne – Napoli (B+)

De Bruyne
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

De Bruyne may be 34, but his quality is undiminished. Napoli get a world-class leader to guide their midfield in the short term.

49. Jorrel Hato – Chelsea (B+)

Jorrel Hato
Orange Pictures / Shutterstock.com

At just 19, Hato is already experienced and technically strong. Chelsea see him as a cornerstone for their defense for the next decade.

48. Jobe Bellingham – Borussia Dortmund (B+)

Jobe Bellingham
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Bellingham is a physical and intelligent midfielder following in his brother Jude’s footsteps. Dortmund get another long-term project with massive upside.

47. Luis Henrique – Inter (B+)

Luis Henrique
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Henrique is quick and direct, giving Inter more depth on the flanks. A fair price for a player with plenty of room to grow.

46. Dário Essugo – Chelsea (B+)

Dario Essugo
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Essugo is a tireless midfielder who covers ground and wins duels. Chelsea are planning for the future with this smart pickup.

45. Eric Dier – AS Monaco (B+)

Eric Dier
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Dier brings leadership and experience to a young Monaco squad. He’ll steady the defense and mentor their prospects.

44. Patrick Agyemang – Derby County (B+)

Patrick Agyemang
Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com

Agyemang is a physical striker who could light up the Championship. A brave signing from Derby that shows ambition.

43. Malik Tillman – Bayer Leverkusen (B+)

Malik Tillman
cristiano barni / Shutterstock.com

Tillman is a versatile attacker who moves well off the ball. He’s a great fit to help fill the creative void left by Wirtz.

42. Thomas Müller - Vancouver Whitecaps (B+)

Thomas Müller
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

The German legend brings world-class football IQ and clever movement to MLS. If his teammates find him in space, he should rack up assists and goals even in the twilight of his career.

41. Anthony Elanga – Newcastle United (B+)

Anthony Elanga
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Elanga’s pace and work rate make him a natural fit for Howe’s system. At 23, he has room to keep improving.

40. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – Everton (B+)

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

Dewsbury-Hall adds goals and creativity from midfield. Everton finally have a player to link play and support their forwards.

39. Ardon Jashari – AC Milan (B+)

Ardon Jashari
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Jashari impressed in the Champions League and is ready for Serie A. Milan have found a technical midfielder who can control games.

38. Evann Guessand – Aston Villa (B+)

Evann Guessand
By Paté kroute - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=161730906

Guessand provides depth and flexibility across the front line. With Durán and Rashford gone, he fills an important gap.

37. Lucas Chevalier – PSG (B+)

Lucas Chevalier
Stefan Constantin 22 / Shutterstock.com

Chevalier is one of France’s top young keepers. PSG secure their future in goal, possibly preparing for Donnarumma’s exit.

36. Malick Thiaw – Newcastle United (B+)

Malick Thiaw
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Thiaw is a strong, quick defender who can play either side. Newcastle finally get the center-back they’ve needed.

35. Randal Kolo Muani – Tottenham (A-)

Randal Kolo Muani
Photo: Victor Velter / Shutterstock.com

Kolo Muani gives Spurs a versatile, mobile forward on a loan. It’s a smart low-risk move for a high-quality attacker.

34. Jeremie Frimpong – Liverpool (A-)

Jeremie Frimpong
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Frimpong is an attacking full-back who brings pace and directness. Liverpool now have a very different option to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

33. Jonathan David – Juventus (A-)

Jonathan David
Photo: juventus.com

David is a proven goal scorer joining on a free. Juventus get a bargain who should lead their line for years.

32. Milos Kerkez – Liverpool (A-)

Milos Kerkez
Vasiljevic Dimitrije / Shutterstock.com

Kerkez is aggressive and athletic, perfect for Klopp’s system. He could be the next Andy Robertson.

31. Paul Pogba – AS Monaco (A-)

Paul Pogba
Photo: Raffaele Conti 88 / Shutterstock.com

Pogba is a low-risk, high-reward signing. If he stays fit, Monaco get a world-class midfielder essentially for free.

30. Cristhian Mosquera – Arsenal (A-)

Cristhian Mosquera
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Mosquera is a physically dominant young defender. Arteta can develop him into a future starter at a bargain price.

29. Tijjani Reijnders – Manchester City (A-)

Tijjani Reijnders
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Reijnders is a graceful passer who suits Guardiola’s style. City add yet another elegant midfielder to their squad.

28. Liam Delap – Chelsea (A-)

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

Delap scored 12 goals for relegated Ipswich and has big potential. At £30m, this was an easy decision for Chelsea.

27. Christian Nørgaard – Arsenal (A-)

Christian Nørgaard
daykung / Shutterstock.com

Nørgaard is an experienced Premier League midfielder who adds stability. A smart and cost-effective signing.

26. Estêvão – Chelsea (A)

Estêvão
NullReason, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Nicknamed "Messinho," Estêvão is one of Brazil’s most exciting teenagers. Chelsea lock in a future superstar early.

25. Giorgi Mamardashvili – Liverpool (A)

Giorgi Mamardashvili
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Mamardashvili is one of Europe’s best young goalkeepers. Liverpool have secured their long-term No. 1 at a bargain price.

24. Piero Hincapié - Arsenal (A)

Piero Hincapie
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

A rare left-footed center-back who is comfortable stepping into midfield and passing through lines, Hincapié fits Mikel Arteta’s system perfectly. An A grade highlights how he strengthens depth and raises Arsenal’s tactical ceiling.

23. Dean Huijsen – Real Madrid (A)

Dean Huijsen
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Huijsen is a technically gifted center-back compared to Piqué. Madrid acted quickly to pay his clause and secure him.

22. Kepa Arrizabalaga – Arsenal (A)

Kepa Arrizabalaga
Marta Fernandez Jimenez / Shutterstock.com

Kepa is a cheap, reliable deputy to David Raya. Perfect business for a team aiming for depth in all competitions.

21. Joan García – Barcelona (A)

Joan García
Cesar Ortiz Gonzalez / Shutterstock.com

García was the best shot-stopper in LaLiga last season. Barcelona have secured their future goalkeeper while weakening a rival.

20. Rodrigo De Paul – Inter Miami (A)

Rodrigo De Paul
Marta Fernandez Jimenez / Shutterstock.com

De Paul joins Lionel Messi in Miami in one of the most high-profile MLS transfers ever. This is a huge statement signing.

19. Jakub Kiwior – FC Porto (A)

Jakub Kiwior
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Kiwior is a polished defender available on a favorable deal. Porto get an ideal partner for Bednarek.

18. Gabri Veiga – FC Porto (A)

Gabri Veiga
Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

Veiga returns to Europe after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Porto have pulled off a coup to elevate their midfield.

17. Rayan Aït-Nouri – Manchester City (A)

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

Aït-Nouri is a superb dribbler and defender. City add a top-tier left-back to an already dominant squad.

16. Rayan Cherki – Manchester City (A)

Rayan Cherki
Victor Velter / Shutterstock.com

Cherki is one of Europe’s most talented young dribblers. If Pep can channel his creativity, City have a future star.

15. Manuel Akanji – Inter Milan (A)

Manuel Akanji
Photo: Ververidis Vasilis / Shutterstock.com

Akanji is still in his prime and joins Inter on a favorable deal. He improves their defense immediately.

14. Harvey Elliott – Aston Villa (A)

Harvey Elliott
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Villa secure one of England’s brightest prospects for a bargain fee. He should thrive under Unai Emery.

13. Ederson – Fenerbahçe (A)

Ederson
Photo: Jose Breton- Pics Action / Shutterstock.com

Ederson remains an elite goalkeeper and a leader. Fenerbahçe pull off a brilliant signing to raise their level.

12. Antony – Real Betis (A)

Antony
Vazquez Fernando / Shutterstock.com

Antony was excellent on loan and now joins permanently. Betis get a dangerous winger at a cut price.

11. Luka Modrić – AC Milan (A)

Luka Modric
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Modrić brings leadership and Champions League-winning experience. He stabilizes a squad undergoing major change.

10. Theo Hernández – Al Hilal (A)

Theo Hernández
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Hernández is one of the best left-backs in the world. Al Hilal get him for a surprisingly modest fee given his quality.

9. Leroy Sané – Galatasaray (A)

Leroy Sané
Photo: ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Sané is a blockbuster signing for Turkish football. He remains an elite winger and should dominate the Süper Lig.

8. Marcus Rashford – Barcelona (A)

Marcus Rashford
Photo: MDI / Shutterstock.com

Rashford arrives motivated after a turbulent season. Barça get a dynamic attacker at a reduced wage.

7. Franco Mastantuono – Real Madrid (A)

Franco Mastantuono
Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Mastantuono is the next big Argentinian talent. Madrid continue their youth-focused rebuild with another gem.

6. Trent Alexander-Arnold – Real Madrid (A)

Trent Alexander-Arnold
Javier Borrego / Shutterstock.com

Madrid paid €12m to bring Trent early — a bargain. He will revolutionize their right flank.

5. James Trafford – Manchester City (A)

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

Trafford is a homegrown keeper returning after a brilliant loan spell. City now have a long-term successor to Ederson.

4. Caoimhín Kelleher – Brentford (A)

caoimhin,Kelleher
daykung / Shutterstock.com

Brentford pulled off a masterstroke, signing a top-class keeper for just £12.5m. He instantly upgrades their defense.

3. Sverre Nypan – Manchester City (A+)

Sverre Nypan
Photo: Footballtalentscout.net

City paid just £12.5m for one of Europe’s most gifted teenagers. This could become one of the best-value transfers of the decade.

2. Roony Bardghji – Barcelona (A+)

Roony Bardghji
By Thomas Dahlstrøm Nielsen - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=136364597

Barça get a potential superstar for just €2m due to his contract situation. If he returns to pre-injury form, this is a generational bargain.

1. Son Heung-Min – LAFC (A+)

Heung-min Son
Mark Fann / Shutterstock.com

LAFC smashed the MLS transfer record to land Asia’s biggest star. Son will sell shirts, pack stadiums, and could dominate the league.

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.