Transfer Tierlist 2025: Who’s Irreplaceable and Who’s Still Waiting?

October 2, 2025 Oliver Obel

The summer transfer market reshaped European football with some massive moves. While certain stars have instantly justified the hype, others are still waiting for their chance to shine. Here’s a full ranking of this season’s arrivals, from those yet to break through to the ones who have already become irreplaceable.

Nicolas Jackson – Waiting for his chance

Jackson joined Bayern Munich on loan from Chelsea with the expectation of adding firepower. His movement and pace have been useful, but he still struggles with composure in front of goal. Bayern hope he can settle quickly to prove his worth.

Christopher Nkunku – Waiting for his chance

Nkunku’s high-profile move from Chelsea to AC Milan was meant to give the Italians a creative spark. However, injuries have once again held him back. Milan fans remain hopeful that a consistent run of fitness will unleash his true talent.

Randal Kolo Muani – Waiting for his chance

Kolo Muani arrived from PSG to Tottenham, now under Thomas Frank, to provide speed and versatility in attack. While his work rate is evident, his finishing has been inconsistent. Spurs are counting on him to adapt and deliver soon.

Alejandro Garnacho – Waiting for his chance

Garnacho’s transfer from Manchester United to Chelsea was one of the most talked-about deals of the summer. The Argentine winger has shown flashes of brilliance with his dribbling and pace, but he remains inconsistent. If he develops his end product, he could become a Stamford Bridge star.

Benjamin Šeško – Needs time

Manchester United’s signing of Šeško from RB Leipzig was a long-term investment. The Slovenian forward has demonstrated his physical presence and goalscoring instincts but is still adjusting to the Premier League. With time, he could evolve into a lethal striker.

Bryan Mbeumo – Needs time

Mbeumo made the move from Brentford to Manchester United to bring energy and versatility. So far, his adaptation has been uneven, with only occasional flashes of his creative ability. United supporters are waiting for him to settle into a consistent role.

Florian Wirtz – Needs time

Wirtz joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in one of the window’s biggest transfers. The German playmaker has shown glimpses of his vision and passing but hasn’t fully imposed himself yet. Once adapted to Klopp’s system, he could become their midfield talisman.

Dean Huijsen – Needs time

Real Madrid snapped up Huijsen from Bournemouth as a project for the future. The young defender has displayed composure on the ball but remains raw defensively. With proper guidance, he has the potential to grow into a cornerstone of Madrid’s defense.

Nick Woltemade – Promising start

Woltemade’s move from Werder Bremen to Newcastle has been encouraging. His intelligence in movement and ability to link play have already impressed in the Premier League. He looks like a player who can develop into a reliable option for Eddie Howe.

Eberechi Eze – Promising start

Eze’s transfer from Crystal Palace to Arsenal added flair and unpredictability to their attack. His dribbling and creativity have given the Gunners a new weapon in breaking down defenses. If he maintains his form, he could become one of Arsenal’s key men.

Luis Díaz – Promising start

Díaz traded Liverpool for Bayern Munich and has adapted quickly in Germany. His pace, energy, and willingness to take on defenders make him a constant attacking threat. Bayern fans already see him as a valuable addition to their title push.

Tijjani Reijnders – Promising start

Reijnders joined Manchester City from AC Milan to bolster their midfield depth. His calmness under pressure and tidy distribution fit Guardiola’s style perfectly. He has all the qualities to grow into a long-term midfield anchor.

Hugo Ekitike – Instant impact

Liverpool signed Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, and he has hit the ground running. His sharp instincts in the box and physical presence have made him an immediate threat. Klopp already sees him as a vital part of Liverpool’s attack.

Gianluigi Donnarumma – Instant impact

Donnarumma’s switch from PSG to Manchester City has brought world-class stability to their goal. His reflexes and authority have been crucial in tight matches. City finally look secure between the posts thanks to the Italian shot-stopper.

Viktor Gyökeres – Instant impact

Viktor Gyokeres — Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Arsenal captured Gyökeres from Sporting CP, and he has become an instant hero at the Emirates. His blend of strength, work rate, and finishing has transformed Arsenal’s frontline. He looks like one of the signings of the season.

Marcus Rashford – Instant impact

Rashford’s sensational move from Manchester United to Barcelona shocked the football world. In Spain, he has looked revitalized, combining pace and composure to deliver big performances. He has already established himself as a key figure at the Camp Nou.

João Palhinha – Irreplaceable

Joao Palhinha — cristiano barni / Shutterstock.com

Tottenham’s acquisition of Palhinha from Bayern Munich gave Thomas Frank’s side the defensive steel they needed. His tackling and ball-winning abilities have transformed Spurs’ midfield. He is now considered undroppable in their lineup.

Jack Grealish – Irreplaceable

Grealish’s surprise move from Manchester City to Everton has paid off handsomely. His creativity and ball retention have lifted Everton’s attack, making him the centerpiece of their play. He has quickly become their most important player.

João Pedro – Irreplaceable

Chelsea secured João Pedro to spearhead their attack, and he has already proven his worth. His energy, finishing, and hunger for goals have made him indispensable at Stamford Bridge. He looks like the striker Chelsea have been searching for.

Kevin De Bruyne – Irreplaceable

Napoli pulled off one of the biggest transfers in recent memory by signing De Bruyne from Manchester City. The Belgian maestro has instantly taken control of their midfield, dictating matches with his vision and leadership. He is already the heartbeat of Napoli’s project and utterly irreplaceable.