Transfer Window Grades 2025: Europe’s Top 10 Clubs Ranked
The 2025 summer transfer window was filled with drama, record-breaking deals, and some chaotic decisions from Europe’s biggest clubs. While some strengthened their squads brilliantly, others left fans scratching their heads. Here’s a breakdown of how the 10 giants of European football fared, starting from the bottom.
10. Bayern Munich – Grade: D-
Bayern Munich endured a disastrous transfer window, leaving their squad worryingly thin. While Luis Diaz and Jonathan Tah are solid additions, the Nicolas Jackson deal screamed desperation. Key departures like Kingsley Coman, Thomas Muller, and Leroy Sane further weakened their depth, and missing out on Florian Wirtz summed up their struggles.
9. Barcelona – Grade: D+
Barcelona once again focused on balancing the books rather than strengthening their squad. The arrival of Joan Garcia and Roony Bardghji adds some promise, but ending up with Marcus Rashford instead of Nico Williams or Luis Diaz was underwhelming. Losing Inigo Martinez for free highlighted their ongoing instability.
8. Paris Saint-Germain – Grade: C
After winning a treble, PSG avoided major changes but still made bold calls. Replacing Gianluigi Donnarumma with Lucas Chevalier raised eyebrows, especially as the Italian joined Manchester City. Illia Zabarnyi adds defensive stability, but loaning Randal Kolo Muani suggests unfinished business in Paris.
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7. Manchester United – Grade: C+
Manchester United took steps to clear their bloated squad, with Garnacho, Antony, Rashford, and Sancho all departing temporarily or permanently. Their attacking overhaul brought in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, though early performances haven’t impressed. Crucially, they failed to fix glaring weaknesses in midfield and goalkeeping.
6. Tottenham – Grade: B-
Tottenham’s summer was turbulent but ended on a positive note. Missing out on Eberechi Eze was painful, but late deals for Xavi Simons, Randal Kolo Muani, and Joao Palhinha boosted their squad. With Mohammed Kudus already shining, Spurs now look strong in attack, though defensive depth remains an issue.
5. Manchester City – Grade: B-
Manchester City added Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Rayan Ait-Nouri, but doubts linger. The signing of Donnarumma to replace Ederson was controversial, while the decision to offload Jack Grealish has divided opinion. Despite generating funds from sales, Guardiola’s side still looks short in certain key areas.
4. Real Madrid – Grade: B-
Real Madrid opted for smart, steady business instead of Galactico signings. Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, and Trent Alexander-Arnold strengthen the defence, while young Franco Mastantuono could be a future star. Still, their midfield looks shaky, with no clear successor yet to Toni Kroos.
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3. Chelsea – Grade: B
Chelsea’s revolving-door policy continued, with over £300m spent and just as much recouped. Joao Pedro has already impressed, while Estevao Willian and Garnacho bring flair. Despite criticism of their scattergun approach, the Blues remain the best sellers in Europe, cashing in heavily on unwanted players.
2. Arsenal – Grade: B+
Arsenal finally solved their striker problem with Viktor Gyokeres, a proven goal machine. Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi added much-needed creativity and control, while defensive reinforcements give Arteta enviable depth. With one of the strongest squads in Europe, expectations are now sky-high.
1. Liverpool – Grade: A-
Liverpool had a near-perfect summer, making statement signings in Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Hugo Ekitike. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez strengthened their full-back options, while smart sales helped fund their record-breaking spree. Missing out on Marc Guehi denied them full marks, but the Reds remain the biggest winners of the summer.
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