Summer transfer window: The biggest moves of 2025 so far

14^th July 2025

The editorial unit

The editorial unit

14 July 2025

The summer transfer window has delivered some blockbuster moves that have reshaped the landscape of European football.

With so many established teams in transition – from managerial changes to ageing squads requiring rebuilds – the margin for error has never been smaller.

Getting your transfer business right has become critical not just for on-pitch success, but for dramatically shifting the competitive balance that helps assess how English clubs are shaping up for the new season in the Premier League odds.

A single smart signing can transform a team’s entire trajectory and completely alter the outcome of each of the major competitions.

From record-breaking fees to shrewd free transfers, clubs have been busy strengthening their squads. Here are the 10 standout deals that have caught our attention so far.

Florian Wirtz – Liverpool (£116m from Bayer Leverkusen)

The summer’s biggest splash sees Liverpool break their transfer record for the German wonderkid. At just 22, Wirtz has a “beautiful footballing mind” and the ability to drag defenders into zones they don’t want to enter. With eight non-penalty goals and 12 assists last season, this £116m investment (£100m upfront) signals Liverpool’s intent to build around one of Europe’s brightest talents.

Matheus Cunha – Manchester United (£62.5m from Wolves)

Manchester United moved quickly to activate Cunha’s release clause, securing a proven Premier League game-changer. The Brazilian’s 15 goals and six assists last season, combined with his versatility across the front line, made him an irresistible target. At 26, the new number 10 is entering his prime years and offers the consistency United desperately need.

Dean Huijsen – Real Madrid (£50m from Bournemouth)

Real Madrid’s faith in the young centre-back speaks volumes about his potential. The remarkably talented defender thrived in Bournemouth’s chaotic system, using positioning and timing over pure physicality. His ability to carry the ball and pass through opposition lines caught the eye of the Spaniards, who moved decisively to secure his signature as the first signing of the Xabi Alonso era.

Tijjani Reijnders – Manchester City (£46.6m from Milan)

City’s midfield overhaul continues with the acquisition of the Dutch international Tijjani Reijnders who recorded 15 goals across all competitions for AC Milan last season.

His ability to unsettle teams with runs into space and ball-carrying, plus his versatility in both defensive and attacking roles, makes him a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s evolving system.

Rayan Cherki – Manchester City (£34m from Lyon)

Another City coup sees them land one of France’s most exciting young talents. Cherki’s breakout season of 12 goals and 20 assists in 44 matches showcased his audacious close control, dazzling trickery, and intelligent passing. At just 21, he represents both immediate impact and long-term investment for the Premier League champions.

Jeremie Frimpong – Liverpool (£29m from Bayer Leverkusen)

With Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure, Liverpool moved swiftly to secure the pacy wing-back. Frimpong’s attacking dynamism and ability to stretch opposition defences made him the perfect replacement. His high-volume runs in behind and into the box should provide the attacking thrust Liverpool need from their full-back position.

Rayan Ait-Nouri – Manchester City (£31.2m from Wolves)

City’s acquisition of the attacking full-back addresses their need for pace and creativity from wide areas. Despite occasional defensive lapses, Ait-Nouri’s Premier League experience and ability to impact games in the final third made him an attractive proposition, especially with just one year remaining on his Wolves contract.

Liam Delap – Chelsea (£30m from Ipswich Town)

Chelsea moved quickly to activate the release clause Liam Delap, who scored 12 Premier League goals despite Ipswich’s relegation. The Englishman’s variety of skills – running in behind, physical hold-up play, and pace while carrying the ball – gives Enzo Maresca multiple tactical options and a true No. 9 by instinct.

Kevin De Bruyne – Napoli (Free transfer)

Perhaps the most surprising move of the window saw Belgian maestro Kevin De Bruyne swap Manchester for Naples on a free transfer. Despite approaching his 34th birthday, De Bruyne’s 288 Premier League appearances, 72 goals, 118 assists, and six league titles speak for themselves. For Napoli, securing one of the Premier League’s greatest players without a transfer fee represents exceptional business.

The editorial unit