The summer transfer window for European football clubs has concluded, marking a significant period of movement ahead of the January window. The Premier League has once again set a new spending record, with clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal making headlines for their substantial investments. The transfer window closed at 19:00 BST (14:00 ET) on August 31, 2025, leaving clubs to reflect on their strategies and outcomes.
Liverpool and Arsenal Lead the Charge
Liverpool emerged as the standout spenders this summer, breaking the British transfer record twice. They initially acquired Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for £100 million, with an additional £16 million in performance-related add-ons. The Reds then made headlines again on deadline day by securing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a staggering £130 million. Alongside these major signings, they welcomed Hugo Ekitike for £69 million, Milos Kerkez for £40 million, Jeremie Frimpong for £29 million, and Giovani Leoni for £26 million.
In addition to these acquisitions, Liverpool successfully negotiated new contracts for key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, bolstering a title-winning squad. Despite a few setbacks, including a failed £35 million deal for Marc Guéhi due to Crystal Palace’s inability to secure a replacement, Liverpool’s summer activities have set a high bar for their competitors.
Arsenal also made significant strides, adding eight first-team players to enhance their squad for a title challenge. The Gunners bolstered their attack with Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke, while reinforcing the midfield with Martín Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard. The defensive line saw improvements with Cristian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié, and Kepa Arrizabalaga was brought in to support goalkeeper David Raya.
Notably, Arsenal’s signings included players who were pursued by rivals, such as Zubimendi, who had been a target for Liverpool, and Eze, who seemed destined for Tottenham Hotspur. This depth in the squad positions Arsenal as a formidable contender this season.
Mixed Results for Manchester United and Others
In contrast, Manchester United’s transfer window yielded mixed results. While they spent heavily on Matheus Cunha for £62.5 million and Bryan Mbeumo for £65 million, concerns arose about overpaying for these players and failing to secure a new central midfielder. However, the signings of young talents like striker Benjamin Sesko and goalkeeper Senne Lammens signal a potential shift towards developing future stars.
Manchester City also navigated a complex transfer landscape, making some promising acquisitions, including Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Aït-Nouri. Yet, they faced scrutiny over the signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma, whose style may not align with manager Pep Guardiola’s tactical approach. The departure of several key players, including Manuel Akanji, has left City with a younger but uncertain squad.
Newcastle United’s summer was marred by the uncertainty surrounding Isak’s future. Despite his desire to leave, the club struggled to find suitable replacements, ultimately securing Nick Woltemade for £65 million and Yoane Wissa for £50 million in a last-minute scramble. Although they managed to add some depth with Jacob Ramsey and Malick Thiaw, Newcastle’s overall performance in the transfer market fell short of expectations.
Struggles for Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich
Bayer Leverkusen faced significant challenges this summer, losing key players such as Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong. Their strategy led to a considerable talent drain that left them in a precarious position as they searched for a new manager after sacking Erik ten Hag on deadline day. They did make some promising signings, including Malik Tillman and Jarell Quansah, but the club’s direction is now uncertain.
Bayern Munich struggled to finalize deals, culminating in a frantic deadline day. Their significant signings, including Jonathan Tah on a free transfer, raised questions about their ability to improve the squad. The loss of experienced players like Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala due to injury and departures left Bayern short on attacking options, leading them to overpay for Luis Díaz at £75 million and Nicolas Jackson on an obligation for £65 million.
In summary, the 2025 transfer window showcased a stark divide among Europe’s elite clubs. Liverpool and Arsenal emerged as clear winners, while others like Manchester United, Newcastle United, Bayer Leverkusen, and Bayern Munich faced various challenges. As teams assess their new line-ups, the impact of these transfers will become increasingly evident as the season unfolds.
