Top Football Transfers of Summer 2025

 

*How club sides are fine-tuning their squads 

By Femi Fabunmi

With the 2025/26 league season across Europe and beyond fast approaching, club sides have been busy fine-tuning their squads ahead of the new campaign. Once again, the issue of footballers transferring from one club to another is back in the spotlight.

1. Florian Wirtz – Liverpool (£116m)

Liverpool made the biggest splash of the window, signing German sensation Florian Wirtz for £116 million — a new British transfer record. Following the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Wirtz is seen as the creative engine of the new-look Reds and will be central to their attacking play.

2. Noni Madueke – Chelsea to Arsenal (£50m)

In a rare transfer between rivals, Arsenal signed winger Noni Madueke from Chelsea for £50 million. Known for his dribbling and explosiveness, Madueke strengthens Arsenal’s flanks and adds depth to their wide options.

3. Paul Onuachu – Southampton to Trabzonspor

Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu has joined Trabzonspor from Southampton. After scoring consistently in the Championship, he now gets a fresh start in the Turkish Süper Lig, where his height and physical presence are expected to make an immediate impact.

4. Jeremie Frimpong – Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool (£35m)

Dutch full-back Jeremie Frimpong joined Liverpool after the Reds activated his £35 million release clause. His speed and attacking threat from right-back fit Klopp’s aggressive style perfectly.

5. Bryan Mbeumo – Brentford to Manchester United (£70m)

After a standout season at Brentford, Bryan Mbeumo joined Manchester United for £70 million. With 20 goals and 7 assists last season, Mbeumo offers much-needed pace and goal threat to United’s attack.

 

6. Viktor Gyökeres – Sporting CP to Arsenal (£45m)

Arsenal also secured Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP for around £45 million. Known for his tenacity and goal-scoring instinct, Gyökeres is expected to provide valuable depth and options up front.

7. Hugo Ekitike – Eintracht Frankfurt to Liverpool (€95m)

Liverpool continued their summer spending by signing French forward Hugo Ekitike for €95 million. Ekitike brings pace, finishing, and versatility to a frontline looking to regain its edge.

8. Martín Zubimendi – Real Sociedad to Arsenal (£60m)

Arsenal added midfield steel with the acquisition of Martín Zubimendi for £60 million. The Spanish midfielder is expected to provide balance and intelligence to Mikel Arteta’s side.

9. Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City to Napoli

In a surprising twist, Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne left Manchester City to join Serie A champions Napoli. His elite vision and experience will be key to Napoli’s European ambitions.

10. Trent Alexander-Arnold – Liverpool to Real Madrid (Free Transfer)

After more than a decade at Anfield, Trent Alexander-Arnold departed Liverpool on a free transfer, signing for Real Madrid. The England international is expected to adapt to a midfield role in Spain, adding creativity and leadership.

11. João Pedro – Brighton to Chelsea (£60m)

Chelsea invested £60 million to bring in Brazilian forward João Pedro from Brighton. The young attacker is seen as a cornerstone of Chelsea’s youthful offensive rebuild.

12. Victor Osimhen – Napoli to Galatasaray (Permanent Move)

13. 

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen made his loan move permanent at Galatasaray following a stellar season. His goalscoring prowess helped the Turkish giants clinch the league title.

13. Matheus Cunha – Atlético Madrid to Manchester United (£62.5m)

Manchester United strengthened their attack by signing Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha for £62.5 million. Cunha’s flair and movement are expected to complement United’s forward options.

14. Tijjani Reijnders – Ajax to Manchester City

Manchester City signed Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders to help bolster their midfield depth alongside Rodri. Known for his work rate and tactical flexibility, Reijnders could be a vital cog in Guardiola’s system.

15. Jobe Bellingham – Sunderland to Borussia Dortmund (£30m)

Following in the footsteps of his brother Jude, Jobe Bellingham moved to Borussia Dortmund for £30 million. Dortmund aim to continue their success in nurturing young English talent.

16. Charalampos Kostoulas – Olympiacos to Brighton (£30m)

Brighton secured promising 18-year-old Charalampos Kostoulas from Olympiacos for £30 million. Despite being relatively unknown, Brighton’s scouting prowess suggests he could be a future star.