The 2025-26 Premier League season saw the acclaimed ‘Big Six’ making eye-catching deals with huge finances spent in the summer window. The urge to spend money has also come because of pressure and increased fan demand after missing out on the top six places, which some of the top drawing clubs have suffered in the last few seasons. Others’ activity was simply maintaining their place and asserting their dominance even more. Despite the financial crunch, United have not been shy of spending to construct a proper squad, with the same narrative going for Tottenham Hotspur, who want to rise back to the top end of the table in a new era.
Manchester City has also called shots to reclaim their dominance with $248m, while Chelsea became the first club to recoup $496m in sales. The other London club, Arsenal, are hoping to break their streak of finishing runners-up for the last years and has topped the net spend table in this transfer window with $344m. The real surprise, though, has come from the champions, Liverpool, who have turned heads for many by going on a spending spree in the transfer window to retain their title and create their own dynasty in the league. The Reds spent a record-breaking $603 million out of the combined total of a staggering $2.62 billion spent by the ‘Big Six’ clubs alone, a record-breaking sum in league history.
Liverpool
IN: Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Ármin Pécsi, Freddie Woodman, Hugo Ekitiké, Giovani Leoni, Alexander Isak
OUT: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhín Kelleher, Nat Phillips, Vitezslav Jaros (on loan), Harvey Davies (on loan), Luis Díaz, Darwin Nunez, Lewis Koumas (on loan), Harvey Elliott
Liverpool won the Premier League title in the first season after their legendary coach Jurgen Klopp, under the management of Arne Slot, which few saw coming. The Reds now want to build on that success and have gone for a spending spree unseen before, indicating a new philosophy is being built at the club. The highlight signing for them and the Premier League this summer window is the British record fee of $169m spent on the star striker, Alexander Isak from Newcastle. It was a statement signing to show that the Merseyside giants are not only eyeing a domestic dominance but also eyeing the Champions League, especially after an early knockout exit last time. Before him, the buzz surrounded the transfer of the world-class playmaker for Bayer Leverkusen and Germany, Florian Wirtz, with the amount reaching $156 million and future add-ons.
The Reds’ next coup was another player from Leverkusen, who has even bigger shoes to fill, Jeremie Frimpong, to replace right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid after a trophy-filled nine years in the senior team, having come through the youth ranks. Liverpool forked out $11.3 million for the otherwise free transfer as Los Blancos wanted him early before the expiration of his contract for the new Club World Cup in June. Frimpong’s $38.5 million release clause was triggered and the club received a high-energy and versatile attacking full-back who was a key contributor in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga and Cup success with a run to the Europa League final last year. There was movement on the other flank as well because Andrew Robertson’s decline in the previous season necessitated an able replacement in the role.
As a case, 21-year-old future star Milos Kerkez, who made noise in AFC Bournemouth’s best-ever season, came into the wishlist with an eventual purchase from the Cherries for a fee of $54 million. His pace, dynamism, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively made him an ideal candidate. The Reds also spent a lump sum of $106 million to secure the signing of Hugo Ekitike, a much-needed centre forward, as a replacement for Darwin Nunez, who departed for Al Hilal for a fee of $62 million and following the unfortunate and tragic passing of Diogo Jota, which has weakened the team's position. Liverpool also snapped up the prospect, 18-year-old Giovani Leoni, from Parma, who has been attracting interest from other European heavyweights. The Reds almost secured Marc Guehi on deadline day, but the deal fell through even after the centre-back completed a medical at the club, as Crystal Palace pulled the brakes on the transfer at the last moment for not finding an ideal replacement.
Aside from Trent and Nunez, there were a few other high-profile departures from the squad. Centre-back Jarell Quansah took the opposite route to Bayer Leverkusen. At the same time, long-term second-choice keeper Caoimhín Kelleher departed to fellow Premier League side Brentford, due to the permanent signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia after spending on loan there last season. However, the much-talked-about exit was of Luis Diaz, the ever-exciting Colombian winger who made a $88 million move to Bayern Munich after a trophy-filled four years at Liverpool, contributing 57 goals in 148 appearances. Díaz's contract was set to expire in 2027, but negotiations for an extension reportedly stalled, which allowed the German giants to swoop in by meeting the financial demands. Harvey Elliott also joined Aston Villa on loan on deadline day, with an obligation to buy.
Arsenal
IN: Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Nørgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera, Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze, Piero Hincapie (on loan)
OUT: Nuno Tavares, Marquinhos, Kieran Tierney, Jorginho, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Thomas Partey, Raheem Sterling (End of loan), Neto (End of loan), Karl Hein (on loan), Reiss Nelson (on loan), Oleksandr Zinchenko (on loan), Fabio Vieira (on loan), Albert Sambi Lokonga
The big story of Arsenal’s transfer window was that the club finally secured the signature of a proper number nine in Viktor Gyökeres, putting an end to a drama with Sporting CP regarding free and transfer approval, which cost around $74 million. The Swede caught the attention after producing eye-catching goal numbers in the Portuguese league with 54 strikes in 52 matches last season (97 in 102 games overall) and showing his impact in the Champions League, including scoring a hat-trick against Manchester City. The lack of a proper nine was one of the key reasons the Gunners failed to give a proper fight to Liverpool for the Premier League title, finishing second for the third consecutive season and not having the cutting edge in the Champions League despite reaching the semifinal stage for the first time in 19 years. So, his addition could be the one Arsenal were waiting for to finally fulfil their dream of winning the league title.
Another significant signing in the summer window to further sharpen their attack, which has been plagued by constant injury problems, is Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze for an $80m deal, their highest-priced transfer this summer. Once a youth product at the North London club, the 27-year-old made a stellar name for himself at the Eagles, helping them win their first silverware in history in the form of the FA Cup last season. Eze’s artistic dribbling, ball control, technical qualities and versatility make him a great creative force to have, hijacking the deal from the Gunners' rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who look to be frontrunners in the race. Securing the service of winger Noni Madueke, in a transfer that forked a $64m fee from the other London rivals, Chelsea, could turn out to be an interesting move. Kepa Arrizabalaga was also purchased from the Blues as an ideal backup keeper to David Raya. The Gunners also bolstered their defence with the purchase of Pierre Hincapie from Leverkusen, initially on loan.
The other important signature was the long-desired move of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, with Brentford star Christian Nørgaard joining later, both set to serve as important partners to Declan Rice in the midfield, especially the Spaniard. The midfield pair was also brought in after Thomas Partey’s contract extension talks broke down with the club, leading to the departure of the Ghanaian to Villarreal on a free transfer, amid receiving conditional bail after being charged with rape and sexual assault. Veteran midfielder Jorginho also returned to his home country, Brazil, to play with Flamengo after spending two seasons at the club. Two full-backs, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney, said goodbye this summer, with the latter returning to the club he signed from, Celtic, back to his homeland. There were four departures on the deadline day, including Reiss Nelson and Oleksandr Zinchenko joining fellow Premier League side Brentford and Nottingham Forest on loan respectively, while Fabio Viera took the loan deal to Hamburg with an obligation to buy. The same club also finalised the permanent transfer of another Arsenal midfielder, Albert Sambi Lokonga. Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling and Neto completed their unsuccessful loan spells and returned to their parent club.
Manchester City
IN: Rayan Aït-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Sverre Nypan, Marcus Bettinelli, James Trafford, Gianluigi Donnarumma
OUT: Yan Couto, Kevin De Bruyne, Scott Carson, Máximo Perrone, Kyle Walker, Juma Bah (on loan), Callum Doyle, Claudio Echeverri (on loan), James McAtee, Jack Grealish (on loan), Vitor Reis (on loan)
It was a rare trophyless season for Manchester City last time, as they surrendered their four-year league dominance to Liverpool, suffered an early knockout elimination from the Champions League and lost the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace. Pep Guardiola’s side ended in third on the table, 13 points behind the top spot in the forgettable campaign and needed a late-season turnaround to continue playing Champions League football. Due to a disastrous season resulting from Ballon d'Or winner Rodri's ACL injury and several key players underperforming, Manchester City responded quickly. They made a series of promising signings in the summer window to ensure they would not repeat the mistakes of the past.
The eight-time Premier League winners splashed $166.9 million to bring in three star signings. Rayan Aït-Nouri joined from Wolves to finally resolve the lack of a proper left-back in City’s squad in the last few seasons, while rising talent Rayan Cherki from Lyon was introduced to improve creativity and technicality in the attack. The big money signing was Serie A’s best midfielder of the season, Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan and also the most attractive signing who fits in the bracket of a perfect Pep Guardiola player. The three made significant contributions to City’s inaugural Club World Cup campaign, even though they suffered a shock Round of 16 exit against Al Hilal. With Ederson on his way to Galatasaray, the club has also pulled off the talented goalkeeper signing of James Trafford from Burnley, although the deadline day agreement with Champions League-winning side PSG outcast Gianluigi Donnarumma will serve as the Brazilian's replacement and is the fourth significant addition to the squad.
Alongside arrivals, there have been noteworthy departures in this transfer window, including club icon and one of the Premier League’s best players, Kevin De Bruyne, who joined Serie A champions Napoli with Antonio Conte at the helm. The Belgian scored 108 goals and produced 170 assists in 422 appearances for City, for whom he won six Premier League titles among other accolades, making him an irreplaceable figure at the club. Having the same amount of success, veteran right-back and former captain Kyle Walker has also departed the club permanently this summer to promoted side Burnley. The 35-year-old fell out with Guardiola in the calamitous season, leading him to lose his place and loaned out to AC Milan in the January window, which did not work out. He might have lost his pace, but Walker will be remembered as one of the key players in City’s success in the last decade.
Chelsea
IN: Liam Delap, Estevao, Dário Essugo, Mamadou Sarr, Jamie Gittens, Mamadou Sarr, Kendry Paez, João Pedro, Jorrel Hato, Alejandro Garnacho, Facundo Buonanotte (on loan)
OUT: Marcus Bettinelli, Noni Madueke, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Djordje Petrovic, Mathis Amougou, Bashir Humphreys, Lucas Bergström, Jadon Sancho (End of Loan), Mamadou Sarr (on loan), Kendry Paez (on loan), Mike Penders (on loan), João Felix, Renato Veiga, Armando Broja, Lesley Ugochukwu, Marc Guiu (on loan), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Mathis Amougou
Unlike other clubs, aside from Manchester City, Chelsea got competitive games to test their new signing well ahead of the 2025-26 season in the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup. The Blues won their first trophy under the current ownership in the form of the UEFA Conference League last season and while also returning to Champions League football by finishing in the top four on the final day. The club's significant sign of revival, along with BlueCo's progress since acquiring the club in 2022, was winning the tag of first world champions in the new 32-team tournament, defeating the current best team in Europe, PSG, 3-0 in the final held in July. The success was down to the arrivals in the summer window, who are mainly forwards, making an instant impact.
Liam Delap, who broke through at Ipswich and joins as one of the former Manchester City academy products in the Blues’ squad, made a steady impact in the group stage of the Club World Cup, but the signing that turned heads was Joao Pedro. A sought-after talent before joining Chelsea, but he took his standards to a different level, donning the colours of the club as he scored three goals in the knockout, including the sealer in the tournament’s final. Pedro has certainly turned out to be the club’s signing of the summer and with two quality forwards in store, it signalled the end of Nicolas Jackson, who joined Bayern Munich on loan with a permanent signing next summer. The fee for bringing in Delap was $39 million, while the deal for the Brazilian cost close to $79m, with the finances for their signature helped by the club successfully slashing deadwood from the squad. Strengthening the forward line further, Alejandro Garnacho joined from Manchester United in a transfer that cost $49.5 million.
Flop signing João Felix was shipped off to Al Nassr for a move that the club will eventually receive $58m, whereas the goalkeeping duo, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Djordje Petrovic’s transfers brought in an additional $39m, with the latter costing $33m for the move to Bournemouth. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was also offloaded, along with Renato Veiga, Armando Broja and Noni Madueke, who, like Kepa, joined London rivals Arsenal, which also forked out $69m. Jadon Sancho's move was not made permanent, which released some pressure on wages. Overall, it has to be said that the Blues balanced the books extremely well, spending big but also selling players for a significant profit at the same time. Even though they still have an overburden of players, the ownership is slowly starting to get their transfer strategies right, as reflected by this window.
Tottenham Hotspurs
IN: Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, Kevin Danso, Luka Vuskovic, Kota Takai, João Palhinha (on loan), Randal Kolo Muani (on loan), Xavi Simons
OUT: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Alejo Veliz (on loan), Fraser Forster, Sergio Reguilón, Alfie Whiteman, Timo Werner (End of loan), Alfie Devine (on loan), Heung-Min Son, Jamie Donley (on loan), Luka Vuskovic (on loan), Manor Solomon (on loan), Bryan Gil
Last season was a mixed one for Tottenham Hotspur as it was both historic and forgettable at the same time. The club finally got their hands on a trophy, a European one, by winning the Europa League, ending their 17-year drought and their first continental honour since 1983/84. The success meant the club returned to the Champions League stage for the first time since reaching the competition final in 2019. Yet, their poor domestic form, which resulted in their worst Premier League season in history, finishing just a place above the relegation zone, led to the sacking of their manager, Ange Postecoglou, ushering in a new era under Thomas Frank.
The highly reputed Danish coach, for his brilliant work at Brentford, focused on team building with the current crop of players to align with his philosophy and making smart moves in the transfer window.
The first move made by Spurs was to make the last season’s loan deals of Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso permanent moves alongside the talent signings of Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai. However, the most talked-about Tottenham transfer in this window has been of Mohammed Kudus joining from West Ham for a fee of $74m, who is expected to be a crucial player in Frank’s system. Although his creative numbers dropped last season, which was more to do with the Hammer’s poor form than his, the debut Premier League season that saw him contribute 14 goals alongside nine strikes in the Europa League after getting the spotlight at Ajax showed that the player will produce goods if used properly.
Spurs made a few more interesting signings in the transfer window, the expensive one being Xavi Simons, who cost $68m from RB Leipzig. The high-profile talent that came through PSG’s youth ranks and settled at the Bundesliga club after a spell with PSV Eindhoven will be eager to showcase his qualities in the Premier League. Randal Kolo Muani also adds more options and variety to the forward line, but he is only on a loan transfer from PSG after spending half a season on loan with Juventus last time. The 2025-26 season is an emotional one for Spurs as this is the first season without club legend Heung-Min Son, who cut ties after a 10-year phenomenal and loyal service for the team, where he bagged 174 goals and had a great way to say goodbye by picking up his first trophy in his career last season.
Manchester United
IN: Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Diego León, Benjamin Sesko, Senne Lammens
OUT: Victor Lindelöf, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans (Retired), Daniel Gore (on loan), Marcus Rashford (on loan), Ethan Wheatley (on loan), Toby Collyer (on loan), Alejandro Garnacho, Harry Amass (on loan), Rasmus Hojlund, Jadon Sancho (on loan), Antony
Tottenham’s Europa League success came against fellow Premier League side Manchester United in the final, which also saw their worst Premier League campaign in history, even after finishing four points ahead and two places above Spurs. The defeat also meant United failed to get into the Champions League and is set to miss out on any kind of European football since 2014. This was a new low for the struggling Red Devils since Alex Ferguson left, which saw Erik ten Hag get the axe in only the second month of last season, to be replaced by highly regarded Ruben Amorim, but the managerial change made no impact. However, the Portuguese is experiencing his first full season in 2025-26 and went through a preseason. He also got the time to demand his preferred players in the summer window to fit in his system, with the club owners clearly backing him. As a result, United splashed the cash to improve the forward areas, which were one of the main drawbacks last season, as well as getting rid of players who are no more in the plans.
The two top scorers for their respective Premier League clubs of last season, Matheus Cunha from Wolves, in a $83m deal and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, with a $95m fee, to significantly bolster the attack that fired only 44 goals in 38 matches. Still, a striker signing was much needed, as Rasmus Hojlund has not met expectations and is now linked with a move away from the club. After unsuccessful attempts to sign Viktor Gyokores—who had previously worked under Amorin—and a final effort to disrupt his move to Arsenal, United secured talented 22-year-old striker Benjamin Sesko from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. This transfer marks their largest deal of the window, valued at $98 million. The club also jumped into the market to find an ideal goalkeeper as both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir have failed to convince as the number one. 23-year-old Senne Lammens, dubbed as the next Thibaut Courtois, from Royal Antwerp, joins to finally make a cure to the position after not getting World Cup winner Emi Martinez from Aston Villa in this window at least.
To accommodate these signings, some departures are needed, the high-profile one being wantaway star Marcus Rashford, who joined La Liga holders FC Barcelona on loan with an option to buy after also spending the latter half of last season on loan at Aston Villa. Sancho joined the Premier League side on loan instead, whereas Antony got his much-desired permanent transfer to Real Betis. Garnacho also moved to Chelsea while another, Hojlund, returned to Italy to join Serie A winners Napoli on deadline day. The Red Devils profited approximately $129.2 million in clearing Amroim’s ‘bomb squad’. Victor Lindelöf and Christian Eriksen were released upon the expiration of their contracts, while Jonny Evans called time on his career. The Swede joined Aston Villa on a free transfer on deadline day.
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