As the 2025 summer transfer window closed, European football witnessed one of the most competitive and expensive markets in recent memory. From Liverpool’s record-breaking business to Saudi Arabia’s continued lure for top talent, the off-season was defined by ambition, big spending, and bold gambles. Here’s a closer look at the 10 marquee transfers that have set the stage for an electrifying season ahead.

1. Florian Wirtz

Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool

£100m (potentially £116.5m)

Liverpool smashed their transfer record to land 22-year-old Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal that could rise to £116.5m. Wirtz arrives as one of Europe’s brightest midfield talents, having played a key role in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title win last season with 18 assists and 12 goals. His creativity, vision, and ability to operate between the lines offer Liverpool a new dimension in attack. The German international is seen as the successor to Thiago Alcântara and a player around whom the team’s next era can be built. The transfer also signals Liverpool’s willingness to compete financially with the Premier League’s heavyweights. While the fee is enormous, Wirtz’s technical quality and versatility make him an ideal fit for Arne Slot’s pressing and possession-oriented style. Anfield expects him to be more than just a marquee signing — he’s been brought in to shape the future.

2. Hugo Ekitike

Eintracht Frankfurt to Liverpool

£69m (up to £79m)

Hot on the heels of the Wirtz announcement, Liverpool continued their summer splurge by bringing in French forward Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. The 23-year-old scored 20 goals in the Bundesliga last season, catching the eye with his composure in front of goal and intelligent off-the-ball movement. Valued at £69m, with add-ons potentially taking the deal to £79m, Ekitike adds both depth and versatility to Liverpool’s attacking options. Capable of leading the line or drifting wide, his skill set should complement Darwin Núñez and Mohamed Salah, offering fresh tactical flexibility. The move also reflects Liverpool’s strategy of securing players in their early prime, ensuring peak performance years coincide with the club’s trophy ambitions. For Ekitike, the switch to Anfield represents a significant step up, but his pace, physicality, and finishing suggest he is ready to handle the pressure of the Premier League spotlight.

3. Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool FC to Real Madrid

€10 Million

Real Madrid have completed the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool in a €10 million deal, finalised ahead of the Club World Cup. The England international had already announced his decision to leave Anfield after declining a contract extension. Madrid negotiated his early release — his Liverpool contract was set to expire in June 2025 — ensuring he could join their squad immediately. Alexander-Arnold’s debut could come on June 18 against Al Hilal in Miami, where his attacking flair and pinpoint crossing are expected to add another dimension to Madrid’s right flank. For Los Blancos, the move combines long-term planning with immediate reinforcement for a busy season ahead.

4. Matheus Cunha

Wolves to Manchester United

£62.5m

Just a week before sealing the Mbeumo deal, Manchester United moved to strengthen their attack by signing Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m. Cunha’s high-energy style, dribbling flair, and positional versatility make him a natural fit for Erik ten Hag’s pressing game. Last season, he netted 13 Premier League goals while also excelling as a creator, often dropping deep to link midfield and attack. For United, Cunha offers the flexibility to play as a second striker, wide forward, or even a false nine. His work rate and ability to unsettle defences align with the club’s push for a more intense attacking style. The deal underscores United’s urgent need for attacking reinforcements after a season where injuries and inconsistency up front cost them crucial points. While Cunha has never been an out-and-out prolific scorer, his all-round contribution could prove invaluable in United’s quest to return to title contention.

5. Luis Díaz

Liverpool to
Bayern Munich

€70m (£60m)

Bayern Munich made a major statement by luring Luis Díaz away from Liverpool for around £60m. The Colombian winger had been a fan favourite at Anfield, known for his explosive acceleration, relentless work ethic, and knack for delivering in big games. Bayern, in the midst of refreshing their squad after the departures of senior attacking figures, see Díaz as a natural fit for the Bundesliga champions’ high-intensity style. His ability to operate on either wing and stretch defences will complement the likes of Harry Kane and Leroy Sané. For Liverpool, the sale provided funds to finance their incoming transfers, but losing such a dynamic forward will be felt. Díaz’s move highlights Bayern’s intent to reclaim their dominance in Europe after recent Champions League disappointments. His adaptability and Champions League experience could prove vital in revitalising the German giants’ attack.

6. Martin Zubimendi

Real Sociedad to Arsenal

€70m

Arsenal strengthened their midfield with the €70m signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, a player long admired by Mikel Arteta for his tactical intelligence and composure under pressure. The Spanish international operates primarily as a deep-lying playmaker, dictating tempo and breaking opposition lines with precise passing. His arrival gives Arsenal greater control in central areas, especially in high-stakes matches where composure is key. Zubimendi was a standout in La Liga last season, excelling in defensive duels while maintaining a 90 per cent pass completion rate. For Arsenal, this signing is as much about raising their ceiling as it is about depth — pairing Zubimendi with Declan Rice gives Arteta one of the most balanced midfields in Europe. While the fee is significant, the Gunners believe his skill set is tailor-made for the Premier League’s intensity and will be essential in their title push.

7. Viktor Gyökeres

Sporting CP to Arsenal

€65.8m

After months of speculation, Arsenal secured Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP for €65.8m. Gyökeres enjoyed a sensational season in Portugal, scoring 36 goals in all competitions, and arrives as Arsenal’s marquee forward signing of the summer. Known for his powerful runs, clinical finishing, and relentless pressing, he provides a different profile to Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah. Arteta has been seeking a more physical and direct option up front, and Gyökeres ticks every box. His aerial ability and hold-up play also mean Arsenal can vary their attacking approach, making them less predictable. The fee reflects not only his scoring record but also his role in transforming Sporting’s attack. Arsenal will hope that Gyökeres can translate his prolific form to the Premier League, where his strength and movement could quickly make him a nightmare for defences.

8. Kevin De Bruyne

Manchester City to Napoli

Free Transfer

In one of the most unexpected moves of the summer, Kevin De Bruyne has swapped Manchester City for Napoli. The Belgian playmaker, widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, was linked with several elite European clubs, but Napoli emerged as surprise winners in the race. De Bruyne’s vision, passing range, and big-game experience will be invaluable for the Serie A champions as they look to defend their domestic title and mount a deeper push in the UEFA Champions League. His arrival marks a statement of intent from Napoli, signalling their ambition to compete with Europe’s best.

9. Dean Huijsen

Bournemouth to Real Madrid

€62.5m

In one of the summer’s more surprising moves, Real Madrid triggered Dean Huijsen’s €62.5m release clause just a year after the Dutch defender joined Bournemouth. At 20, Huijsen is seen as a long-term investment, boasting composure beyond his years and strong ball-playing ability from the back. Madrid’s scouting department had been tracking him since his Juventus youth days, and his successful adaptation to the Premier League accelerated their pursuit. The plan is to integrate Huijsen gradually alongside established stars like Éder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger. His versatility to play both centre-back and full-back offers Ancelotti tactical flexibility. For Bournemouth, the profit from his sale is substantial, though losing such a promising talent will be a blow. For Madrid, it’s another reminder that they are willing to spend big on future-proofing their squad.

10. Tijjani Reijnders

AC Milan to Manchester City

£46.3m (€55m)

Manchester City quietly strengthened their midfield by signing Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for around £46.3m. The Dutch international impressed in Serie A with his stamina, tactical awareness, and ability to transition play from defence to attack. Reijnders is not a headline-grabbing name like Musiala or Bellingham, but Guardiola values his balance between defensive discipline and forward thrust. He is expected to rotate with Rodri and Mateo Kovacic, ensuring City maintain control in high-intensity fixtures. At 26, Reijnders is entering his prime and brings Champions League experience to a squad already stacked with quality. For Milan, the fee represents a significant profit after just one season, while for City, it’s a calculated addition aimed at sustaining their domestic and European dominance.