Summer Transfer Window 2025: Grading the Biggest Men’s Football Signings So Far

Kudus to Tottenham: A Bold Gamble

Mohammed Kudus’ £55m move to Spurs feels like a true high-risk, high-reward signing. His ball-carrying ability is close to unmatched, but the Ghanian’s end product has left much to be desired. West Ham fans had hoped for a breakout, but five goals and three assists tell a story of flashes rather than fire.

Spurs are clearly betting on Thomas Frank to iron out the chaos in Kudus’ game and polish a gem that’s been rough for too long. At this price, though, the margin for error is razor-thin. The potential is there—but so is the pressure.

Grade: Tottenham: B | West Ham: A-

Arsenal’s Quiet Coup: Christian Nørgaard

At just £10m—rising to £15m with add-ons—Arsenal’s signing of Christian Nørgaard might be one of the smartest pieces of business all summer. He brings positional awareness, leadership, and Premier League pedigree at a time when Arsenal are preparing for life after Partey and Jorginho.

Brentford, on the other hand, lose their midfield engine, captain, and most effective defensive presence in one swoop. The Bees will feel this loss acutely.

Grade: Arsenal: A- | Brentford: D

Zubimendi Makes the Leap

Martin Zubimendi’s departure from Real Sociedad was a long time coming. His €60m move to Arsenal ends an era in San Sebastián and offers La Real valuable funds to rebuild. Zubimendi is a tempo-setter with a gift for making teammates look better. A natural fit for Arteta’s positional game.

The only question is whether Arsenal should have addressed more pressing areas with such a large investment.

Grade: Real Sociedad: A | Arsenal: B

Jamie Gittens: Another Chelsea Wildcard

Chelsea have added another young attacker with vast potential in Jamie Gittens, splashing £55m for a player who dazzled in spurts at Dortmund before fading post-Christmas. Gittens is sharp, agile, and improving—but far from the finished article.

It’s a classic Chelsea play: buy young, hope for upside, and risk stunting growth through overcompetition. For Dortmund, this is great business after a season of mixed output.

Grade: Chelsea: C+ | Dortmund: A

Juventus Win Big With Jonathan David

Juventus landed one of the best value deals of the summer by signing Jonathan David on a free. After consistently hitting double-digit goals in Ligue 1, the Canadian now heads to Serie A with a modest wage and high upside.

For Lille, it’s a brutal end to a long courtship with top clubs. Holding on too long meant losing their top scorer for nothing.

Grade: Juventus: A- | Lille: D

João Pedro Boosts Chelsea’s Depth

João Pedro’s arrival adds intelligence and flexibility to Chelsea’s frontline. His £55m move from Brighton brings playmaking flair and a work rate often underappreciated in centre-forwards. Think Firmino more than a pure nine.

There are tactical questions about where Pedro fits, especially with Cole Palmer in the mix. But Brighton got paid well, and Chelsea now have options galore.

Grade: Chelsea: B- | Brighton: B+

Baena to Atleti: Style Meets Substance?

Atlético Madrid may have secured LaLiga’s most productive creator in Álex Baena for €45m, but stylistically, this feels like an odd marriage. Simeone has rarely gotten the best out of technically gifted creators, and Baena’s game hinges on space and improvisation—neither of which thrive in Atleti’s system.

Still, his numbers speak loudly, and Villarreal cash in on a rising star at the right time.

Grade: Atlético Madrid: B- | Villarreal: B+

Liverpool Let Quansah Go—but for Good Money

Jarell Quansah’s £30m exit to Bayer Leverkusen marks the continuation of a now-familiar path for English talent heading to the Bundesliga. With Tah gone to Bayern, Leverkusen needed someone who could grow into a top-tier center-back. Quansah is raw but promising.

Liverpool didn’t get a ton of use out of him last season, and if his minutes were going to remain limited, then selling now makes sense financially.

Grade: Bayer Leverkusen: B | Liverpool: B

Frimpong Replaces Trent?

Liverpool’s €35m capture of Jeremie Frimpong is one of the savvier moves of this window. He won’t mirror Alexander-Arnold’s style, but that’s the point. The Dutchman brings energy and width, more winger than full-back, and fits the profile of a modern, aggressive right-sided option.

Bayer Leverkusen will feel short-changed, having lost a starter in his prime for less than market value.

Grade: Liverpool: A- | Leverkusen: C

Joan García Adds Depth to Barça’s Future

Barcelona continue their strategy of stacking talent for the long term with the €25m signing of Joan García from Espanyol. He’s LaLiga’s most statistically effective keeper from last season and will shadow ter Stegen before eventually replacing him.

Losing him to their biggest rivals makes it an even tougher pill to swallow for Espanyol.

Grade: Barcelona: A | Espanyol: C-

Arsenal’s signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga for just £5m is a steal. They needed a solid No. 2 with top-flight experience, and the Spaniard fits the bill perfectly. Chelsea, meanwhile, finally close the book on one of the most expensive goalkeeping misadventures in football history.

Grade: Arsenal: A | Chelsea: C

Kevin De Bruyne Joins Napoli

De Bruyne’s Manchester City exit on a free may have caught fans off-guard, but it’s a shrewd bit of business by Napoli. At 33, De Bruyne still has quality to spare, and under Antonio Conte, he could thrive in a slightly deeper creative role.

City will miss him—but moving on without a transfer fee softens the blow.

Grade: Napoli: B+ | Manchester City: C-

While record-breaking fees haven’t hit January 2023 levels, the transfer activity this summer reflects an evolving market. More calculated risks, more emphasis on age profiles, and a willingness to cash in while stock is high. We’ve seen smart strategy from Arsenal, opportunism from Liverpool, and classic Chelsea chaos. And with the window far from over, there’s plenty more to come.

If the trend continues, 2025 might not bring record spend, but it could well bring record value.