Transfer Window 2025: Liverpool and Arsenal Shine, Others Struggle

The summer transfer window of 2025 has concluded for European football clubs, ushering in a period of reflection for teams and fans alike. The transfer period, which included an additional registration window from June 1 to June 10 due to the Club World Cup, officially closed at 19:00 BST on September 1. The Premier League shattered its previous spending records, highlighting the fierce competition among top clubs.

For many teams, the results of their summer dealings will determine their prospects for the upcoming season. While some clubs emerged as clear winners, others will be left reconsidering missed opportunities. Here is a breakdown of the transfer window’s winners and losers.

Winners of the Transfer Window

Liverpool took center stage as the most prominent spenders of the summer. They broke the British transfer record twice, first acquiring Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for £100 million plus an additional £16 million in add-ons, and later securing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for £130 million. In addition to these headline signings, Liverpool added Hugo Ekitike for £69 million, Milos Kerkez for £40 million, and Giovani Leoni for £26 million. This influx of talent complements a squad that recently retained key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk with new contracts.

Despite a shaky start to the season, Liverpool’s ability to generate over £200 million from player sales, including Darwin Núñez, showcases their adept management. A potential setback occurred with the failed transfer of Marc Guéhi, whose move from Crystal Palace collapsed due to the club’s inability to secure a replacement. Still, Liverpool’s aggressive strategy has positioned them as strong contenders.

Arsenal also made significant strides by adding eight first-team players to enhance their squad depth for another title challenge. The Gunners strengthened their attack with Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke, while Martín Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard fortified the midfield. The defensive line saw the arrival of Cristian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié, complemented by goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga joining David Raya.

Two of these signings, Zubimendi and Eze, were particularly notable as they were secured from rival clubs, adding a competitive edge to Arsenal’s strategy. This depth has already proven valuable, with players stepping up during injuries to key starters.

Real Madrid also made headlines with their decisive moves this summer. Following a disappointing 2024-25 season, the club appointed Xabi Alonso as manager and made several key signings, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Franco Mastantuono. Only a few aging players left the club, allowing them to maintain a strong roster as they aim for success in the upcoming season.

Neutral Ground: Manchester United and Manchester City

Manchester United experienced a mixed transfer window, with notable signings like Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens, showcasing a return to their strategy of acquiring young talent. However, the club faced criticism for overpaying on transfers for Matheus Cunha at £62.5 million and Bryan Mbeumo at £65 million, along with failing to secure a new central midfielder. Despite the setbacks, United cleared out several unwanted players, which may aid their long-term rebuilding efforts.

Manchester City also found themselves in a neutral position this transfer window. While they successfully acquired Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Aït-Nouri, questions arose over the signings of Rayan Cherki and Gianluigi Donnarumma, who may not fit into Pep Guardiola‘s tactical framework. City’s strategy appears to have made the squad younger and more energetic, but whether they have improved overall remains to be seen.

Losers of the Transfer Window

Newcastle United faced significant challenges this summer, primarily due to the ongoing saga surrounding Alexander Isak, who expressed a strong desire to leave the club. This situation hindered their ability to secure replacements, leading to a disappointing transfer window. Despite bringing in Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, the loss of Isak for £130 million is a blow, leaving them in a weaker position than last season.

Bayer Leverkusen’s summer was marked by a significant talent drain, losing key players such as Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and others who were instrumental in their Bundesliga title win. Although they made some promising additions, the overall loss of experience and quality has set them back in their competitive ambitions.

Bayern Munich struggled to finalize deals, resulting in a summer of frustration. Their high-profile signings, including Jonathan Tah, were overshadowed by missed opportunities for other targets like Nico Williams and Marcus Rashford. The club’s failure to secure adequate attacking options, combined with the departure of influential players, has left them in a precarious position.

Aston Villa also faced a challenging transfer window, operating under strict cost-cutting measures due to UEFA sanctions. While they managed to bring in some new players, the uncertainty surrounding their squad and the loss of key assets hindered their ability to improve. The potential departure of Emiliano Martínez fell through, leaving the club in a difficult situation.

As the dust settles from the 2025 transfer window, clubs will now focus on integrating their new signings and addressing the challenges ahead. The outcomes of these decisions will unfold throughout the season, shaping the landscape of European football.