Sophia
The 2025 summer transfer window closed with a thunderous roar, as
Premier League
clubs once again asserted their financial dominance, collectively spending
a staggering £3 billion ($4 billion) on new talent. This unprecedented
outlay dwarfed the spending of other European leagues, highlighting the
English top-flight’s unparalleled economic might.
While the rest of Europe watched enviously, Premier League teams engaged
in a spending spree that saw some of the continent’s brightest stars move
to England. The Bundesliga, in particular, felt the pinch, losing several
key players to the allure of the Premier League. History often shows that
the biggest fees don’t always guarantee success, and many shrewd,
under-the-radar deals will undoubtedly prove to be masterstrokes. However,
the ten most expensive transfers of this window will undoubtedly be under
the most intense scrutiny as the 2025-26 season unfolds.
Sports Illustrated
The Top 10 Most Expensive Transfers of Summer 2025
10. Matheus Cunha – Wolves to Manchester United
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- Base fee: £62.5 million
- Total fee: £62.5 million
Matheus Cunha was Manchester United’s first major acquisition, arriving as
part of a concerted effort to revitalize their attack. Alongside Bryan
Mbeumo, Cunha was brought in to provide the cutting edge United sorely
lacked. The Brazilian’s maverick style and flair have already endeared
him to the Old Trafford faithful, drawing comparisons to past United
greats. Despite early setbacks, including a penalty shootout miss and an
injury scare, Cunha has shown flashes of brilliance, proving himself a
player fans can truly rally behind.
9. Victor Osimhen – Napoli to Galatasaray
- Base fee: £64.8 million
- Total fee: £64.8 million
In a move that surprised few, former Capocannoniere winner Victor Osimhen
made his loan spell at Galatasaray permanent. The Nigerian international
was instrumental in guiding Galatasaray to the Turkish Süper Lig title
last season, dominating the league with his prolific goal-scoring. Now,
with Galatasaray back in the Champions League, the focus shifts to whether
Osimhen can translate his domestic supremacy to European competition. His
ability to inspire Gala into the knockout stages will be the true measure
of his hefty price tag.
8. Luis Díaz – Liverpool to Bayern Munich
- Base fee: £60 million
- Potential add-ons: £5.5 million
- Total fee: £65.5 million
Bayern Munich, undeterred by the mixed fortunes of their previous raid on
Liverpool for Sadio Mané, secured Luis Díaz as their marquee summer
signing. The relentless Colombian winger is expected to thrive in the
Bundesliga, with his energetic style and direct play perfectly suited to
German football. With the likes of Michael Olise and Harry Kane drawing
defensive attention, Díaz’s supporting cast is formidable. This move
represents fair market value for a player who has consistently performed
on Merseyside and is poised for a fruitful career in Bavaria.
7. Eberechi Eze – Crystal Palace to Arsenal
- Base fee: £60 million
- Potential add-ons: £7.5 million
- Total fee: £67.5 million
For Arsenal fans, Eberechi Eze’s return to the club that released him
nearly 15 years ago felt like the “final piece of the puzzle” for Mikel
Arteta’s title aspirations. While a striker like Viktor Gyökeres was
initially touted as the missing link, Eze’s proven Premier League quality
and creative prowess offer a new dimension to the Gunners’ attack. His
emotional connection to the club adds another layer of intrigue. Despite
potential deployment on the left flank, away from his preferred central
role, Eze’s arrival is a significant coup that could propel Arsenal to the
next level.
6. Bryan Mbeumo – Brentford to Manchester United
- Base fee: £65 million
- Potential add-ons: £6 million
- Total fee: £71 million
After weeks of protracted negotiations, Manchester United finally landed
Bryan Mbeumo, a forward who enjoyed a career-best season in West London.
The Cameroonian international is a highly efficient attacker, often
compared to Mohamed Salah for his ability to produce goals from seemingly
nothing. His exceptional transitional play and pinpoint finishing make him
an ideal fit for Ruben Amorim’s tactical system. While the fee, which
could exceed £70 million with add-ons, is substantial, Mbeumo is expected
to have a discernible impact at Old Trafford.
5. Nick Woltemade – VfB Stuttgart to Newcastle
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- Base fee: £64.6 million
- Potential add-ons: £4.4 million
- Total fee: £69 million
Newcastle’s ambitious move for Nick Woltemade raised eyebrows, given the
German striker’s relatively recent breakout. Despite his towering 6’6″
frame, Woltemade possesses surprising agility and technical skill, defying
the stereotype of a dominant physical forward. His standout performances
for Stuttgart and Germany’s U21s caught the attention of Europe’s elite.
Newcastle’s stealthy acquisition, after overcoming multiple rejections,
sees Woltemade arrive with grand expectations to fill a significant void.
His facilitating play style should integrate well into Eddie Howe’s system.
4. Benjamin Šeško – RB Leipzig to Manchester United
- Base fee: £66.2 million
- Potential add-ons: £7.3 million
- Total fee: £73.5 million
Manchester United’s commitment to rejuvenating their frontline continued
with the signing of Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig. The 22-year-old
striker boasts fearsome ball-striking ability and impressive athletic
traits. However, his Bundesliga performances suggest a talent still far
from its finished article. While United has invested heavily in a
potentially excellent striker, questions remain about their failure to
bolster the midfield, a crucial area for Ruben Amorim’s tactical framework.
3. Hugo Ekitiké – Eintracht Frankfurt to Liverpool
- Base fee: £69 million
- Potential add-ons: £10 million
- Total fee: £79 million
Few players have made an immediate impact quite like Hugo Ekitiké at
Liverpool. Scoring in his first two Premier League games, the Frenchman
has quickly showcased his slick, fluid operating style. Ekitiké is a
versatile forward, equally adept at combining with teammates, running the
channels, and darting in behind defenses. His individual signing is among
the best of the summer, and his integration with Liverpool’s other new
superstar talents will be fascinating to watch.
2. Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool
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- Base fee: £100 million
- Potential add-ons: £16.5 million
- Total fee: £116.5 million
Florian Wirtz’s arrival at Anfield marked the first of Liverpool’s
record-breaking summer acquisitions. The German playmaker has been a star
in the Bundesliga for years, fully justifying his hefty price tag. While
he’s had a mixed start, struggling in his initial outings, Wirtz
impressed in the crucial early title showdown against Arsenal. His ability
to function effectively from the left half-space, a tweak made by Arne
Slot, promises great things. With his immense talent, Wirtz is destined
for major success on Merseyside.
1. Alexander Isak – Newcastle to Liverpool
- Base fee: £125 million
- Total fee: £125 million
The saga of the summer culminated on Deadline Day with Alexander Isak’s
£125 million move to Liverpool, making him the third-most expensive
footballer ever. While the price tag is staggering, one cannot truly put a
value on elite Premier League goalscorers. Isak was the division’s
second-leading scorer last season and, for many, was among the best
strikers in Europe. The Swede is a devastating finisher, boasting balletic
footwork and supreme agility – the quintessential modern center-forward.
Liverpool has not just signed a prolific scorer but an evolving creator
who will thrive amidst the talent surrounding him at Anfield. As Arne Slot
aims for the jugular in 2025-26, balancing this superstar power will be
key to their continued improvement.
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Published 0 Minutes Ago by James Cormack
James Cormack is a Sports Illustrated Soccer freelance writer with an
avid interest in tactical and player analysis. As well as supporting
Spurs religiously, he follows Italian and German football, taking
particular interest in the work of Antonio Conte & Julian Nagelsmann.
