Grading Chelsea’s Transformative 2025 Summer Transfer Window

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The dust has settled on another frenetic summer transfer window, and Chelsea Football Club, fresh off their Club World Cup triumph, once again made headlines with a blend of audacious spending and record-breaking sales. With Enzo Maresca entering his second season, the mandate is clear: continue the pursuit of silverware and reclaim Premier League glory. This window saw the Blues become the first English side to generate over £300 million ($402.9 million) from player departures, alongside a significant influx of new talent.

Here’s a detailed look at Chelsea’s ambitious dealings, evaluating the hits, surprises, and areas that still need addressing.

Chelsea's 2025 summer transfer window priorities: Upgrade the goalkeeper, hold onto Enzo Fernandez & trim the fat from Enzo Maresca's bloated squad — Image source: Goal.com

Best Signing: João Pedro – An Instant Impact

When João Pedro arrived at Stamford Bridge for £60 million, just weeks after Liam Delap’s £30 million move, opinions were divided. However, the Brazilian forward wasted no time in silencing his doubters. A standout performer in the Club World Cup, Pedro immediately translated that form into the Premier League, bagging two goals and two assists in his first three games.

Whether leading the line as a striker or deputising for the injured Cole Palmer in attacking midfield, Pedro has brought a dynamic versatility and a crucial team-first mentality often missing in recent Chelsea squads. In a market where comparable talents like Benjamin Šeško and Viktor Gyökeres command astronomical fees, securing a Premier League-proven asset like Pedro for £60 million already feels like a shrewd piece of business.

Biggest Surprise: Facundo Buonanotte’s Loan Arrival

Few Chelsea faithful would have predicted Facundo Buonanotte’s arrival this summer. The young Argentine midfielder joined on a straight loan from Brighton & Hove Albion on Deadline Day, a surprising move given the earlier expectations of a pursuit for Xavi Simons. After a temporary spell at Leicester City, Buonanotte now finds himself at the reigning world champions.

Buonanotte cited the allure of Champions League football as a key factor in his decision, only to be omitted from the Blues’ European squad just 48 hours later. This unexpected development leaves supporters eagerly awaiting clarity on the vision for the 20-year-old at Chelsea. It’s a fascinating, if perplexing, addition that will be closely monitored.

Facundo Buonanotte has arrived. 👋 pic.twitter.com/8upPLft6aa

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 1, 2025

Statement Signing: Estêvão – The Future Arrives

Some players possess an undeniable aura, captivating audiences with their sheer potential. Estêvão is undoubtedly one such talent. Chelsea secured a deal for the Brazilian phenom last summer, finally welcoming the 18-year-old to Stamford Bridge this window. He has seamlessly integrated into Enzo Maresca’s squad during pre-season and continued his scintillating form in the Premier League, dispelling any doubts about his physicality or limited experience.

Club officials are reportedly convinced that Estêvão is a generational talent, the player around whom Chelsea’s future will be built. His electrifying pace, mature decision-making, and immediate impact suggest he’s ready to contribute now and for the next decade. While every top club coveted him, Chelsea secured his signature, a coup that has delighted the fanbase.

All completed Chelsea transfers so far in 2025-26 — Image source: Yahoo Sports

Biggest Outgoing: Nicolas Jackson’s Bayern Loan

Despite being Chelsea’s second-highest Premier League goalscorer last season, Nicolas Jackson found himself on the exit ramp, making way for the arrivals of Delap and Pedro. His loan move to Bayern Munich has garnered significant attention, with the German champions agreeing to a loan fee exceeding £14 million – the most expensive single-season loan in history.

The deal includes a conditional obligation for Bayern to make the move permanent for over £56 million, potentially netting Chelsea more than £70 million if the transfer is finalised next summer. This lucrative departure allows the Blues to reinvest in players better suited to Maresca’s long-term vision. Another significant outgoing was Noni Madueke’s £52 million switch to Arsenal, a move that will undoubtedly be scrutinised by fans as they watch a talent depart for a direct rival.

Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea heading for top marks but Man Utd are failing - again! Grading the Big Six's summer transfer windows so far with just a month until the new Premier — Image source: Premier League

Overall Grade: B

This summer window for Chelsea was a mixed bag, marked by both astute acquisitions and some missed opportunities. While the quality of the new arrivals is undeniable, a complete assessment requires acknowledging the deals that didn’t materialise.

The failure to secure AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan over a reported £5 million discrepancy early in the summer remains a point of contention. Furthermore, despite Enzo Maresca’s public pleas for reinforcements, the squad still lacks adequate cover for Cole Palmer and failed to sign a new centre-back following Levi Colwill’s injury. These omissions feel particularly frustrating given how close the club seemed to addressing them, with talents like Maignan and Xavi Simons seemingly within reach.

However, the squad is arguably stronger than last season. The attack feels more potent, and the additions of Dário Essugo and Jorrel Hato provide much-needed cover for Moisés Caicedo and Marc Cucurella. While lingering issues persist, it’s difficult not to feel optimistic about the overall business conducted. Ultimately, the true measure of success will be determined by the results on the pitch.