The vibrant 2025 summer transfer window has concluded, marked by thousands of transactions and an expenditure exceeding $8 billion. As the dust settles on business across Europe`s top five leagues, the focus now shifts from deal-making to evaluating team strategies. Attacking talent was a clear priority for major clubs, with Liverpool leading the spending at $565 million, much of it dedicated to goalscorers like deadline day sensation Alexander Isak. While it`s premature to offer definitive verdicts, some transfers already stand out as either astute moves or questionable decisions. Here are the standout superlatives from a memorable summer of football transfers.
Best Signing: Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool
This category was a close call between Hugo Ekitike and fellow Liverpool acquisition Florian Wirtz, both commanding over $100 million in transfer fees and appearing to justify every penny. While Wirtz is poised to be a future superstar, Ekitike, at 23, has shown immediate impact. With two goals and one assist in just three Premier League matches, he`s quickly proven Liverpool`s scouting acumen, building on his strong season at Eintracht Frankfurt.
Best Deadline Day Signing: Alexander Isak, Liverpool
A Liverpool squad boasting Ekitike, Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, and Isak might challenge tactical balance, but its sheer entertainment potential is undeniable. Isak`s inherent quality makes him a worthy record signing for the Premier League. The true intrigue, however, lies in how manager Arne Slot will integrate these formidable talents, presenting a fascinating challenge regardless of the outcome.
Worst Signing: Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United
Though harsh, this title must go to someone, and Benjamin Sesko unfortunately claims the dishonor of being the ultimate “failure to launch.” This summer saw many promising forwards move to England, but Sesko, a 22-year-old still developing, faces the stifling pressure of being Manchester United`s number nine. Manager Ruben Amorim`s reluctance to feature him early this season – even placing him 10th in a shootout against Grimsby Town – raises significant questions about the suitability and value of this high-risk transfer.
Best Value: Xavi Simons, Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur experienced a peculiar transfer window, missing out on some targets but ultimately bolstering their attack significantly. The standout, however, is Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig, secured for $70 million. He perfectly fills the void left by James Maddison`s ACL injury, offering a younger, more affordable alternative than others considered. Simons alone elevates Spurs` transfer window from average to genuinely promising, representing exceptional value for a team striving to close the gap on England`s elite.
Best USMNT Transfer: Malik Tillman, Bayer Leverkusen
US men`s national team players were active, but Malik Tillman`s summer stood out. His impressive Concacaf Gold Cup performances position him as a strong contender for a starting role at the 2026 World Cup. His move to Bayer Leverkusen will test this potential, as he`s expected to fill the gap left by Wirtz. Operating within a Leverkusen squad that has evolved since its double-winning season, Tillman will likely face more manageable pressure, allowing him to thrive after his PSV move.
Redeemed on Deadline Day: Aston Villa
Just 24 hours prior to the deadline, Aston Villa seemed destined for the “worst transfer window” award, failing to reinforce their squad, likely due to financial fair play constraints. Their start to the season with zero points and zero goals further highlighted this. However, a flurry of deadline day activity — acquiring Victor Lindelof and Jadon Sancho from Manchester United, Harvey Elliott from Liverpool, and crucially retaining goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez — narrowly averted disaster. While questions about the overall quality of their window persist, these late deals provided much-needed relief.
Most Needed Transfer: Jack Grealish, Everton
After being sidelined by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Jack Grealish desperately needed a fresh start to revive his career. An ambitious Everton team proved to be the ideal fit. The Toffees started the season strongly, and Grealish immediately contributed, racking up four assists in just two Premier League starts, emphatically proving his enduring quality.
Still Stranded on a Deserted Island: Raheem Sterling, Chelsea
While Grealish found his escape, Raheem Sterling was less fortunate. Chelsea failed to facilitate a move for the attacker before the deadline, meaning he`s unlikely to play a significant role for the Blues this season. Sterling`s star has waned considerably in recent years, and securing meaningful playing time will likely require him to seek opportunities outside Europe`s top five leagues.
Most Dramatic Saga: Alexander Isak, Liverpool
Alexander Isak`s journey to Liverpool was a captivating saga long before he donned the red jersey. Training alone, missing Newcastle United`s preseason tour, posting Instagram statements about “broken promises,” and reportedly listing his home for rent—these antics made his transfer one of the summer`s most dramatic. Ultimately, all parties seem to have achieved their desired outcomes, with Isak enjoying the added bonus of not having to reclaim his rented home!
