Liverpool Lead the Way, but Man Utd and Bayern Must Step Up: Transfer Window 2025

Oliver Smith

The 2025 summer transfer window will be remembered as the biggest spending spree in football history. Premier League clubs alone splashed over £3 billion—more than the rest of Europe’s top leagues combined—breaking records and flexing their financial muscle like never before. From British transfer fees being shattered to title challengers loading up with world-class talent, England’s dominance in the market has never been clearer, leaving La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, and Ligue 1 at risk of becoming feeder leagues. Even Real Madrid made headlines by snatching Trent Alexander-Arnold, but Liverpool barely noticed as they delivered one of their most remarkable windows ever.

Liverpool

Liverpool’s 2025 summer transfer window will go down as one of the most remarkable in football history. Operating from a position of financial and sporting strength, the Reds made bold moves that stunned Europe. They smashed their transfer record twice—first by landing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for £100m, then by securing Alexander Isak for an English record £125m. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez also joined as Arne Slot reshaped his squad, while smart sales of Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, and Jarell Quansah balanced the books. Missing out on Marc Guehi was a minor setback, but this window was nothing short of historic.

Arsenal

Arsenal’s summer of 2025 might just be their most ambitious yet. After years of searching, the Gunners finally landed a prolific No.9 in Viktor Gyökeres, fresh off an incredible 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting CP. But they didn’t stop there—Eberechi Eze joins as an exciting attacking option, while Noni Madueke offers long-overdue cover for Bukayo Saka. Midfield has been reinforced with Christian Nørgaard and the game-changing Martin Zubimendi, while defensive depth comes from Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié. Add Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal, and Arteta now boasts arguably England’s strongest squad. With such investment, silverware is no longer optional—it’s expected.

Chelsea

Chelsea’s summer of 2025 was chaotic yet calculated, with the revolving door at Stamford Bridge spinning at full speed once again. The Blues splashed over £300m on fresh talent but recouped nearly the same through sales, proving their prowess in the market. Joao Pedro looks an inspired signing after a strong Club World Cup showing, while fellow Brazilian Estevão has already become a fan favorite. Defensive versatility comes with Jorrel Hato, and in attack, Chelsea added Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho to upgrade their wide options. Offloading Nicolas Jackson, João Félix, and Noni Madueke was equally crucial. It’s bold, it’s risky—but it’s Chelsea.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s 2025 summer window was more intriguing than spectacular, marked by major structural changes rather than Galáctico arrivals. The headline signing was actually on the bench, with Xabi Alonso replacing Carlo Ancelotti and bringing fresh ideas to the Bernabéu. On the pitch, the club strengthened defensively, landing Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras, and highly rated youngster Franco Mastantuono. Trent’s early arrival for €10m to feature in the Club World Cup highlighted Madrid’s intent, while Mastantuono already looks a star in the making. However, with Luka Modrić gone and midfield depth still in question, Alonso’s biggest challenge may lie in the center of the park.

Manchester City

Manchester City’s 2025 summer window was all about fixing mistakes and tightening the squad. Pep Guardiola moved quickly, bringing in Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Aït-Nouri to strengthen key areas after a lackluster winter spree. The biggest change came in goal, with Ederson leaving and Gianluigi Donnarumma arriving as City’s new No.1, alongside the returning James Trafford. While sales of Jack Grealish, James McAtee, and others helped balance the books, questions linger. Did City really need Donnarumma, and why didn’t they sign a proper right-back? After an unconvincing start to the season, this window leaves more questions than answers for Pep.

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham’s 2025 summer started with frustration, missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White and seeing Eberechi Eze snatched by Arsenal. But Thomas Frank’s side finished strongly, landing Xavi Simons, Randal Kolo Muani, and the impressive Mohammed Kudus to inject creativity and firepower. The standout addition, however, might be Joao Palhinha, a proven midfield enforcer on loan from Bayern Munich. Losing Son Heung-min was significant, but trimming the squad and adding European experience in key areas gives Spurs renewed hope. Defensive depth remains a concern, yet with Frank’s ability to maximize talent, fans can be optimistic that Spurs will challenge strongly this season.

Manchester United

Manchester United’s summer transfer window brought some progress but also plenty of questions. Outgoings dominated early on, with Alejandro Garnacho joining Chelsea, Antony moving to Real Betis, and Rasmus Højlund loaned to Napoli in a deal that could become permanent. United reinvested in attack, bringing in Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Šeško to solve their goal-scoring woes, though they’ve managed just one league goal between them so far. Worryingly, midfield issues remain unaddressed, and reliance on untested goalkeeper Senne Lammens feels risky. While the squad looks refreshed up front, fans may need patience—this rebuild is far from complete.

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich’s 2025 summer transfer window was chaotic and underwhelming by their own high standards. After missing out on top targets like Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade, the club scrambled late in the market, signing Luis Díaz for €70m and taking Nicolas Jackson on loan for €16.5m—a deal that looks like a gamble. Jonathan Tah and Tom Bischof were smart additions, but the departures of Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sané, Thomas Müller, and others have left the squad worryingly thin. While Kompany’s starting XI remains strong, Bayern’s lack of depth and boardroom uncertainty raise big questions about their ability to compete on all fronts.