European Transfer Market Analysis 2025: Winners and Losers
The summer transfer market of 2025 in the main European leagues has come to an end. Clubs will no longer be able to make any more moves until the month of January. This closure comes after a period of record spending, especially in the Premier League.
After two transfer windows this summer, the second of which ended on Monday, clubs and their fans can now analyze the results. Some teams met their objectives, while others will regret missed opportunities. Below, we break down the winners and losers of this market.
Market Winners
Liverpool: The Reds led the market with a significant investment. Although only time will tell if this transfer window will be remembered as the best in history, the arrival of new players has been notable.
The club broke the British transfer record twice, with the signings of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
In addition, they added Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Giovanni Leoni.
These acquisitions complement a champion team that secured the renewal of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk with new contracts.Description: Laurens analyzes Liverpool’s performance, highlighting that, despite the victories, they still haven’t reached their best level.
Liverpool also efficiently managed player departures, obtaining more than £200 million for the sales of Luis Díaz, Jarell Quansah, Darwin Núñez, among others.
A setback was the failed transfer of Marc Guéhi, but overall, the work done is remarkable.Arsenal: The Gunners reinforced their squad with eight players to compete for the title.
They brought in Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke to strengthen the attack.
They added Martín Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard to the midfield.
They reinforced the defense with Cristian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié.
Kepa Arrizabalaga arrived to back up David Raya in goal.
This in-depth template allows them to effectively cover injuries and absences. Furthermore, they managed to sign Zubimendi and Eze, surpassing the competition from other clubs.Description: Nicol criticizes Arsenal’s approach in their 1-0 defeat against Liverpool.Real Madrid: After a disappointing season, Real Madrid acted with speed and determination.
Xabi Alonso was appointed as coach.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras, and Franco Mastantuono arrived.
With few departures, Real Madrid focuses on dethroning Barcelona.
Neutrals
Manchester United: The club made some promising signings, such as Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens, focusing on young talent.
They also got rid of several unwanted players.Description: Discussion on whether less pressure at Napoli will help Højlund succeed.Manchester City: They made interesting signings, such as Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Aït-Nouri. However, they also made moves that raise doubts. The departure of key players seems to be a consequence of having an extensive squad.Description: Analysis on the possible arrival of Donnarumma to Manchester City.
Market Losers
Newcastle United: The Alexander Isak saga marked the club’s summer. The need to find replacements for Isak and Callum Wilson complicated their transfer market. Although they managed to sign Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, Isak’s departure left them in a worse position.Bayer Leverkusen: Despite generating significant revenue, the club lost key talent and experience. The departure of important players, including their coach, negatively impacted the team.Description: Debate on whether Leverkusen made the right decision by firing Erik ten Hag.Bayern Munich: The club struggled to close deals, which raised doubts and forced last-minute signings, such as Luis Díaz and Nicolas Jackson, with large investments.Aston Villa: Despite the signings of Lindelöf, Sancho, and Elliott, the summer was frustrating due to financial restrictions and the need to reduce the wage bill. Emiliano Martínez’s situation also generated uncertainty.
