The Summer Transfer Window Report Card 2025: Rating the summer business of Top European clubs

The Summer Transfer Window 2025 is finally over. The deal sheets were flying, phones were ringing non-stop, millions were changing hands, and players were flying non-stop. Well, it is finally over, and we can take a deep breath. The Summer signings would all be under massive scrutiny over the next six months. We grade the Summer Transfer Window Report Card of your favourite teams as we analyse their transfer window signings.

Which teams had the best business? Which players benefited from the moves? What are the holes in each squad, and how were they addressed?

SportsDunia takes a close look at all these questions and answers and carefully grades each team in the Summer Transfer Window Report Card. So sit back and relax as we take you through the summer signings of Europe's elite teams.

Barcelona

Barcelona were the team to beat in Europe last season. Their brand of attacking football blew teams apart in the league and cups. It was their defence that was torn apart by injuries that prevented them from going all the way in Europe. Hansi Flick's debut season gave them all the more reason to sort these issues and attack the treble again.

However, their issues in the transfer window are well-documented and need no special introduction. Years of mismanagement meant the club had to consider every signing and plan their registration carefully. Despite needing reinforcements in the backline, they only managed to afford a goalkeeper. Joan Garcia, a well-respected youngster from Catalan rivals Espanyol, arrived for €25 million as their only senior permanent signing. He took the number 1 mantle from Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who is clearly past his best. They signed Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford on a loan to boost the attack, and teenager Roony Bardghji arrived to cover Lamine Yamal. They parted ways with Pau Victor, Alex Valle, Pablo Torre, Clement Lenglet and Inigo Martinez permanently. Ansy Fati left on another loan move after failing to impress Flick, along, with Ander Astralaga.

This leaves Flick to deal with a small squad and pray for an injury-free season to defend their league title and aim for their sixth Champions League title.

SportsDunia's Summer Transfer Window Report Card Grade: B

Real Madrid

Real Madrid have a knack for pulling free transfers that make the entire world jealous. They pulled off one more signing the same way, except it wasnt exactly free. Trent Alexander-Arnold would join them on a free, but their desperation for a right-back before the Club World Cup made them pay €10 million to Liverpool. They also spent big to shore up their defence that was sliced apart for fun in the previous season. Dean Huijsen, the 20-year-old star centre-back from Bournemouth, was signed for €62 million. Alvaro Carreras from Benfica locked down that left-back spot for €50 million.

They made another attacking signing that could reap them huge rewards going forward. They beat massive competition to the signing of Franco Mastantuono for €45 million. The 18-year-old is an excellent free-flowing attacker who could develop into a world-class attacker. However, they are short of pure number 9s who could make a difference in tight games. It places massive pressure on the young shoulders of the young Gonzalo Garcia.

Xabi Alonso also arrived this summer, and we cannot overlook him. The manager holds the keys to stop a dominant Barcelona side from going back-to-back in the league. He has to deal with losing club and league legend, the Ballon d'Or-winning Luka Modric, on a free move.

SportsDunia's Summer Transfer Window Report Card Grade: A

Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone operating on a shoestring budget is a thing of the past. The Argentine manager is being well-backed by the board. After a massive transfer window in 2024, he got another similar one. The board won't accept reasons if the manager fails to deliver this time, as hard questions will be asked.

The highly rated Alex Baena signed from Villarreal for €42 million to add X factor to their attacks. David Hancko, Matteo Ruggeri, and Marc Pubill give a new look to the defence.

Johnny Cardoso, Thiago Almada slot straight into the lineup as Giacomo Raspadori adds depth at the striker role. They let Samuel Lino and Arthur Vermeeren go on permanent deals along with Reinildo, Angel Correa, Rodrigo De Paul, Axel Witsel, Cesar Azpilicueta and Saul Niguez on free transfers.

It is a matter of how flexible the manager is now after spending €176 million in the market. Hansi Flick's Barcelona have shown that it is their attack that stands out in La Liga and wins the crown. Simeone should go down the same route and maximise his side's threat to have a chance of winning the league.

SportsDunia's Summer Transfer Window Report Card Grade: A

Liverpool

Arne Slot had one of the toughest jobs on the planet as he replaced Jurgen Klopp. He spent only €10 million in his first two windows by signing only Federico Chiesa. He responded brilliantly by winning the league and shocked many, including the Reds' faithful. As a reward, he was handed the biggest transfer war chest Liverpool have ever produced. The Reds spent €482 million, breaking the Premier League transfer record multiple times and made a mockery of the "Reds have got no money" chant.

It was not all reckless spending, too, as they made signings that stand out on their own. The tragic passing of Diogo Jota forced their hand to some extent as well.

The long pursuit of Alexander Isak (€145 million), after a thrilling saga, gave them a classic Liverpool number 9 who could become a club legend. They signed the German superstar Florian Wirtz for a German transfer fee record (€125 million) to offset the creativity lost when Trent Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid this summer. They even got Hugo Ekitike, who made a wonderful start to life in Merseyside for €95 million.

The Reds replaced both their fullbacks as Milos Kerkez (€46 million) and Jeremie Frimpong (€40 million) locked down those roles. They signed Giovanni Leoni, a highly promising Italian centre-back, as a prospect for the future for €31 million. The Reds were minutes away from signing Marc Guehi to add more depth in the backline, but the Crystal Palace captain's sale wasn't sanctioned. It leaves Liverpool short at centre-back and defensive midfield positions.

On the outgoing front, Liverpool sold league winners Luis Diaz(€70 millon) and Darwin Nunez (€53 million) for huge amounts. They cashed out on Jarell Quansah, Ben Doak, Tyler Morton and Caoimhin Kelleher, who all left for better gametime. Harvey Elliott, Kostas Tsimikas, and Vitezslav Jaros were also shipped on loan deals. The Reds recouped €220 million of the €482 million they spent on transfer window signings.

This means as many as five summer signings start in the league for Slot's side. The amount spent meant he would be under immediate pressure to deliver titles without any time for bedding in the new players. Slot had defied the odds once; can he live up to the expectations again?

SportsDunia's Summer Transfer Window Report Card Grade: A+

Arsenal

What is the X-factor you need to convert a hat-trick of runner-up finishes to a first-place finish? Mikel Arteta realised it was a star striker and went all-in for the Swedish maverick Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP for €65 million. He added more weapons to his armoury in Star Winger Eberechi Eze(€69 million) and defensive lynchpin Martin Zubimendi(€70 million). The Gunners were incredibly clever in the market as they needed to bridge the gap between the starting XI and the bench. They turned to the Premier League players in Noni Madueke(€56 million), Christian Norgaard (€11 million) and Kepa Arrizabalaga (€6 million). More defensive reinforcements arrived in the form of Cristhian Mosquera of Valencia (€15 million) and Piero Hincapie of Bayer Leverkusen (a loan deal becoming permanent in 2026).

They didn't have many sales to make as Nuno Tavares was the only option that fetched them a half-decent fee of €5 million. They lost Thomas Partey, Kiernan Tierney and Jorginho on free transfers. Jakub Kiwior, Fabio Vieira, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Reiss Nelson all found new homes on loan moves.

The squad is brimming with talent and quality, meaning Arteta has a real shot at winning the Premier League. He can name attacking lineups more often, substitute his players without a massive drop in quality and rotate his squad ably to manage workload and go all the way. If this squad falls short of silverware, massive questions need to be asked in North London.

SportsDunia's Summer Transfer Window Report Card Grade: A+

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola went trophyless just for the second time in his career, and both of them have come at Manchester City. You'd expect a massive raid on the transfer window, but the Summer signings did have a knock-on effect from the winter transfer window signings they made. City only spent on positions that they needed absolutely. Replacing the potential PL Hall of Famer, Kevin De Bruyne, wasn't an easy task, and City signed Rayan Cherki from Lyon for a cut-price deal after being rejected by Florian Wirtz.

They got Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait-Nouri as starters in midfield and left-back, respectively. Pep was done with Ederson and needed a new option in goal. They used the buy-back clause on James Trafford of Burnley just as he was about to sign for Newcastle United. His shaky start to the season meant they dipped into the market again to sign the Italian superstar Gianluigi Donnarumma. They still need a right-back following Kyle Walker's permanent move to Burnley. The Cityzens are also short in attack as Erling Haaland doesn't have an able backup if Omar Marmoush does that left-wing spot.

Usually known as good sellers, City didn't live up to the expectations this window. They got decent deals for James McAtte (Nottingham for €25 million) and Yan Couto (Dortmund for €20 million). They lost Ederson for a nominal fee and icons Kyle Walker and De Bruyne left on free deals, along with Ilkay Gundogan. Manuel Akanji and Jack Grealish, who were deemed surplus, joined Inter Milan and Everton on loan, respectively, as City failed to find permanent suitors for them. Pep now has to integrate his winter panic buys and summer signings to make a meaningful squad and compete for trophies, which looks unlikely now.

SportsDunia's Summer Transfer Window Report Card Grade: B

Chelsea

It won't be easy to keep track of Chelsea's summer signings, usually. The club is always in talks with new players and is a master of selling the players they don't want for excellent prices. That said, they have been impressive in the market this time by making meaningful signings which improve the squad and make them compete for titles in all competitions.

Enzo Maresca needed a new number nine and he got two instead as the board was generous to him. Joao Pedro (€64) of Brighton and the highly impressive Liam Delap (€36) of Ipswich signed for the Londoners for a combined €100 million. This meant Nicholas Jackson had no place in the squad and left for Bayern Munich after a lot of drama over a loan deal. Chelsea then focused on signing attacking depth as Jamie Gittens and long-term target Alejandro Garnacho arrived for another combined €100 million. Jorreal Hato, the rising star of Ajax, will play a key role in multiple roles across the defence. They wanted Xavi Simons to be the Cole Palmer backup, but had to make do with a loan move for Facundo Buonanotte of Brighton, as Barcelona's Fermin Lopez was also given a look at.

Their promised stars from the previous window, like Estevao, Kendry Paez and Mamadou Sarr, along with Dario Essugo, all arrived to make a bloated squad again. The professionals in the boardroom stepped in to solve the problem as they sold Noni Madueke, Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix, Djordje Petrovic, Lesley Ugochukwu, Kiernan Dewsbury Hall, Renato Veiga, Armando Broja and Carney Chukwuemeka for a whopping €255 million.

It doesn't matter if you love or hate Chelsea's attack-the-transfer-window policy, you can always admire the way they conduct business by signing players and selling them efficiently. They have also done a great job of giving Maresca an able squad to win some silverware.

SportsDunia's Summer Transfer Window Report Card Grade: A+

Manchester United

Manchester United were penny-pinching before the window began by cost-cutting and laying off jobs. It all amounted to a massive splash in the market for an entirely new forward line. On the back of a disastrous season, Ruben Amorim got his first transfer window and decided to buy an entirely new attack. His first two signings were the tried and tested Premier League players Bryan Mbeumo (€75 million) and Matheus Cunha (€74 million). After a long and hard search for a striker, they ended up getting RB Leipzig's star gunman Benjamin Sesko for €76 million.

This splash on attack left them short in the middle of the park as they pursued Brighton's Carlos Baleba, who went nowhere. After a terrible start to the new campaign despite the signings, Amorim wanted a new number one as the current options were producing mistake after mistake. Senne Lammens arrived from Royal Antwerp for a modest €21 million before the window closed. Amorim and the Red Devils' faithful in general would be pretty disappointed by the lack of incomings in midfield and defence (wingbacks primarily). Amorim, once again, has to fight an uphill battle as he tries to win over the fans and the board alike with the playstyle and limited personnel.

A major concern United had heading into the window was clearing the deadwood. Amorim had a clear idea of players he did not need going into the season. But in hindsight, if the Amorim project fails, the players they might sell or loan might become very integral to the plans of another manager. Alejandro Garnacho is the one who got away, as he signed for Chelsea for €46 miillion. Antony left the club permanently as well for Real Betis for a fraction of the fee United paid for him. Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho were hauled off on loan spells to Barcelona and Aston Villa, respectively, this time. Everyone in Carringtob breathed a sigh of relief as they managed to keep hold of the supremely talented Kobbie Mainoo, who couldn't find a spot in Amorim's lineup. The UEFA Euro finalist wanted out before the window closed as the manager won't give him a look in the midfield despite his side's shortcomings. The youngster ultimately stayed, but if things don't change, he would be on the way out, leading to an embarrassing situation.

SportsDunia's Summer Transfer Window Report Card Grade: B+

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham's summer was all about replacements. Firstly, it was managerial as they sacked the Europa League winning Ange Postecoglou for a disappointing league season, secondly, it was replacing the club captain and Premier League legend Son Heung-min, who decided to leave the club. Thomas Frank got the managerial job and built the squad in the way he loved.

West Ham's mercurial Mohammed Kudus, for a whopping €63 million, was his first signing. The search for a long-term Son replacement took them places. Arsenal stole Eberechi Eze from their grasp as the Lilywhites pivoted to an even more exciting signing in Xavi Simons on the deadline day for €65 million. On the deadline day, they even signed Randal Kolo Muani, the explosive French forward who completely gives them a new dynamic in attack.

Previous season's loanees Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel made their moves permanent. Future proofing was done with the signings of young defenders Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai. Joao Palhinha arrived on loan to add some bite to the midfield. Frank has enough options to either field a back 3 or a back 4 based on the opponent. Their only concern would be the lack of options for the number 10 role, as they missed out on Morgan Gibbs-White, who stayed put at Nottingham after almost signing for Spurs. They hope Xavi can take up that role as they fill the left wing spot with another player.

SportsDunia's Summer Transfer Window Report Card Grade: A

Napoli

Antonio Conte was in a war with his boardroom midway through the previous season. He not only managed to stay calm and resolve the issue, but he also managed to win the league and steal the Scudetto from right under Inter Milan's nose. The mastermind became the first coach to win the league title with three different teams. The board had no problems backing Conte up as they prepare to defend their title and return to the Champions League.

Victor Osimhen's sale to Galatasaray gave them big bucks to spend. Conte was pious in his approach. He wanted Kevin de Bruyne to create service for his side and was over the moon when the legendary Belgian playmaker said yes to his project. He will join new attackers Noa Lang and Manchester United outcast Rasmus Hojlund to don the new shirt. Sam Beukema and Miguel Gutierrez, along with Luca Marianucci, add some depth to the backline. Conte would be hoping for another smooth campaign as they look to go deep into Europe and conquer Italy again.

SportsDunia's Summer Transfer Window Report Card Grade: A

Inter Milan

Inter Milan had a nightmare end to the 2024/25 season. They were fighting on four fronts for an unprecedented quadruple, but dropped out of all competitions in the space of a week, along with losing the league on the final day. To make matters worse, their boss, Simone Inzaghi, was taken away from them in the summer.

They signed Christian Chivu to replace Inzaghi. The transfer business was, however, underwhelming, you have to say. Nicola Zalewski was the only outgoing who raised decent money. Other veterans like Mehdi Taremi, Marko Arnautovic and Benjamin Pavard all left to make room for new signings. As the financials posed a problem again, they went down the cheap route to build their squad.

They signed Luis Henrqiue and Ange-Yoan Bonny for €46 million to address the loss in attacking options. Andy Dious and Petar Sucic to screen the defence. Manuel Akanji arrived on the deadline day to add depth to the defence that was decimated by injuries in the previous season. Even after all the signings, the quality needed is simply lacking in the squad as Chivu faces a tough title charge against a solid Napoli side.

SportsDunia's Summer Transfer Window Report Card Grade: B

AC Milan

After finishing eighth in the league, AC Milan had nowhere to hide. The Rossoneri were fighting uphill battles everywhere as they had fires in the backroom, among the players and with the fans. They remained calm and trusted the transfer window and the summer signings to put out some. Firstly, they needed to raise some funds by selling key players.

Pivotal starters like Tijjani Reijnders, Malick Thiaw and Theo Hernandez generated €115 million. So did Noah Okafor, Emerson Royal and Pierre Kalulu. They used it to invest smartly in the squad. Luka Modric was one of the first arrivals on a free move, and he hopes to provide the class and finesse, the great Milan sides once had. They managed to keep hold of stars Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic despite interest from elsewhere.

They spent big on Christopher Nkunku upfront to get some goals, as Alvaro Morata and Divock Origi were kept aside. The other expensive signings were in midfield as Ardon Jashari and Samuele Ricci, along with Adrien Rabiot, provide plenty of steel. Koni De Winter, Pervis Estupinan, David Odgo and Zachary Athekame all could feature in a new-look defence.

The new team fell flat in the league opener against Cremonese but bounced back against Lecce in style. Massimiliano Allegri has the tools needed to win, and he is a serial winner. So do not write Milan early on.

SportsDunia's Summer Transfer Window Report Card Grade: A

Juventus

The rest of European football is in such a strange place now. Teams in the middle of the Premier League table are able to outspend Europe's elite. Juventus is the victim of financial mismanagement as they looked deep inside their coffers to find cash. Igor Tudor prioritised bringing players who contributed to success last season. They made the loans of Francisco Conceicao and Nico Gonzalez permanent, along with Lloyd Kelly and Michele Di Gregorio. Pierre Kalulu and Edon Zhegrova were the only other notable signings that cost a fee.

They signed two strikers in Jonathan David and Lois Openda, on loan in the hope of raising enough funds by next summer to buy them permanently. The squad looks well-rounded in attack and defence, but looks light in midfield as Douglas Luiz has left on loan. The likes of Nicolo Rovella and Nicolo Fagioli were also moved on as they placed their trust in a thin engine room.

SportsDunia's Summer Transfer Window Report Card Grade: B

Bayern Munich

Vincent Kompany got Bayern Munich back to the top of the German pyramid. The young manager tried all summer to improve his squad and make a bigger mark in continental competitions. Jamal Musiala's terrible injury in the Club World Cup made them pursue Wirtz, who chose Liverpool over them. The club also courted Nick Woltemade to add to their attacking depth, but they were again met with a rejection.

They finally had their joy when Luis Diaz said yes to them. The Colombian winger did not, however, come cheaply as he set Bayern back by €70 million. A desperate scramble led them to sign Nicholas Jackson on a whopping €16.5 million loan deal. The other signings like Jonatahan Tah and Tom Bischof were pretty meady. However, the Bavarians needed a proper creative force to offset Musiala's unavailability. The club are also without a solid ball winner in the middle of the park and failed to address it. The quest for the Champions League might go on for one more season at the Allianz Arena.

SportsDunia's Summer Transfer Window Report Card Grade: B+

Bayer Leverkusen

Well, where do we even start with this? Bayer Leverkusen's entire summer transfer window signings were based on the wishlist of one man, Erik Ten Hag. The club appointed the Dutchman following Xabi Alonso's departure to Real Madrid. The club armed him with bumper funds, as superstars like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong were sold for big money. Other key players like Amine Adli, Odilon Kossounou, Piero Hincapie, Lukas Hradecky, Victor Boniface and Jonathan Tah all left.

Ten Hag spent the funds at his disposal to rebuild the squad in his image. Malik Tillman and Eliesse Ben Seghir arrived in deals north of €30 million to boost the attack. Jarell Quansah was snapped up from Liverpool for €35 million. He was partnered with fellow incoming Loic Bade of Sevilla. Mark Flekken took charge in goal, and Equi Fernandez protected the defence.

We could've easily judged the transfer window a couple of days ago. But after just two games, Bayer Leverkusen decided to sack Erik Ten Hag, stating compatibility issues. The club, after spending €200 million on ten Hag, will leave the squad for a new manager. It makes grading their window all the more awkward. However, looking at the player quality and the potential, we will take our shot.

SportsDunia's Summer Transfer Window Report Card Grade: B

PSG

How do you improve on a treble-winning squad? Luis Enrique pondered the entire summer over this question. The bitter defeat to Chelsea in the Club World Cup final, when his team was running on fumes, added fuel to the fire. He turned to the transfer market to address the issue, but PSG did not go the old route of splashing the cash.

They did use big money a couple of times, but it made complete sense. Lucas Chevalier stepped in from Lille to fill the void in goal after Gianluigi Donnarumma set his heart on a move, which he eventually got to Manchester City. Enrique also sold a string of players who were nowhere near the first team, like Milan Skriniar, Marco Asensio and Nordi Mukiele. The other big incoming was Bournemouth's Ilya Zabarnyi, who would add a lot of depth to the backline.

However, PSG remained largely inactive in the window and would pretty much defend their treble with the same squad that won it in the first place.

SportsDunia's Summer Transfer Window Report Card Grade: C

Lyon

Olympique Lyon went through a roller coaster this summer as they were relegated to Ligue 2. They were saved by the bell as they raised enough funds to avoid the drop. Back in the top flight again, their hands were tied in the transfer market, but they did commendable business.

They sold prized assets like Rayan Cherki and Georges Mikautadze for cut-price deals. First-teamers like Lucas Perri and Said Benrahma were also taken away in a firebrand sale.

It gave them wiggle room to comply with the financial rules. They spent €10 million on Liverpool's youngster, Tyler Morton and handed the midfield keys to him. Pavel Sulc is the only notable outfield reinforcement. They started the campaign brightly and are in joint top spot. The summer signings will play a key role in their success this season.

SportsDunia's Summer Transfer Window Report Card Grade: B+