This article analyzes ten of the best-value transfer deals from the summer window of 2025, highlighting players like Robin Roefs, Ferran Jutglà, and Ernest Poku, who promise significant returns on investment for their new clubs. It examines the strategic acquisitions made by teams across Europe, emphasizing the importance of shrewd scouting and talent development in a market dominated by high-profile moves and exorbitant fees.
The summer transfer window of 2025 saw a staggering £6.7 billion splashed across Europe's top five leagues. Amidst the high-profile moves and exorbitant fees, some clubs managed to secure exceptional value, identifying talent that promises significant returns on investment. This article delves into ten of the best-value deals from the summer, spotlighting the shrewd acquisitions that could define the upcoming season.
1. Robin Roefs (NEC to Sunderland, £9.1m)
The Premier League newcomers have all addressed their goalkeeping situation this season. Sunderland's acquisition of Robin Roefs might be the shrewdest move of all. The towering 6ft 4in Dutchman exudes a presence and composure far beyond his 22 years. Quickly becoming a fan favorite, Roefs demonstrated his shot-stopping prowess by saving a penalty in a crucial victory against Brentford. Sunderland's significant summer investment appears to be paying dividends, with Roefs solidifying their defensive line.
2. Ferran Jutglà (Club Brugge to Celta Vigo, £4.7m)
Celta Vigo's inspired decision to appoint B-team coach Claudio Giráldez last year paid immediate dividends, transforming them into European contenders. With minimal spending, Giráldez built his team around a young, homegrown core. The addition of Ferran Jutglà, a versatile attacker with Barcelona pedigree, perfectly fits Celta's profile. Acquired for less than £5m, the 26-year-old Jutglà brings a wealth of experience from his time in Belgium, where he scored 31 goals in 105 games, including a memorable Champions League strike against Atalanta. Jutglà's arrival bolsters Celta's attacking options as they embark on their Europa League campaign.
3. Ernest Poku (AZ Alkmaar to Bayer Leverkusen, £8.7m)
Bayer Leverkusen endured a summer of upheaval, with a significant turnover of players. Amidst the instability, the arrival of Ernest Poku offers a glimmer of hope. The flying winger, discovered in amateur football, was quickly identified as a rising star, helping AZ Alkmaar win the Uefa Youth League in 2023. Poku's versatility allows him to play across the front line, and his raw pace and delicate touch make him a nightmare for defenders. Despite the managerial uncertainty, Poku's talent is undeniable, and he could quickly become a key figure for Leverkusen.
4. Adrian Truffert (Rennes to Bournemouth, £11.4m)
Bournemouth's summer sales generated significant revenue, but the club responded with a series of smart mid-price signings. Adrian Truffert, a left-back with a wealth of experience, could prove to be the best of the bunch. Still only 23, Truffert has amassed 150 appearances for Rennes, captaining the club for part of last season. He brings a different physical presence to the departed Milos Kerkez, offering an attractive blend of youth and experience. Truffert's experience in Uefa competitions and his Olympic silver medal with France add further pedigree to Bournemouth's squad.
5. Santiago Hidalgo (Independiente to Toulouse, £2.5m)
Santiago Hidalgo, a promising young striker from Independiente, was aiming to emulate Sergio Agüero. A change in management at Independiente initially stalled his progress, but he eventually attracted interest from Europe. Toulouse, known for their analytical scouting model, secured Hidalgo for a cut-price fee despite a reported €20m release clause. Hidalgo has already made an impact as a substitute, providing two assists in three Ligue 1 games. His arrival demonstrates Toulouse's continued commitment to identifying and developing young talent.
6. Borna Sosa (Ajax to Crystal Palace, £3m)
Crystal Palace's reputation for shrewd deals is well-established, and the acquisition of Borna Sosa for a fee of up to £3m is a testament to their expertise. Once a rising star at Stuttgart, Sosa's career faltered after a move to Ajax. Out of favor in Amsterdam, Sosa struggled on loan at Torino, but he already looks a better fit on the left of Oliver Glasner's 3-4-3 formation. While Tyrick Mitchell remains the first-choice left-back, Sosa's European experience will be invaluable as Palace embark on their first continental campaign.
7. Berke Özer (Eyüpspor to Lille, £3.9m)
Lille's reputation as a talent incubator has been further enhanced by their sale of Lucas Chevalier to PSG. They swiftly reinvested a fraction of that fee in Berke Özer, a goalkeeper who was playing first-team football at 18. After spells in Belgium and Portugal, Özer settled back in Turkey with Eyüpspor. Lille's history with Turkish players and Özer's promising start, including big saves and an assist, suggest that this could be another astute signing.
8. Christian Ordoñez (Vélez Sarsfield to Parma, £6.7m)
Parma, aiming to re-establish themselves in Serie A, have embarked on a youth-focused recruitment strategy. Under new head coach Carlos Cuesta, previously an assistant to Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, Parma have cast their net wide in search of young talent. Christian Ordoñez, a tough-tackling midfielder, and Mateo Pellegrino were both signed from Argentinian side Vélez. Ordoñez's ball-winning skills and Pellegrino's goal-scoring ability could quickly make them key players for Parma.
9. Carlos Soler (PSG to Real Sociedad, £6.9m)
Carlos Soler's career stalled after leaving Valencia for PSG. A loan spell at West Ham saw him fall into a similar bit-part role. Real Sociedad's move represents a gamble, but the Anoeta could be the ideal environment for Soler to rediscover his best form. Back in La Liga, his flexibility and work ethic will be valuable to a team rebuilding under Sergio Francisco. Former midfielder Mikel Merino played a key role in encouraging the move.
10. Nikola Stulic (Charleroi to Lecce, £4.3m)
Lecce have signed Serbian striker Nikola Stulic as a direct replacement for Nikola Krstovic, who joined Atalanta. Both players developed at Belgrade giants and took similar paths to Serie A. Stulic's goal-scoring record with Charleroi suggests that he could be a shrewd addition to Lecce's squad. The bargain fee reduces any risk, and a potential sell-on clause from Krstovic's transfer could cover the cost of signing Stulic entirely.