The 2025 summer transfer window has slammed shut, leaving a trail of blockbuster deals in its wake. This list showcases the 20 biggest transfers, ranked by initial fee, and includes details on add-ons where applicable. While many more transfers occurred, these represent the most significant financial commitments from clubs around the globe.
1. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool) – £100m rising to £116m: Liverpool’s quiet summer of 2024 is a distant memory. This nine-figure acquisition signals their intent to remain competitive at the highest level.
2. Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt to Liverpool) – £69m rising to £79m with add-ons: Ekitike’s move is a testament to Liverpool’s determination, especially after Newcastle’s refusal to sell Alexander Isak.
3. Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford to Manchester United) – £65m rising to £71m with add-ons: Manchester United’s protracted pursuit finally yielded results, overcoming a difficult negotiation with Brentford.
4. Matheus Cunha (Wolves to Manchester United) – £62.5m: Despite initial cost-cutting concerns, Manchester United secured Cunha’s services.
5. Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad to Arsenal) – £60m: After initially resisting a move to the Premier League, Zubimendi opted for Arsenal.
6. Mateo Retegui (Atalanta to Al Qadsiah) – £56.3m: Retegui’s move to Saudi Arabia follows a remarkable Serie A season, where he emerged as the top goalscorer.
7. Joao Pedro (Brighton to Chelsea) – £55m rising to £60m with add-ons: Chelsea’s continued spending saw them acquire Joao Pedro from Brighton, doubling the Seagulls’ initial investment.
8. Mohammed Kudus (West Ham to Tottenham) – £55m: A controversial move, sure to generate considerable discussion among fans of both clubs.
9. Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest to Newcastle United) – £52m rising to £55m with add-ons: Newcastle finally addressed their need for a right winger.
10. Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth to Real Madrid) – £50m: Real Madrid triggered Huijsen’s release clause, paying a significant fee just a year after his arrival at Bournemouth.
11. Jamie Gittens (Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea) – £48.5m rising to £52m with add-ons: Another addition to Chelsea’s already extensive attacking options.
12. Noni Madueke (Chelsea to Arsenal) – £48.5m rising to £52m with add-ons: A controversial move met with a fan petition. This transfer is sure to generate debate among supporters.
13. Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan to Manchester City) – £46.6m rising to £59.2m with add-ons: Manchester City’s acquisition of Reijnders highlights their ambition to compete for every major trophy.
14. Alvaro Carreras (Benfica to Real Madrid) – £43m: Carreras makes a triumphant return to Real Madrid, five years after departing.
15. Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth to Liverpool) – £40m: Liverpool secures the young Hungarian left-back as Andy Robertson’s long-term successor.
16. Alex Baena (Villarreal to Atletico Madrid) – £38.9m rising to £43.2m: Atletico Madrid adds the highly-rated midfielder to their ranks.
17. Franco Mastantuono (River Plate to Real Madrid) – £38.5m: Real Madrid beats out PSG to the signing of this highly-rated Argentinian wonderkid.
18. Jean-Clair Todibo (Nice to West Ham United) – £35.4m: West Ham makes the loan move permanent after successfully avoiding relegation.
19. Rayan Ait-Nouri (Wolves to Man City) – £31m rising to £36.3m with add-ons: A notable signing for Man City, despite its relative affordability in comparison to other moves this window.
20. Rayan Cherki (Lyon to Man City) – £30.5m plus add-ons: The French playmaker joins Man City in their bid for a more successful season.