The most impactful transfers of the summer window | OneFootball

Every summer window comes with its fair share of transfer buzz as household names make unexpected departures and clubs break the bank to land key players.

The 2025 summer window is only halfway gone but already a number of impactful transfers have been made. Let’s consider some of these impressive changes so far, in no particular order.

Top most impactful transfers this summer

Several players have changed sides since the summer transfer window started. The exit and addition of players from and to teams can influence how the individuals themselves perform, and the overall performance of teams, which can affect odds on the complete list of top betting sites. While it is difficult to have a universal criterion on which transfers are more impactful, we have come up with a list that sports fans should take note of before the start of the new season.

Dean Huijsen’s £50m move from Bournemouth to Real Madrid

After an eventful year playing in Bournemouth’s central defense, the lanky youngster registered himself as a prospect to look out for in the coming years. Noting his future prospects and his ability to adapt to Real Madrid’s free-scoring philosophy, the Spanish giants were quick to acquire his signature, even before the window opened properly. Defence is one area that Real Madrid struggled with last season, as they lost to local rivals Barcelona four times, conceding 16 goals in the process.

Florian Wirtz’ £116m transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool

For two seasons in a row, Florian Wirtz, with his player of the season performances, captured the interest of teams seeking the services of an attacking midfield maestro. After helping Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever unbeaten season in the German league, and keeping them in a Champions League qualification spot in the subsequent season, Wirtz has joined English champions Liverpool in a ground-breaking £116 million switch. Managing an inherited squad, Liverpool coach Arne Slot had to depend on the brilliance of wingers like Mohammed Salah to win him the league trophy. This coming season, the coach is hoping to use the midfield more – a task that Wirtz will take responsibility for.

Rayan Cherki’s £30.5m transfer from Lyon to Manchester City

Just a few months ago, Rayan Cherki was in Manchester, playing Europa League football against Manchester United. However, when the transfer window opened, Manchester City would acquire the signature of the former Lyon player. His addition to the squad is expected to bolster the team’s attacking options, rectifying a deficit the team suffered in the previous season. Cherki’s long-term potential will be a valuable advantage for City.

Franco Mastantuono from River Plate to Real Madrid for £38.5m

Football in South America is competitive, but Franco Mastantuono will be facing significantly stronger competition when he begins the season playing for Europe’s most successful football club on the continental stage. Pundits believe that the lack of a dynamic powerful midfielder caused Real Madrid considerable problems in the previous season. The wonderkid from River Plate has several years left in his legs and his dynamism fits the tactical ideology of the current coach, Xabi Alonso.

Jobe Bellingham’s transfer from Sunderland to Borussia Dortmund

A few seasons ago, Jude Bellingham donned the yellow and black kit for Borussia Dortmund. However, this summer’s transfer window saw his brother, Jobe Bellingham, completing his transfer from Sunderland to Borussia Dortmund, shortly after he helped Sunderland gain promotion to the first tier of English football. Dortmund is hoping to contend for Bundesliga glory and compete with European top guns at the highest level. This is why Jobe Bellingham’s signature is a necessary addition for the squad, especially due to his attacking versatility and his young age.

Jeremie Frimpong’s £29.5m move from Leverkusen to Liverpool

Shortly before the 2024-2025 season ended, Liverpool right back Trent Alexander-Arnold joined Spanish giants Real Madrid. His departure opened a slot that needed to be filled immediately – and with a quality player. Frimpong may not have the passing flair that his predecessor displays but his tirelessness on the flank fits the fast transition style favoured by this Liverpool team.

Liam Delap’s £30m switch from Ipswich Town to Chelsea

Delap was one of the early signings of the summer transfer window. The speed of his purchase was thanks to a release clause placed on him by Ipswich. He is expected to compete with Nicolas Jackson and Joao Pedro for the top number 9 position on the squad.

Charalampos Kostulas completes a £29.8m transfer from Olympiacos

A few seasons of first-team player departures inadvertently diminished Brighton’s performances last season. This summer, Brighton has added the services of the teenage forward from Greek side Olympiacos. With the recent departure of João Pedro to Chelsea, Kostulas’ arrival became a priority.

Mathys Tel’s £30m move from Bayern Munich to Tottenham Hotspurs

Mathys Tel isn’t a new face at Tottenham, due to his earlier loan spell. While a permanent deal remained speculative under Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham’s new coach, Thomas Frank, has made Tel his first signing at Spurs.

Jarell Quansah’s £30m transfer from Liverpool to Bayer Leverkusen

Quansah appears to have been overlooked by the Liverpool coaching staff as an adequate replacement for the departed Trent Alexander-Arnold, hence him leaving for German side Bayer Leverkusen. Interestingly, his contract includes a buy-back clause. At Leverkusen, he is expected to take Jeremie Frimpong’s place at right back.

Tijjani Reijnders’ £46.6m move from AC Milan to Manchester City

Man City quickly obtained the signature of four players in preparation for the Club World Cup, and Reijnders happens to be one of them, signing a five-year contract. Coming off the 2024/2025 season as Serie A’s best midfielder gives a glimpse of the quality he adds to the City team.