Grading the summer transfer window of every Premier League club | OneFootball

After a jam-packed deadline day, the transfer window has closed for Premier League teams – but which clubs recruited well and who left their fans frustrated?

We’ve assessed each club and how we think they did this summer…

Arsenal – A

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Major signings: Viktor Gyökeres, Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke

Major departures: Jorginho, Kieran Tierney, Jakub Kiwior (loan), Reiss Nelson (loan)

Verdict: Spearheaded by new sporting director Andrea Berta, Arsenal had clear gaps in the squad and moved decisively to address them: a prolific centre-forward in Viktor Gyokeres, a renowned midfielder in Martin Zubimendi, and the flair and unpredictability of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze. Talk of a marquee left-winger such as Rafael Leao or Rodrygo quickly faded once Arsenal hijacked Spurs’ move for Eze, who now looks the prime candidate to challenge Gabriel Martinelli for his starting role. The only complaint would be the club’s continued difficulty in offloading surplus players – three left on loan on deadline day, while rivals once again managed to cash in on their fringe members.

Aston Villa – C+

Major signings: Marco Bizot, Evann Guessand, Harvey Elliott (loan), Jadon Sancho (loan)

Major departures: Jacob Ramsey, Leander Dendoncker, Leon Bailey (loan)

Verdict: Aston Villa had a disappointing window, salvaged in part by their clever use of the loan market on deadline day. Jadon Sancho signed from Manchester United and Harvey Elliott from Liverpool, offering much-needed creativity, but the sale of academy graduate Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle under PSR pressure was a blow.

Bournemouth – C

Major signings: Eli Junior Kroupi, Adrien Truffert, Djordje Petrovic, Bafobe Diakite, Amine Adli

Major departures: Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, Ilia Zabarnyi, Dango Ouattara

Following a strong season under Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth supporters were dealt an early setback in the window, losing Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid, Milos Kerkez to Liverpool and Ilia Zabarnyi to PSG. However, Adrien Truffert already looks a fine replacement for Kerkez, while Bafobe Diakite has slotted in so naturally that Zabarnyi’s absence has not been felt.

Brentford – D

Caoimhín Kelleher signs for Brentford. PICTURE: BRENTFORD FC

Major signings: Caoimhin Kelleher, Michael Kayode, Jordan Henderson, Dango Ouattara, Reiss Nelson (loan)

Major departures: Mark Flekken, Christian Norgaard, Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa

Verdict: Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa were responsible for 39 of Brentford’s 66 Premier League goals last season. Igor Thiago’s return from a long-term injury should provide a lift, but Dango Ouattara and Reiss Nelson hardly look like-for-like successors to Mbeumo and Wissa.

Brighton – C-

Major signings: Tommy Watson, Diego Coppola, Oliver Boscagli, Maxim De Cuyper

Major departures: Joao Pedro, Simon Adingra, Pervis Estupinan, Julio Enciso, Facundo Buonanotte (loan), Igor Julio (loan), Matt O’Riley (loan)

Verdict: Brighton kept a low profile in the market, with full-back Maxim De Cuyper the most high profile addition. The Seagulls appear content with their squad, opting to save their money from incomings rather than spending for the sake of it now.

Burnley – C+

Major signings: Marcus Edwards, Jaidon Anthony, Bashir Humphreys, Loum Tchaouna, Quilindschy Hartman, Kyle Walker, Jacob Bruun Larsen, Lesley Ugochukwu, Martin Dubravka, Armando Broja, Florentino Luiz

Major departures: James Trafford, Michael Obafemi, CJ Egan-Riley, Han-Noah Massengo, Aaron Ramsey (loan), Luca Koleosho (loan)

Verdict: Burnley needed to make some strong additions to have a chance of staying in the league. While the squad has certainly been strengthened, with the likes of Martin Dubravka, Kyle Walker and Armando Broja, doubts remain over whether it will be enough.

Chelsea – A-

Enzo Fernandez celebrates with Joao Pedro (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Major signings: Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato, Alejandro Garnacho, Estevao, Facundo Buonanotte (loan)

Major departures: Noni Madueke, Joao Felix, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Renato Veiga, Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson (loan)

Verdict: Chelsea continue to be big movers in the transfer market, securing English talents Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens during the Club World Cup. Jorrel Hato is one to watch, while Estevao is a gem in the making. Todd Boehly has continued to work his magic with player exits, generating significant fees from fringe players. However, with Delap out injured and Nicolas Jackson off to Bayern, Chelsea left themselves short up front, prompting the recall of Marc Guiu from Sunderland.

Crystal Palace – D+

Major signings: Walter Benitez, Borna Sosa, Yeremy Pino, Christantus Uche, Jaydee Canvot

Major departures: Eberechi Eze, Joel Ward, Jeffrey Schlupp, Rob Holding, Odsonne Edouard

Verdict: Crystal Palace let Eberechi Eze depart, and Marc Guehi appeared set to follow, only for the deal to collapse at the last moment, due to Palace not signing an adequate replacement. The club did bring in highly rated Yeremy Pino from Villarreal and Christantus Uche from Getafe, but there’s a sense that recruitment has not been sufficient to satisfy Oliver Glasner.

Everton – B+

Jack Grealish playing for Everton (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Major signings: Jack Grealish (loan), Tyler Dibling, Thierno Barry, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Charly Alcaraz, Merlin Röhl (loan)

Major departures: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Ashley Young, Mason Holgate, Neal Maupay

Verdict: Jack Grealish is the highlight of Everton’s window, but David Moyes has also strengthened across the board: Barry adds exciting potential, Dibling has been yearning for a move back to the Premier League, and Dewsbury-Hall has a chance to impress in midfield. Everton look sharper and are definitely a team to watch this season.

Fulham – C-

Major signings: Benjamin Lecomte, Kevin, Samuel Chukwueze (loan)

Major departures: Carlos Vinicius, Willian

Verdict: Fulham finally acted on deadline day after a relatively quiet summer, securing Kevin from Shakhtar Donetsk and Nigerian international Samuel Chukwueze on loan from AC Milan. While there was potential for a far more ambitious window, they have done well to avoid losing key players and still strengthen their squad.

Leeds United – C

Major signings: Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Sean Longstaff, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, James Justin, Lucas Perri, Noah Okafor, Anton Stach

Major departures: Junior Firpo, Sam Greenwood, Joshua Guilavogui

Verdict: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, James Justin, and Sean Longstaff all bring proven Premier League experience, while Noah Okafor represents the kind of signing aimed at turning Leeds’ survival hopes into reality. The signings are clearly well-considered, but whether they will be enough to keep the club up remains uncertain.

Liverpool – A+

Alexander Isak (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)

Major signings: Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili

Major departures: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, Jarell Quansah, Harvey Elliott (loan), Kostas Tsimikas (loan)

Verdict: Liverpool look to have won the window, spending big and bringing in their main targets. Alexander Isak is the centre-forward they have long pursued, finally concluding a drawn-out transfer saga. Florian Wirtz looks a real talent, and should be for the money they spent on him, while Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Hugo Ekitike represent bold additions across the squad.

Manchester City – B

Gianluigi Donnarumma (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Major signings: Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Tijani Reijnders, James Trafford, Gianluigi Donnarumma

Major departures: Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, James McAtee, Manuel Akanji, Ederson, Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish (loan), Claudio Echeverri (loan)

Verdict: “Business done early” was the mantra for Manchester City this summer. Rayan Cherki was brought in to fill the void left by Kevin De Bruyne, while James Trafford was re-signed as the long-term option in goal. However, after a slow start to the campaign, Pep Guardiola seized the opportunity to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG. Ilkay Gundogan has departed, but Tijani Reijnders has looked like a refreshing addition in midfield. Jack Grealish has moved on loan to Everton in search of more game time and a new challenge.

Manchester United – C+

Mbeumo, Sesko and Cunha (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images) via ONE FOOTBALL

Major signings: Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Senne Lammens

Major departures: Christian Eriksen, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Rasmus Højlund (loan), Jadon Sancho (loan), Marcus Rashford (loan)

Verdict: Manchester United’s new trio of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko fit exactly what Ruben Amorim had in mind for a rebuild. Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Højlund, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford will be plying their trades elsewhere after being told that they are not needed. Senne Lammens arrives as the next goalkeeping reinforcement from Royal Antwerp, but it is evident that the Red Devils need a lot more than new faces to steer them back to where they want to be.

Newcastle United – B-

Alexander Isak has joined Liverpool (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Major signings: Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, Jacob Ramsey, Yoane Wissa, Nick Woltemade, Aaron Ramsdale (loan)

Major departures: Alexander Isak, Lloyd Kelly, Sean Longstaff, Martin Dubravka, Matt Targett (loan)

Verdict: Alexander Isak has dominated Newcastle’s window, but the Magpies have still been able to strengthen smartly – notably Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey from Premier League rivals. Yoane Wissa is expected to step in as the natural successor to Isak, while Germany U21 international Nick Woltemade – who appeared set for Bayern Munich after finishing as top scorer at this summer’s U21 Euros – will be ready to take his opportunity.

Nottingham Forest – B

Major signings: Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha, Dan Ndoye, Omari Hutchinson, James McAtee, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Dilane Bakwa, Nicolo Savona, John Victor, Cuiabano, Douglas Luiz (loan), Oleksandr Zinchenko (loan)

Major departures: Andrew Omobamidele, Harry Toffolo, Ramon Sosa, Emmanuel Dennis, Matt Turner

Verdict: Nottingham Forest brought in more than a dozen new players, including highly rated England U21 internationals Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee. Dan Ndoye is an exciting player to watch, while Arnaud Kalimuendo arrives with an impressive Ligue 1 scoring record.

Sunderland – B+

Granit Xhaka (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Major signings: Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra, Noah Sidiki, Reinildo, Chemsidine Talbi, Simon Adingra, Granit Xhaka, Nordi Mukiele, Brian Brobbey, Lutsharel Geertruida (loan)

Major departures: Tommy Watson, Jobe Bellingham, Pierre Ekwah

Verdict: Sunderland have put their promotion money to good use, and the addition of Granit Xhaka is one of the most surprising moves of the summer, while Dutch duo Brian Brobbey and Lutsharel Geertruida represent remarkable coups for a newly promoted side.

Spurs – B+

Joao Palhinha celebrates his goal (Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

Major signings: Mathys Tel, Kevin Danso, Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Joao Palhinha (loan), Randal Kolo Muani (loan)

Major departures: Heung-min Son, Fraser Forster, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Sergio Reguilon

Verdict: Securing deals for Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons is a solid outcome. Spurs were often outmanoeuvred, with hijacked deals and targets moving elsewhere, yet Thomas Frank still managed to bring in two exciting playmakers, add experience with Joao Palhinha, and strengthen the attack with Randal Kolo Muani.

West Ham – C-

Major signings: Jean-Clair Todibo, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Kyle Walker-Peters, Callum Wilson, Mads Hermansen, Soungoutou Magassa, Mateus Fernandes, Igor Julio (loan)

Major departures: Aaron Cresswell, Vladimir Coufal, Lukasz Fabianski, Danny Ings, Mohammed Kudus, Michail Antonio, Emerson

Verdict: West Ham have endured a difficult start to the season, with new signing Mads Hermansen struggling in goal, but a convincing win on the weekend, inspired by the performances from Mateus Fernandes, signed from Southampton, and El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague gives fans a reason to be optimistic.

Wolves – D+

Major signings: Jørgen Strand Larsen, Fer Lopez, Jhon Arias, David Moller Wolfe, Jackson Tchatchoua, Tolu Arokodare, Ladislav Krejci (loan)

Major departures: Matheus Cunha, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Pablo Sarabia, Nelson Semedo, Fabio Silva, Chiquinho, Goncalo Guedes, Craig Dawson

Verdict: Despite interest from several clubs, including Newcastle, Wolves have managed to keep a hold of Jorgen Strand Larsen and added Tolu Arokodare, the Belgian Pro League’s top scorer last season, to their ranks. However, Wolves’ window seems much weaker in comparison to other Premier League clubs and they will be reliant on their forwards to avoid relegation.