Transfer Window Superlatives: Isak to Liverpool, United’s Struggles & More

With thousands of deals sealed and over $8 billion in transfer fees exchanged, the captivating 2025 summer transfer window has officially drawn to a close. While a few lingering administrative details might still be finalized, the bulk of business across Europe`s top five leagues is complete. The time for negotiations is over; now begins the evaluation of how clubs conducted their affairs.

Attacking talent was a clear priority for many prominent European clubs. Liverpool, for instance, led the spending spree with $565 million on new signings, a significant portion dedicated to goal-scorers, including deadline day acquisition Alexander Isak. All of England`s traditional top six clubs invested in the continental market to bring new stars to the Premier League, triggering a ripple effect that saw major transfers across Europe. Consequently, many top clubs conclude the window with a host of fresh players, though whether all their strategic needs were met is another question entirely.

For some teams and individual players, it may be too early to definitively judge their summer moves. Most transfers will fall somewhere in the middle, but even at this nascent stage of the season, some deals already appear to be no-brainers, irrespective of cost, while others raise immediate concerns.

With the window now shut, here are some superlatives from a truly memorable summer of transfers.

Best Signing: Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool

This category presents a tough choice between Hugo Ekitike and fellow Liverpool newcomer Florian Wirtz, both of whom commanded over $100 million in transfer fees and seem worth every penny. Wirtz is often touted as a future superstar, but based on early performances, Ekitike slightly edges him out. The 23-year-old has adapted rapidly to English football, registering two goals and one assist in just three Premier League matches, quickly vindicating the Reds` scouting department. While Ekitike might not have been a household name a year ago, his strong season with Eintracht Frankfurt has proven to be no fluke.

Best Deadline Day Signing: Alexander Isak, Liverpool

A Liverpool team featuring Ekitike, Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, and Isak might raise tactical questions, but purely for entertainment value, this transfer is spectacular. It`s easy to imagine the Reds evolving into their own version of Real Madrid post-Kylian Mbappé – a team whose sheer attacking imbalance might necessitate a complete rethinking of their approach. Isak`s inherent quality justifies his status as the Premier League`s new record signing, but the real story is the fascinating challenge manager Arne Slot faces in making such an abundance of talent work cohesively, regardless of the ultimate outcome.

Worst Signing: Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United

This designation feels harsh, no doubt, but someone must bear the unfortunate title of ultimate “failure to launch.” The summer saw a theme of highly-rated forwards hoping to live up to their billing with moves to England, with Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Newcastle United all splashing millions. While Ekitike has excelled, Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres, and Nike Woltemade represent high-risk, high-reward gambles. If things don`t pan out, they risk being retrospectively deemed a waste of money. Sesko is currently the frontrunner for this undesirable title, partly due to factors beyond his control – the stifling pressure of being a No. 9 at United seems ill-suited for a 22-year-old who is, understandably, an unfinished product. Manager Ruben Amorim has shown reluctance to deploy Sesko this season, even in a penalty shootout. Whether this is a managerial quirk or a reflection of Sesko`s current quality is a question worth asking.

Best Value: Xavi Simons, Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur could claim the prize for the most unconventional transfer window, missing out on targets like Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, yet still managing to bolster their attacking options with Mathys Tel, Mohamed Kudus, and Randal Kolo Muani this summer. However, the standout acquisition is undoubtedly Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig. He perfectly fills the void left by James Maddison, who tore his ACL a month prior. Spurs stumbled into this deal after Eze reneged at the last minute and the club was also linked to Aston Villa`s Morgan Rogers. Simons, however, arguably should have been their top priority – he is significantly younger (five years younger than Eze, in particular) and, at $70 million, undoubtedly more affordable than others who would have come with a Premier League price premium. Simons alone transforms Spurs` window from merely average to highly promising, representing a perfect bang-for-your-buck option for a team that, while a step or two behind England`s best, possesses genuine ambition.

Best USMNT Transfer: Malik Tillman, Bayer Leverkusen

US men`s national team players were active this summer, but Malik Tillman arguably had the most impactful move. His impressive performances for the national team during the Concacaf Gold Cup position him as a strong contender for a starting role at the 2026 World Cup. His transfer to Bayer Leverkusen provides an excellent platform to test and develop his abilities. While a sudden managerial change might complicate matters, Tillman is widely expected to fill the creative hole left by Wirtz, regardless of who succeeds Erik ten Hag. This current Leverkusen squad, distinct from their double-winning team of two seasons ago, should offer a more manageable environment for Tillman to thrive after his jump from PSV.

Redeemed on Deadline Day: Aston Villa

Just 24 hours before the deadline, Aston Villa appeared destined to win the award for the worst transfer window. While they retained most of their key players, their squad depth remained unaddressed, likely due to Premier League profit and sustainability rules. They entered the international break with zero points and zero goals scored – an unexpectedly poor showing for last season`s sixth-best team. However, their deadline day activity offered a slight redemption. They took Victor Lindelof and Jadon Sancho off Manchester United`s hands, and more notably, secured midfielder Harvey Elliott from Liverpool. Furthermore, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez remained at the club, despite manager Unai Emery`s peculiar exchange with a journalist making it seem like the World Cup winner was bound for United. These last-minute moves were enough to avert catastrophe, though whether they genuinely constitute a “good” window remains an entirely different and complex question.

Most Needed Transfer: Jack Grealish, Everton

Jack Grealish became the latest player to endure a challenging spell under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, making a fresh start desperately needed for the England international to prove he still possesses his quality. His move to an ambitious Everton team, who have started the season strongly with six points from a possible nine, appears to be a perfect fit. Grealish has already made a significant impact, registering four assists in just two Premier League starts.

Still Stranded on a Deserted Island: Raheem Sterling, Chelsea

While Grealish found a new lease on life, Raheem Sterling was not as fortunate. He remains at Chelsea, seemingly twisting in the wind, with a significant role for the Blues this summer appearing unlikely. Despite a clear need for a move, Chelsea failed to secure a transfer for the attacker before the deadline. This outcome is not entirely surprising given Sterling`s considerable decline in form over the past few years, meaning any substantial playing time he earns this season will likely be outside Europe`s top five leagues.

Most Dramatic Saga: Alexander Isak, Liverpool

Alexander Isak`s transfer saga to Liverpool, while not involving fax machine-related accusations, did its best to keep everyone entertained long before he donned Liverpool`s famous red jersey. Training alone and missing Newcastle United`s pre-season tour of Asia was just the tip of the iceberg. When a player posts about “broken promises” on their Instagram Stories and reportedly lists their home on the rental market, you know a transfer saga is going to be good. Ultimately, it worked out well for Isak, and there`s an argument to be made that all parties involved achieved their desired outcome. The greatest perk, though, is that Isak no longer has to navigate the potential awkwardness of wanting his house back!