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News
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The FIVE best signings of the summer revealed by transfer experts
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 2 Sept 2025 16:37 BST
- 8 min read
Analysis
The 2025 summer transfer window was one of the busiest in recent memory and several eye-catching deals were completed across world football.
Liverpool broke the Premier League transfer record on two occasions via the signings of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, Chelsea completed over 50 deals in total, while the window was also responsible for Trent Alexander-Arnold’s long-awaited move to Real Madrid.
Below, five experts from FootballTransfers.com pick their signing of the summer.
Tom Weber, Bundesliga expert: Granit Xhaka - Bayer Leverkusen to Sunderland (€15m)
“Eyebrows were raised when Granit Xhaka requested to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer, given that he had originally joined the club in 2023 to settle down in Germany.
“However, the veteran midfielder had his head turned by promoted Sunderland and wanted to return to the Premier League after his stint at Arsenal.
“Xhaka was coming off a season with Leverkusen in which he had shown his age a bit, making uncharacteristic mistakes and struggling to cope with the pace of younger opponents.
“To return to England at 32 was therefore a shocking decision, but one he will clearly not come to regret. The Switzerland international has been nothing short of brilliant for the Black Cats so far.
“Xhaka has been named captain and is easily the club's best midfielder. He still expertly dictates the play and looks in top shape, recently notching the assist for Sunderland's 96th-minute winner over Brentford.
“Supporters at the Stadium of Light already adore him, and his quality and experience will be crucial in Sunderland's bid to avoid relegation.”
Robin Bairner, Ligue 1 expert: Rayan Cherki - Lyon to Man City (€36.5m)
“Manchester City took advantage of Lyon’s financial problems to pick up one of the most exciting young players in Europe.
“For so long, Rayan Cherki was more style than substance, but in what proved his final season at Lyon, he combined his thrilling style with an ability to be decisive in matches. He finished the campaign with 20 assists and 12 goals, leading OL back into Europe after a season that had started with him in dispute with the club.
Current ETV
Rayan Cherki
M (CR), AM (C)
Man City
Rayan Cherki
M (CR), AM (C)
Man City
ETV Range
€49.1M - €60M
“City picked him up for a bargain price - Cherki’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) was around €40m when Pep Guardiola’s side signed him - and he’s adapted in a promising manner to his new surroundings, with two goals and an assist in just 192 minutes.
“The France international is a game-breaker and could, ultimately, prove a title-deciding player if he continues on his current trajectory.”
Carlo Garganese, Serie A expert: Kevin De Bruyne - Man City to Napoli (Free Transfer)
“Kevin De Bruyne joined Napoli this summer on a free transfer after 10 glorious years at Manchester City. He may now be 34 and there have been questions about his physical shape in pre-season, but technically De Bruyne is still a class act.
“De Bruyne strengthens a Napoli team that won the Scudetto in May and is building a dominant side under Antonio Conte.
“Alongside Stanislav Lobotka, Frank Anguissa and Scott McTominay, there is little doubt that Napoli have the best midfield in Serie A and one of the more impressive units in Europe.
“De Bruyne started perfectly with a goal on his official Napoli debut in Serie A matchday one against Sassuolo as the Partenopei have two wins from two going into the international break.”
Ronan Murphy, Bundesliga expert: Ritsu Doan - Freiburg to Eintracht Frankfurt (€20.3m)
“Eintracht Frankfurt have printed money in recent years by selling forward after forward. Sebastien Haller, Luka Jovic, Omar Marmoush, Hugo Ekitike have all been sold for big fees after developing at the Waldstadion.
“Although he is 27 now, it would not be surprising if new winger Ritsu Doan's value doubled within a year, especially with Frankfurt playing Champions League football.
Current ETV
Ritsu Doan
F, M (R)
E. Frankfurt
Ritsu Doan
F, M (R)
E. Frankfurt
ETV Range
€18.2M - €22.3M
“The Bundesliga's summer window was categorised by big names leaving for other leagues, and few marquee names arrived in return. Jobe Bellingham carries name brand value for Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich's only big splash was on Luis Diaz, while Bayer Leverkusen were so gutted, it's a surprise the dressing rooms still have seats left.
“Thus, the smartest transfer of them all in Germany this summer looks like Doan from Freiburg to Frankfurt, and it's already paying off with the Japan international scoring four times in his first three games for the Eagles.”
Cameron Smith, Premier League expert: Victor Osimhen - Napoli to Galatasaray (€75m)
“This deal may be omitted from the usual conversation regarding the ‘top summer transfers’, due to the fact Galatasaray aren’t in one of Europe’s top five leagues, however their capture of Victor Osimhen is a simply sensational signing.
“He scored 37 goals in 41 games on loan at Galatasaray last season and considering the fees paid for strikers this summer, €75m for one of the very best goalscorers in world football is fantastic business.
“Nick Woltemade joined Newcastle United for €85m despite only having 14 top-flight goals to his name, while Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike, Yoane Wissa and even Alexander Isak to an extent also moved clubs for hugely bloated fees.
“Sure, Galatasaray broke their transfer record by a substantial margin to land Osimhen on a permanent deal, but his talent more than justifies his price tag and top Premier League clubs will no doubt rue their decision to let him return to Turkey.”
Football transfer news headlines today
Deadline Day: Every confirmed transfer around Europe
Premier League summer transfers 2025: All the Done Deals
Isak 1st, Sesko 5th: The 10 most expensive signings of the summer transfer window
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