The five best signings of the summer transfer window so far

9 Aug 2026 17:01 BST | 5 min read

Bruno Guimaraes, Danny Welbeck — © IMAGO

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

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There have been a number of eye-catching deals so far this summer, with several big-name players securing blockbuster transfers ahead of the new campaign.

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Premier League clubs have unsurprisingly been extremely active in the market since the start of June, but teams across Europe have also been shrewd with their business.

Below, FootballTransfers runs through the five best signings of the summer transfer window so far, taking into account the fee paid, the quality of the player and the importance of the deal.

Current ETV

Mohamed Salah

F, M (R)

Trabzonspor

Mohamed Salah

F, M (R)

Trabzonspor

ETV Range

€28.4M - €34.8M

Mohamed Salah: Liverpool to Trabzonspor (Free)

Mohamed Salah’s move to Turkish side Trabzonspor has been widely criticised by a number of high-profile pundits, including Jamie Carragher, however it is undoubtedly a major coup for Fatih Tekke’s side.

While he endured a number of tough spells last season, Salah remains an excellent forward and although he is now 34 years old, he is likely to still have a number of good seasons left in the tank.

Trabzonspor have agreed to pay Salah a huge wage package, but shirt sales will cover a large portion of their outlay, and the Egypt legend will play a pivotal role as they look to challenge the likes of Galatasaray, Besiktas and Fenerbahce for the Turkish Super Lig title during the upcoming season.

Bernardo Silva: Man City to Real Madrid (Free)

In regards to individual talent, Real Madrid arguably have the best squad in world football, and they have turned to former boss Jose Mourinho following two consecutive seasons without Champions League or La Liga glory.

Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella are both impressive signings, however picking up Bernardo Silva on a Bosman deal following the expiration of his Manchester City contract is certainly their best piece of business.

The Portugal international is still only 31 years old and his form last season suggests he is far from over the hill. He will play a key role alongside Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, and he is likely to establish himself as a pivotal player under his compatriot Mourinho.

Real Madrid have lacked tactical maturity in recent years and they have addressed this issue perfectly by adding Bernardo to their first-team squad. On a free transfer, this is a fantastic signing.

© IMAGO - Real Madrid have signed Bernardo Silva

Danny Welbeck: Brighton to Chelsea (€5.9m)

Chelsea have looked to fix their lack of experience this summer, with Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck both joining the club during Xabi Alonso’s first transfer window in charge.

The English duo will be instrumental in creating a winning culture at Stamford Bridge, while the latter will also be expected to play a back-up role to Joao Pedro up front. Welbeck scored 13 Premier League goals last season and given Liam Delap’s dreadful form during his debut campaign at the club, it was clear that a new striker was needed.

The €5.9m fee will almost certainly prove to be a bargain if Welbeck is able to net a number of key goals, while his role off the pitch could be just as crucial as Chelsea look to recover from a dismal 2025-26 season.

Welbeck is now 35 years old, however he enjoyed the best season of his career last year, and his close relationship with Moises Caicedo and Pedro may be key this term.

Youri Tielemans: Aston Villa to Man Utd (€41m)

Youri Tielemans is a strong contender to be the best signing in world football so far this summer, having completed a €41m move from Aston Villa to Manchester United.

Michael Carrick’s side have signed one of the most underrated players in the Premier League and given their need to bolster their midfield roster following the departure of Casemiro to Inter Miami, it’s an outstanding signing.

Tielemans is likely to play a prominent role alongside either Kobbie Mainoo or fellow new signing Andrey Santos in midfield next season, and he will add immense quality in the middle of the park at Old Trafford.

The Belgium international is arguably in his prime at 29 years old and glimpses in pre-season suggest he could link up extremely well with Bruno Fernandes this season.

© IMAGO - Youri Tielemans has joined Man Utd

Bruno Guimaraes: Newcastle to Arsenal (€87.5m)

Bruno Guimaraes has become the most expensive midfielder aged 28 or above in football history following his €87.5m move from Newcastle United to Arsenal, but it remains an immense signing despite the huge outlay.

The Brazil international is simply one of the best midfielders in world football and having shone at St James’ Park since his arrival in 2022, he will undoubtedly play a pivotal role for Arsenal as they bid to finally win the Champions League for the first time in their history.

Guimaraes is an outstanding footballer and his ability to play multiple midfield roles will be extremely useful to Mikel Arteta this season. The 28-year-old will ease the burden on Declan Rice, who looked exhausted at the World Cup, while his creative passing in the final-third will add an extra dimension to Arsenal’s play, which was sorely lacking at times last term.

It’s the most expensive signing on this list, but Guimaraes is one of the best signings in recent Premier League memory and it’s inconceivable to imagine a world in which he isn’t a success at the Emirates Stadium.