Ideal 2025 Summer Transfer Windows for the Premier League's Biggest Spenders
With Liverpool sealing the 2024-25 Premier League title already, the work now begins for the 2025-26 campaign.
The traditional Premier League Big Six of Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Spurs and Manchester United will undoubtedly be splashing the cash in a summer where improvements are necessary for each club.
With that in mind, B/R's Leo Collis and Nick Akerman took on the Director of Football roles for those clubs with a budget of €100 million. Expected transfers and transfer obligations were factored into the final budget, along with sales. Market values from transfermarkt.com were used for this story.
Disagree with our writers' buys and sells? Share your opinion in the comments section of the B/R app!
Arsenal
1 of 6
Starting budget: €100 million
Outgoings:
Kieran Tierney - Free
Oleksandr Zinchenko - €22 million
Thomas Partey - Free
Jorginho - Free
Nuno Tavares - €25 million
Fábio Vieira - €22 million
Albert Sambi-Lokonga - €9 million
Reiss Nelson - €18 million
Outgoings total: €96 million
Incomings budget: €196 million
Incomings:
Martin Zubimendi - €60 million
Viktor Gyokeres - €75 million
Joan Garcia - €20 million
Rayan Cherki - €35 million
Incomings total: €190 million
After seemingly being on the verge of joining Liverpool last summer, it looks like Martin Zubimendi will finally be arriving in the Premier League.
However, he’s expected to be donning a different red shirt, with TalkSport reporting the Spaniard has verbally agreed to join Arsenal from Real Sociedad.
But if the Gunners want to put up a better challenge for the Premier League title next term, they’ll need further reinforcements.
Viktor Gyokeres seems like a slam dunk for a team in desperate need of a goalscorer for much of the 2024-25 campaign.
The Swede has scored 52 goals in 50 games in all competitions for Sporting CP so far this season. By comparison, Arsenal’s top scorer is Kai Havertz, with a paltry 15 goals in 34 games in all contests.
The Gunners could make good on their long-term interest in Espanyol’s Joan Garcia to back up David Raya and possibly challenge his countryman for the No. 1 jersey.
Elsewhere, Lyon’s Rayan Cherki could be an interesting signing. The 21-year-old should be easy to prise from the cash-strapped Ligue 1 side, and his versatility in forward roles will be a huge asset for the Londoners — their title challenge faltered after injuries to Bukayo Saka, Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
- Leo Collis
Chelsea
2 of 6
Starting budget: €100M
Outgoings:
Robert Sanchez - €20M
Marcus Bettinelli - €880K
Djordje Petrovic - €18M
Benoit Badiashile - €25M
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - €22M
Nicolas Jackson - €55M
David Fofana - €8.5M
Ben Chilwell - €18M
Axel Disasi - €25M
Lesley Ugochukwu - €20M
Carney Chukwuemeka - €15M
Raheem Sterling - €15M
Joao Felix - €25M
Christopher Nkunku - €45M
Armando Broja - €15M
Outgoings total: €327.3M
Incomings budget: €427.3M
Incomings:
Estevao - €55M
Victor Osimhen - €70M
Benjamin Sesko - €65M
James Trafford - €20m
Youri Tielemans - €35M
Illia Zabarnyi - €40M
Nicholas Schlotterbeck - €40M
Anthony Gordon - €65M
Incomings total: €390M
Chelsea’s squad is horribly bloated. Enzo Maresca initially handled it well between different competitions, but effectively relegating players such as Christopher Nkunku to the Conference League ‘B’ team isn’t a sustainable practice. The first team has dropped off in recent weeks, with plenty of individuals failing to live up to their early-season promise. With this in mind, I’d be pretty harsh on who gets chopped here, with many fringe names getting the boot for decent money.
While it’s difficult to cut so many players in the real-world, doing so would give Chelsea the spending power to put Europe on notice. They need two top quality strikers; one who will come in and contribute immediately, plus one who will also pull their weight while being given time to hit their stride. That pair should be Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko, both of whom would benefit from playing ahead of Maresca’s vast array of wingers and attacking midfielders.
Chelsea were linked with Anthony Gordon before he moved to Newcastle. He’d represent a much better investment than making Jadon Sancho permanent. Harvey Barnes’ recent form might indicate there could be a slightly open door if the right bid for Gordon came in, although
Newcastle would need to spend considerably to replace him ahead of European football coming back to St. James’ Park. An ambitious Chelsea would at least ask the question.
Further back, the manager needs a little more strength in depth. I don’t believe Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will ever progress beyond an occasional appearance and Romeo Lavia’s legs are too volatile to count on him right now. Villa’s Youri Tielemans is one of the division’s best central midfielders and has time for one more big move. He’s been fantastic in the Midlands, but the call of a so-called Big Six club could prove tempting. He should be on everyone’s radar.
In defence, there are plenty of quality young players who would improve on Chelsea’s current crop. The performances of Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi are being overshadowed by Dean Huijsen’s impending move to Madrid. He’s been fantastic and is only 22. Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck has impressed in a bad backline this year and would bring an incisive passing to Chelsea’s wobbly setup.
Like United above, a new goalkeeper is also important. Burnley’s James Trafford is soon to be England No.1, so it would make complete sense to get ahead and grab him now
- Nick Akerman
Liverpool
3 of 6
Starting budget: €100 million
Outgoings:
Caoimhin Keller - €22 million
Kostas Tsimikas - €20 million
Jarrell Quansah - €22 million
Wataru Endo - €10 million
Tyler Morton - €8 million
Darwin Núñez - €50 million
Diogo Jota - €45 million
Federico Chiesa - €18 million
Nat Phillips - €3.5 million
Trent Alexander-Arnold - Free
Outgoings total: €198.5 million
Incomings budget: €298.5 million
Incomings:
Jeremie Frimpong - €50 million
Milos Kerkez - €35 million
Angelo Stiller - €38 million
Hugo Ekitike - €55 million
Murillo - €55 million
Antonio Silva - €32 million
Incomings total: €265 million
In an unusual turn of events, the Premier League champions need to undergo a rebuild of sorts.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has already confirmed his departure, but reports suggest Jeremie Frimpong could soon be arriving from Bayer Leverkusen to soften that notable blow.
Fringe players that manager Arne Slot didn’t warm to, like Wataru Endo, Federico Chiesa, Kostas Tsimikas and Jarrell Quansah, are also likely heading for the exit door.
Meanwhile, the Darwin Nunez experiment looks set to end, and Diogo Jota might be pushed out in favour of a good return fee and an upgrade at the point of attack.
The Reds need to bulk up their center-back options after relying heavily on Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate throughout their title run. Murillo has been outstanding for Nottingham Forest on their unlikely run to European football, so he’ll certainly be a name on the wanted list.
Antonio Silva could also be a shrewd signing. The 20-year-old has been a regular for Benfica over the last three seasons, and he could strike a youthful long-term central defensive partnership with the Brazilian.
Meanwhile, sporting director Richard Hughes will have the inside track on the Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, having been responsible for his arrival on the south coast.
But Liverpool also needs a goalscorer to take the pressure off Mohamed Salah’s shoulders, despite the Egyptian’s record-breaking campaign. With 22 goals and 11 assists for Eintracht Frankfurt across all competitions so far this season, Hugo Ekitike could be the perfect addition.
Finally, a quality center midfielder is required to add a new dimension and give the engine room a little respite, and Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller looks like a gettable option who could soon reach world-class status.
- Leo Collis
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Manchester City
4 of 6
Starting budget: €100M
Outgoings:
Nathan Ake - €32M
John Stones - €30M
Ilkay Gundogan - €7M
Jack Grealish - €35M
Kyle Walker - €6M
Issa Kabore - €6M
Kalvin Phillips - €15M
Maximo Perrone - €9M
Kevin De Bruyne - Free
Outgoings total: €140M
Incomings budget: €240M
Incomings:
Rodrygo - €100M
Morgan Gibbs-White - €50M
Tijani Reijnders - €50M
Antonio Silva - €32M
Incomings total: €232M
A lot of Man City’s shortcomings will be fixed by Rodri’s return from long-term injury next season. Pep Guardiola started the rebuild in January with Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez and Abdukodir Khusanov brought in to replace some of the old guard. We should see a continuation of this over the summer.
City currently lacks a Riyad Mahrez. A player who impacts games, whether he starts or comes off the bench. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo would be an excellent acquisition with this kind of role in mind. Erling Haaland’s injury issues have made it obvious that more is needed in attack, with wingers Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku rarely offering consistency. Rodrygo is a game-changer and could benefit from escaping the Spanish capital before Xabi Alonso arrives with his style and targets in mind.
Pep’s side has looked slow in midfield this year, so recent links to Milan’s Tijani Reijnders need to be capitalised on. He’s a dynamic talent and I’m surprised there’s seemingly no competition for his signature. Add in Morgan Gibbs-White to replace Kevin De Bruyne and the window would start to look a particularly shrewd one. MGW has developed into a leader and he has the same ‘I’ll do it myself’ attitude that has led De Bruyne to create and score so many goals. He’s a top pick-up.
Constant defensive injuries should also ensure Pep looks to bring in at least one more player at the back. Benfica’s Antonio Silva is ready to make the next step. His attention to detail and concentration could really help a City defence that can no longer rely on Kyle Walker’s pace to get them out of trouble.
- Nick Akerman
Manchester United
5 of 6
Starting budget: €100M
Outgoings:
Andre Onana - €32M
Altay Bayindir - €10M
Victor Lindelof - €10M
Luke Shaw - €19M
Diogo Dalot - €35M
Casemiro - €12M
Christian Eriksen - €6M
Marcus Rashford - €50M
Antony - €20M
Rasmus Hojlund - €45M
Tyrell Malacia - €12M
Jadon Sancho - €30M
Outgoings total: €281M
Incomings budget: €381M
Incomings:
Matheus Cunha - €55M
Bryan Mbeumo - €50M
Xavi Simons - €70M
Douglas Luiz - €38M
Diogo Costa - €38M
Arijanet Muric - €6M
Antonee Robinson - €35M
Piero Hincapie - €50M
Carlos Baleba - €35M
Incomings total: €376M
Manchester United’s ‘dream’ transfer window would mean huge changes coming to Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim’s squad is in awful shape, filled with players who aren’t good enough to play for the club and don’t fit into his specific tactical style. United need to sell at least the 12 players mentioned (sorry, Casemiro, you’ve been great recently, United need to move on). Picking the right replacements this summer will make or break Amorim’s tenure.
For me, United need to prioritise players who are accustomed to the pressures of the Premier League. Those who have proven themselves but have another level to reach. The constant links to Matheus Cunha are well-pitched; he’s a hungry, top-quality star who doesn’t need to adapt to England. United should take this blueprint and run by going for Bryan Mbeumo as well. That’s a combined total of 33 goals and 13 assists so far this season.
The rest of this squad needs this kind of thinking, too. Antonee Robinson has been the best left-back in the division this campaign, and he’s attainable. Carlos Baleba’s hard work and quality on the ball would add vital legs to Amorim’s midfield, while bringing Juventus outcast Douglas Luiz back to England would provide much-needed bite and agility. Those options, alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte, start to seem pretty attractive.
I’m not convinced by Diogo Dalot and I believe it’s time to move Luke Shaw on, despite his obvious qualities when fit. Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie is one of the most tactically astute defenders in Europe and is capable of filling in across the backline. He’s also excellent on the ball and could be a fine addition alongside Leny Yoro, whose recent improvements in possession indicate a bright future.
The size of Amorim’s task is rammed home by the realisation that both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir need to be replaced as soon as possible. Porto’s Diogo Costa could be a shrewd piece of business; he’s young, proven in big matches and has the attributes to play how Amorim wants. I’d reinforce him with a less fancied, but Premier League-experienced player in Ipswich Town’s Arijanet Muric, who should be easy to get.
All of this would represent a huge summer for the Reds. You may have noticed Xavi Simons is also on the list, a player who is creative enough to improve any team in the world. United really need to attain something like what’s written above; big changes with players who are worth the money they’ll cost. Adding Simons is dream territory and would determine how seriously INEOS are taking the rebuild.
- Nick Akerman
Tottenham Hotspur
6 of 6
Tottenham Hotspur
Starting budget: €100 million
Outgoings:
Sergio Reguilón - Free
Richarlison - €25 million
Fraser Forster - Free
Ben Davies - Free
Pedro Porro - €45 million
Cristian Romero - €55 million
Manor Solomon - €12 million
Pierre Emile-Højbjerg - €20 million
Bryan Gil - €15 million
Outgoings total: €172 million
Incomings budget: €272 million
Incomings:
Mathys Tel - €40 million
Kevin Danso - €25 million
Marc Guehi - €45 million
Ola Aina - Free
Mathías Olivera - €18 million
Eberechi Eze - €55 million
Incomings total: €183 million
Despite reaching the Europa League final, Tottenham Hotspur have had a dire season.
The London club is in serious danger of finishing 17th in the Premier League, one spot (although plenty of points) away from the relegation zone.
With that in mind, Spurs need to steel themselves for bids for some of their best players. Pedro Porro and Cristian Romero will no doubt receive enquiries, but the club needs to watch out for vultures sniffing around Destiny Udogie, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, too.
Richarlison’s failed attempt to fill the Harry Kane void could also see the Brazilian depart. But his replacement might already be at the club in Mathys Tel, and Spurs will likely look to make his loan move from Bayern Munich permanent.
Kevin Danso’s loan move came with a commitment to buy, so that’s at least one less thing to worry about. Marc Guehi would be a smart signing from London rivals Crystal Palace, while it would be a huge coup if they could snag Eagles teammate Eberechi Eze amid reported interest.
Assuming he doesn’t sign a new contract with Nottingham Forest, Ola Aina will be available on a free, potentially filling a gap at right-back if Porro departs. Meanwhile, a move for Mathias Olivera could provide cover on the other side of the back line and offer some insurance should Udogie join the defensive exodus.
- Leo Collis
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