2026 Summer Transfers: Key Deals and Their Impact Analyzed

For Forest: Mixed feelings prevail. Anderson was pivotal in Forest’s journey to the Europa League semi-finals, yet replacing him won’t be straightforward. The financial return—£116m or possibly £130m—is staggering for a player they acquired two years ago for £35m. While his absence will be felt on the pitch, the club’s board will be pleased with this lucrative deal. Grade: A

For Man City: Anderson is viewed as a potential successor to Rodri, who may depart soon. Although still unproven at Champions League level, Anderson’s Premier League experience and duel-winning stats suggest promise. The high price tag reflects the premium on English talent but raises questions about value. Grade: C

For Anderson: This move offers a chance to prove himself at the highest level. With Rodri’s future uncertain, Anderson could secure significant playing time. Despite pressure, he appears more developed than some predecessors and has an opportunity to become a top midfielder. Grade: A+

July 23: Alejandro Garnacho Loaned from Chelsea to Aston Villa

For Chelsea: The club acted swiftly to offload Garnacho, whose stint at Stamford Bridge was underwhelming. The loan with an obligation to buy likely protects Chelsea financially, especially after signing Morgan Rogers for a record fee. Grade: A

For Aston Villa: Signing a player who struggled previously carries risk. Head coach Unai Emery hopes to rejuvenate Garnacho’s confidence, but fans remain cautious given his recent form. The deal also seems designed to navigate financial regulations cleverly. Grade: C

For Garnacho: A second fresh start in a year means he must perform to avoid slipping into mediocrity. Emery’s track record suggests potential, but Garnacho faces intense expectations, particularly following Champions League qualification. Grade: B

July 23: Christos Tzolis Joins Arsenal for £34m from Club Brugge

For Brugge: Selling Tzolis for a club-record fee after signing him for €6.5m is a major success. The transfer fee will support the club’s ambitions following their recent league triumph. Grade: A

For Arsenal: Replacing Leandro Trossard, Tzolis brings impressive statistics, including 51 goal contributions last season. Yet his prior Premier League struggles with Norwich raise doubts about adaptation. Patience will be key as he integrates. Grade: B+

For Tzolis: Returning to England with a point to prove, Tzolis prioritised Arsenal’s interest. His strong Belgian season bodes well, but he faces the challenge of maintaining that level in a tougher league. Grade: A+

July 23: Karim Adeyemi Moves from Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona for €29m

For Dortmund: With just a year left on his contract and no renewal in sight, Dortmund maximised their position by securing a sell-on clause despite a modest upfront fee. Grade: B

For Barcelona: This acquisition may prove smart. Adeyemi, 24, offers pace and versatility as a cost-effective alternative to bigger names. Manager Hansi Flick’s faith in him could unlock potential. Grade: B+

For Adeyemi: After an inconsistent spell at Dortmund, this timely move to Camp Nou provides an excellent platform to fulfill his potential, with less pressure and a revamped attacking lineup. Grade: A

July 21: Morgan Rogers' £117m Transfer from Aston Villa to Chelsea

For Villa: Losing their star player to a lower-ranked rival without European football highlights their position in the hierarchy. The enormous fee provides financial relief but frustrates fans aware of ownership constraints. Grade: B+

For Chelsea: Surprising given budget concerns, Chelsea outbid Arsenal to sign Rogers. Financing may rely on outgoing transfers. Though expensive, Rogers complements the attacking options and could thrive under Xabi Alonso. Grade: B

For Rogers: Choosing Chelsea over Arsenal defied expectations. Guaranteed playing time and financial incentives likely influenced his decision. Despite club instability, this move might suit him well. Grade: B

July 14: Youri Tielemans Signs for Manchester United from Aston Villa for £35m

For Villa: Losing a key player who contributed significantly to recent success is a setback, especially amid injury issues in midfield. The fee is considered low given his value. Grade: D

For United: Securing Tielemans discreetly adds needed experience amid other midfield departures and injuries. Though older than typical targets, his Premier League pedigree strengthens the squad. Grade: B+

For Tielemans: A late-career step up, joining a prestigious club offers a chance to showcase his skills on a grand stage. This move likely exceeds his own expectations at 29. Grade: A

July 13: Andrey Santos Moves from Chelsea to Manchester United for £50m

For Chelsea: Selling a promising young midfielder to a rival is unusual but lucrative. The deal fits the BlueCo model of profit-driven sales, though it risks losing future talent. Grade: B-

For Man Utd: After missing out on preferred targets, United made a hurried signing to bolster midfield depth. The high price for a non-guaranteed starter raises doubts. Grade: C

For Santos: Seeking more regular playtime and stability, Santos moves to a Champions League club. Success depends on seizing opportunities amid competition. Grade: B

July 6: Sandro Tonali Transfers from Newcastle to Tottenham for £100m

For Newcastle: The sale signals a decline in ambition as investment slows. Fans face disappointment after an underwhelming season and further squad weakening. Grade: F

For Tottenham: Breaking their transfer record twice shows intent, though the large sums spent on players like Tonali reflect desperation as much as ambition. If De Zerbi stays, Tonali could flourish. Grade: B+

For Tonali: A surprising switch to a struggling side rather than a top club. Success hinges on Spurs’ stability and De Zerbi’s tenure. Grade: C+

July 5: Denzel Dumfries Joins Real Madrid from Inter for €20m

For Inter: The low release clause set by Dumfries himself limits the transfer income, making this a poor deal for the club. Grade: C

For Madrid: A bargain signing for a quality full-back. Though not a long-term solution, Dumfries can provide solid cover and attacking threat. Grade: A

For Dumfries: A deserved big move late in his career with reduced pressure due to the low fee. Competing for a starting role in Madrid promises excitement. Grade: A+

July 2: Mateus Fernandes Signs for Tottenham from West Ham for £85m

For West Ham: The hefty fee helps soften relegation impacts. Smart negotiating despite weak position deserves praise. Grade: A

For Tottenham: Major investment to overhaul a struggling midfield. The price tag demands immediate results. Grade: C+

For Fernandes: A sideways move in terms of club stature, but a chance to feature regularly and develop under De Zerbi. Grade: B

July 1: Ismael Saibari Moves to Bayern Munich from PSV for €50m

For PSV: A good sale for a homegrown talent, likely funding future signings. Grade: B

For Bayern: A planned acquisition fitting their style and needs. Saibari’s World Cup form justified the signing. Grade: A

For Saibari: Riding high after a standout World Cup, he now faces stiff competition but enters a club where he fits well. Grade: A

July 1: Marco Palestra Transfers to Chelsea from Atalanta for £47m

For Atalanta: Profitable sale of academy product who impressed on loan. Grade: A

For Chelsea: A swift coup reflecting new management influence, though the fee is high for a young player with limited top-flight experience. Grade: B

For Palestra: Financially rewarding move offering Premier League exposure and chances to impress under Alonso. Grade: A

June 30: Goncalo Ramos Signs for AC Milan from Paris Saint-Germain for €75m

For PSG: Massive profit on a seldom-used player, enabling reinvestment in better targets. Grade: A+

For Milan: Questionable expenditure for a player of Ramos’s profile; conspiracy theories abound. High pressure awaits. Grade: D+

For Ramos: A long-awaited chance to lead a major club’s attack, with significant expectations. Grade: A

June 18: Jan Paul van Hecke Moves to Tottenham from Brighton for £52m

For Brighton: Excellent business for a player nearing contract end, ensuring strong return. Grade: A

For Tottenham: Possibly overpaying, but acquiring a known quantity and familiar player for De Zerbi’s system. Grade: B-

For Van Hecke: A logical career step offering a platform to prove himself at a larger club with a trusted coach. Grade: A

June 18: Victor Munoz Joins Liverpool from Osasuna for £34.5m

For Osasuna: Good profit despite sell-on clause limitations. Grade: B-

For Liverpool: A shrewd capture for a versatile winger to fill gaps after departures and injuries. Grade: A

For Munoz: Opportunity to settle at a major club with a supportive coach, though competition will be tough. Grade: A

June 18: Ibrahima Konate Moves to Real Madrid from Liverpool on Free Transfer

For Liverpool: Failure to renew a key defender’s contract led to losing him for nothing, marking wasted potential. Grade: D

For Madrid: Taking a risk on a flawed but talented defender who could provide depth amid uncertainty. Grade: B

For Konate: Achieved dream move but faces intense scrutiny to perform immediately. Grade: A

June 17: Bernardo Silva Joins Real Madrid from Manchester City on Free Transfer

For Man City: Farewell to a club legend whose departure leaves a gap in skill and leadership. Grade: D

For Madrid: Strong acquisition that boosts quality and experience while denying rivals. Grade: B+

For Silva: Long-awaited move to Spain offers a new challenge to extend his top-level career. Grade: A+

June 15: Marc Cucurella Transfers to Real Madrid from Chelsea for €60m

For Chelsea: Recouping some value from a player who wanted to leave; the loss of experience is notable. Grade: B-

For Madrid: Costly addition that fills a tactical need but raises questions about longevity and squad balance. Grade: C

For Cucurella: Moves to a major club at his peak, with expectations to deliver quickly. Grade: A

June 5: Andy Robertson Joins Tottenham on Free Transfer from Liverpool

For Liverpool: Emotional departure of a key player whose experience will be missed. Grade: D

For Tottenham: A somewhat puzzling signing that may boost dressing room morale but does not address clear weaknesses. Grade: C

For Robertson: Seeking playing time ahead of World Cup, he takes a chance in a team in transition. Grade: C

May 29: Anthony Gordon Moves to Barcelona from Newcastle for €80m

For Newcastle: The hefty fee contrasts with limited on-field impact and signals decline in status. Grade: B-

For Barcelona: Overpaying for a versatile but inconsistent player; hopes rest on World Cup form and system fit. Grade: C+

For Gordon: Dream move to a giant club, with pressure to prove worth and seize the moment. Grade: A