The Summer Transfer Window Closes
The summer transfer window has officially shut for most European leagues, bringing an exhilarating conclusion to the transfer business. Liverpool has successfully negotiated with Newcastle for the signing of Alexander Isak, while the situation surrounding Marc Guehi remains uncertain. In another key development, Manchester City has finalized an agreement with PSG for the transfer of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, while Ederson is set to join Fenerbahce.
As of Monday, only LaLiga is still operating its transfer window, which will remain open until 6 p.m. ET. Other European leagues, including those in Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, will continue to accept transactions for a while longer, allowing additional opportunities for clubs and players who were unable to finalize moves before the September 1 deadline. Free agents, in contrast, can still sign with teams if they are currently unattached.
Top Deals of the Day
- Aleksander Isak from Newcastle to Liverpool for $175 million
- Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG to Manchester City for $30 million
- Edon Zhegrova from Lille to Juventus for $20 million
- Loic Openda from RB Leipzig to Juventus for $40 million
- Jadon Sancho from Manchester United to Aston Villa on loan
- Adrien Rabiot from OM to AC Milan for $10 million
- Yoane Wissa from Brentford to Newcastle for $73 million
- Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp to Manchester United for $23 million
- Randal Kolo Muani from PSG to Tottenham on loan
- Manuel Akanji from Manchester City to Inter on loan
- Benjamin Pavard from Inter to OM on loan
- Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea to Bayern Munich on loan with a buy option included
The Isak Transfer Saga Concluded
The prolonged transfer saga involving Alexander Isak has finally reached its conclusion, with Liverpool acquiring the Swedish striker in a record-setting deal worth approximately $175 million from Newcastle. This transfer is now recognized as the most expensive in Premier League history. The negotiations stretched throughout the summer of 2025, particularly as Isak was eager to leave Newcastle and abstained from training and matches under coach Eddie Howe’s direction. Ultimately, the transfer materialized on the final day of the window, following medical tests conducted in the morning.
In addition to Isak, Liverpool also signed Florian Wirtz earlier in the summer, marking two of the highest transfer fees in the league’s history, with Wirtz moving from Bayer Leverkusen for $133 million.
Surprising Moves on Deadline Day
While many transfers were anticipated, some unexpected moves emerged. Notably, Inter secured Manuel Akanji on loan from Manchester City, with an option to purchase included. At the same time, Olympique Marseille welcomed French international Benjamin Pavard from Inter. Pavard’s departure comes two years after his Bayern Munich move, during which he celebrated a Serie A title under Simone Inzaghi. Akanji, who was also being considered by AC Milan, ultimately chose to join their rivals at the last moment.
The Deal That Could Have Been
Although Liverpool was notably active in the transfer market, securing Isak, they encountered a setback with Marc Guehi’s potential signing from Crystal Palace. In the afternoon, Liverpool reached an agreement to secure Guehi for over $46 million, which included a 10% sell-on clause. However, the deal fell apart when Palace was unable to finalize a replacement for their club captain in time, despite Guehi having a contract that runs until the summer of 2026. This development leaves open the possibility that Guehi could depart as a free agent next year, a situation that would be particularly striking given that Palace could have profited significantly from his sale this summer.
