Transfer Talk: Premier League’s big moves, bold departures, and what’s next

After a brief open-and-close for the Club World Cup, the summer transfer window is now well underway and yet again, clubs will be looking to bolster their squads in a bid to chase success next season. The Premier League has already seen some big arrivals and departures in what is shaping up to be a significant window for the future of the league. We’ll take a look at some key signings and sales thus far.

Some big names have already signed their contracts with Premier League clubs – and we start with the most expensive, and perhaps most impactful, signing of the summer so far.

After winning the Premier League, the Reds are definitely issuing a statement of intent for next season with such an active window

Liverpool have signed 22-year-old German star Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for what is both a club and British record fee of £116m, including add-ons. Liverpool haven’t stopped there though. They have also confirmed the signing of wingback Jeremie Frimpong, also from Leverkusen, and have since completed the transfer of Bournemouth fullback Milos Kerkez.

All three had impressive campaigns in 2024/25. After winning the Premier League, the Reds are definitely issuing a statement of intent for next season with such an active window.

Rivals Manchester United have also been active, already sealing the transfer of Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m. Talented wonderkid Rayan Cherki has also moved to Manchester, but will be wearing blue rather than red. It will remain to be seen if he can fill the boots of the departing Kevin De Bruyne, but his future is undoubtedly bright.

City have also bolstered their squad with the signings of Tijani Reijnders and Rayan Ait-Nouri – two capable players who will add another dimension to Pep Guardiola’s plans.

There have also been some huge departures, none more so than that of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has left Liverpool for Real Madrid

Chelsea look to have addressed their striker shortage by signing Liam Delap for £30m, after a promising debut season in the Premier League with Ipswich Town, where he scored twelve goals.

There have also been some huge departures, none more so than that of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has left Liverpool for Real Madrid in a £10m deal that finalised towards the end of his contract. Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne finished 10 years of service for the club, moving to Napoli and Serie A on a free transfer.

There is also more movement to come. Arsenal are looking at making heavy swings in the market, targeting Real Madrid forward Rodrygo and promising RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško to strengthen an attack that is largely supported by the output of Bukayo Saka.

Viktor Gyökeres has been a reoccurring name in transfer affairs since a stellar season with Sporting Lisbon that saw him notch 54 goals in 52 games in all competitions this season.

With plenty of deals still on the table, the drama is only just beginning

Both Arsenal and Manchester United are looking at the striker, but the Swede reportedly favours the Emirates over Old Trafford. A deal of around £60m could be done.

Young French striker Hugo Ekitike is also a hot name, with both Chelsea and Liverpool vying for his signature. However, Frankfurt’s valuation of around £80m looks to be too steep for the English clubs. A move may not be imminent, but it is definitely one to watch for the rest of the window.

As the summer window unfolds, the Premier League is set for another season of intense competition. Shocks and twists should be expected as the weeks go by, as clubs go head-to-head to get their man. With plenty of deals still on the table, the drama is only just beginning.