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<p>Record Expenditure Recorded</p>
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<p><img alt="Reijnders, Ekitiké & Co. - Our writers choose their top five Premier League transfers this summer" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/pl-best-transfers-spotlight-1756985111-176717.png" title="Reijnders, Ekitiké & Co. - Our writers choose their top five Premier League transfers this summer"></p>
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<p>The 2025/26 summer transfer window marked a historic high for spending among Premier League clubs, with a total outlay exceeding €3.93 billion. Many high-profile players have switched clubs, each laden with expectations. Who will adapt quickly, and who might find the Premier League's challenges daunting? Our writers at <em>Transfermarkt</em> UK have reviewed the transfers of the season and highlighted the top five, assessing them based on quality, potential, their new roles, age, and transfer fees.</p>
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<h2><strong>Top Five Transfers This Summer According to Transfermarkt Writers</strong></h2>
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<h2>Ben Littlemore:</h2>
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<p><strong>5. Granit Xhaka to Sunderland -</strong> Sunderland has made a bold move this summer, setting the record for the highest spending by a newly promoted club. Among several young acquisitions, the leadership of Granit Xhaka as their new captain could be what keeps them in the Premier League.</p>
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<p><strong>4. Eberechi Eze to Arsenal -</strong> Arsenal has long needed competition for Gabriel Martinelli on the left-wing, and with Eberechi Eze on board, they have secured a versatile and creative player in the prime of his career. This may signify the end of Martinelli’s days as the primary option in that position.</p>
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<p><strong>3. Estêvão to Chelsea -</strong> Chelsea has acquired a generational talent from Brazil for a comparatively modest fee of €34m. While their recent transfer strategy has been erratic, this deal looks promising, as Estêvão already possesses a market value of €60m.</p>
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<p><strong>2. Martín Zubimendi to Arsenal -</strong> There’s a reason why many top clubs were chasing Martín Zubimendi. Arsenal's acquisition of him ahead of teams like Liverpool and Real Madrid is a significant achievement. Regarded as the 'best midfielder in LaLiga,' he is anticipated to play a crucial role in Arsenal's ambitions.</p>
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<p><strong>1. Tijjani Reijnders to Man City -</strong> Manchester City has secured the best goalscoring midfielder in Europe's major leagues with the addition of Tijjani Reijnders. He scored 15 goals for AC Milan last season and excelled in City's opening match against Wolves. Positioned as the most attacking midfielder, he is expected to thrive.</p>
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<p><img alt="" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/ben-top-5-transfers-1756476437-176155.png?lm=1756476489" width="503"></p>
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<h2>Stefan Bienkowski:</h2>
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<p><strong>5. Gianluigi Donnarumma to Man City -</strong> Pep Guardiola and his team may have found their ultimate goalkeeper in Gianluigi Donnarumma. Often overlooked at Paris, he is expected to upgrade City's goalkeeping situation significantly, potentially becoming the best in the Premier League.</p>
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<p><strong>4. Tijjani Reijnders to Man City -</strong> With Rodri needing backup, Reijnders could be the solution. Not just a holding midfielder, he has the potential to be a superb playmaker, especially during Kevin De Bruyne’s absence.</p>
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<p><strong>3. Florian Wirtz to Liverpool -</strong> Although he may take time to adjust to the Premier League’s physicality, Wirtz is expected to add a new attacking dimension for Liverpool, potentially becoming a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah.</p>
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<p><strong>2. Eberechi Eze to Arsenal -</strong> Arsenal’s previous dependence on Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka was a flaw last season. Eze's arrival should enhance their attacking options and offer a more varied threat for the team.</p>
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<p><strong>1. Hugo Ekitiké to Liverpool -</strong> Liverpool securely landed a remarkable new forward in Hugo Ekitiké, who has seamlessly adapted to English football. His youth means he will be a critical asset to Arne Slot’s offense this season.</p>
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<p><img alt="" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/transfers-stefan-1756984564-176715.png?lm=1756984722" width="503"></p>
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<h2>Euan Robertson</h2>
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<p><strong>5. Hugo Ekitiké to Liverpool -</strong> The 23-year-old has made an immediate impact with three goals in three matches. While players typically need time to acclimatize, Ekitiké's performance suggests he may not. His ranking might be higher if not for the competition he faces from Isak.</p>
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<p><strong>4. João Palhinha to Tottenham -</strong> After an outstanding performance for Fulham but struggling at Bayern Munich, Palhinha will be keen to prove his worth. He's a quality midfielder who brings experience to Tottenham’s youthful lineup.</p>
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<p><strong>3. Giovanni Leoni to Liverpool -</strong> While €31m may seem steep for a player with one season of professional football, Leoni has the potential to become an exceptional center-back, filling a vital gap for Liverpool as Virgil van Dijk ages.</p>
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<p><strong>2. Rayan Cherki to Lyon -</strong> Having closely monitored Cherki since his debut, I consider him a generational talent. His signing at €36.5m could be a bargain, especially compared to other high-profile transfers this season.</p>
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<p><strong>1. Estêvão to Chelsea -</strong> As reported by renowned Brazilian journalist Thiago Rabelo, Estêvão is viewed as the best talent to emerge from Brazil since Neymar. At just €34m, he has already made an impact, showcasing his skills in his initial Premier League appearances.</p>
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<h2><img alt="" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/pl-transfers-euan-1756478456-176160.png?lm=1756478482" width="503"></h2>
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<h2>Joe Krishnan</h2>
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<p><strong>5. Habib Diarra to Sunderland -</strong> This might seem an unconventional choice, but I've been observing Diarra since Chelsea's ownership began. Now at 19, he's ready to make a major impact at Sunderland.</p>
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<p><strong>4. Eberechi Eze to Arsenal -</strong> Arsenal's strategy to secure the title is evident in signing the now 27-year-old Eze, poised to elevate his game while surrounded by high-caliber teammates.</p>
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<p><strong>3. João Pedro to Chelsea -</strong> Contrary to what many believe, Chelsea requires a striker who can connect the attack and midfield. João Pedro exemplifies this, having already scored four goals since his arrival and showing promise in collaboration with Estêvão.</p>
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<p><strong>2. Viktor Gyökeres to Arsenal -</strong> Combining power, speed, and finishing ability, Gyökeres signals a return of the traditional striker to Arsenal, enhancing their title ambitions with a reasonable fee of €65.8m.</p>
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<p><strong>1. Florian Wirtz to Liverpool -</strong> Despite not having the explosive start anticipated, Wirtz possesses immense potential. He could become a playmaker of note, linking up well with Ekitiké and Salah as he adapts to the Premier League.</p>
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<p><img alt="" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/pl-transfers-joe-1756477659-176158.png?lm=1756477694" width="503"></p>
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