2026 Summer Transfer Window: Who Triumphed and Who Struggled?

The Saudi Pro League reshaped the transfer landscape, as Pep Guardiola noted back in 2023. Although Mohamed Salah chose Turkey over Saudi Arabia this summer, recent high-profile signings like Francisco Trincao, Tijjani Reijnders, Crysencio Summerville, Ollie Watkins, and Gabriel Martinelli indicate the league's financial pull remains strong. These players, many in their prime years, show that the Middle East still attracts Premier League talents despite perceptions of declining influence after Ronaldo's initial move.

Mohamed Salah Faces Setbacks at Trabzonspor

Salah has committed to Trabzonspor despite their humiliating Europa League exit. His public reaffirmation of dedication came amid speculation of regret after leaving Liverpool. The winger finds himself playing in the Conference League, far from the elite European stage he once graced. His wage demands possibly priced him out of stronger European clubs, leaving him in an unexpected situation that could haunt his career this season.

Arsenal Strengthens Squad Amid Transfer Misses

While Arsenal missed out on Vinicius Junior, Morgan Rogers, and Julian Alvarez, they did well to bolster key areas. Ezri Konsa joins as a solid replacement for injured William Saliba, Bruno Guimaraes has adapted swiftly, and Christos Tzolis appears to be a bargain signing. Selling Martinelli for a club-record £56 million also boosted their resources. Overall, the Gunners have enhanced an already strong squad, setting up a promising defense of their Premier League title.

Manchester United’s Defensive Woes Continue

Despite bolstering midfield with Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, and Carlos Baleba, United neglected to reinforce their defence. Michael Carrick expressed satisfaction with the window, but critics point out the fragile backline, which conceded 50 league goals last season and leaked four goals in the first two matches this campaign. Without a solid defensive overhaul, United’s title hopes look shaky at best.

Jose Mourinho Secures Top Role at Real Madrid

Mourinho, long past his peak, has returned to a top job thanks to Florentino Perez's support. Backed by a squad strengthened with Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, and Yan Diomande, Mourinho has resources to claim silverware. His history of shifting blame remains, but with this calibre of team, failure would be hard to excuse.

Liverpool’s Recruitment Under Richard Hughes Faces Criticism

Richard Hughes oversaw Liverpool’s biggest spending spree, yet fans are disappointed. The Reds’ title defense faltered badly under his tenure, and new coach Andoni Iraola is left with an unbalanced squad lacking depth, especially in midfield and full-back positions. Late and confusing moves, including signing Ronald Araujo while failing to replace Cody Gakpo, highlight poor planning. Hughes’s impending departure to Saudi Arabia leaves supporters wondering why he managed this crucial window.

Barcelona Achieves Financial Stability and Smart Transfers

This summer, Barcelona successfully registered all new signings before La Liga started—an unusual feat in recent years. Thanks to president Joan Laporta’s bold financial gambles and sporting director Deco’s skillful wage management, Barca balanced the books by offloading high earners like Robert Lewandowski and securing €50 million for Ferran Torres. La Masia graduates were sold for profit, signaling a return to fiscal health and freeing the club from pandemic-era constraints.

Julian Alvarez’s Blocked Move to Barcelona

Julian Alvarez openly desired a transfer to Barcelona, but Atletico Madrid refused to meet Barca’s high asking price. Public pressure tactics worsened relations, and Atleti held firm on principle rather than money. Alvarez missed games due to illness and faced a hostile reception upon return. Atletico sacrificed potential earnings to maintain dignity, while Alvarez’s future remains uncertain amid tension with fans and the club.

Aston Villa’s Rebuild After Key Departures

Following a historic Europa League win, Aston Villa saw six starters sold, including Lucas Digne, Emiliano Martinez, Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans, and Ollie Watkins. Manager Unai Emery stresses sales benefit the club, with reinvestment in young talent ongoing. Still, early Premier League losses reveal the daunting challenge of reconstructing a trophy-winning team dismantled for financial reasons.

Ruben Amorim’s Redemption at AC Milan

After a rough spell at Manchester United, Ruben Amorim found a fresh start at AC Milan. Initially not the first choice, he now leads a team heavily reinforced by big-money signings like Goncalo Ramos (€74m). An unbeaten start raises hopes that Amorim can restore his reputation as a leading young coach, though tougher tests loom with upcoming clashes against Juventus.

Marcus Rashford’s Stalled Barcelona Ambitions

Rashford hoped to make his loan spell at Barcelona permanent but was outbid in preference for Anthony Gordon. Despite setbacks, Rashford helped Gordon settle into La Liga life and is working to regain his place at Manchester United. His thwarted dream adds a bittersweet note to his season.

Bayern Munich Retains Key Players and Adds Depth

Bayern Munich strengthened smartly without panic buys. Signing Ismael Saibari ahead of his World Cup breakout was savvy, and Nathanial Brown has impressed since joining. Most importantly, Bayern kept Michael Olise, who nearly moved to Real Madrid. With these moves, Bayern remain contenders for their first Champions League title since 2020.

Tottenham’s Expensive Yet Ineffective Summer

Tottenham spent big after disappointing league finishes but remain unbalanced. Paying £92m for Sandro Tonali is somewhat justifiable, but £85m for Mateus Fernandes from a relegated club and £75m for Savio raise eyebrows. Early defeats suggest money hasn’t fixed quality or squad depth, placing immense pressure on manager Roberto De Zerbi.

Everton’s Chaotic Transfer Window

Jamie Carragher labeled Everton one of the worst-run Premier League clubs, a view supported by their disorganized summer. Failing to adequately replace outgoing players like Beto and Iliman Ndiaye left David Moyes short up front. Late transfer window drama saw failed deals and an underwhelming signing in Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Fans face bleak prospects as the club struggles to rebuild.

Elite Sellers Profit From Soaring Player Values

The market has shifted decisively in sellers' favor. Clubs like PSG earned €280m selling surplus forwards despite €150m spending. Chelsea recouped large fees by offloading fringe players, including Liam Delap for £45m. Manchester City expertly capitalized by selling Rodri for £65m and generating profits on lesser-used players. Tottenham paid an astounding £85m for Savio, a price widely seen as inflated, illustrating the madness that gripped this transfer window.

• Top Spending Clubs: Premier League clubs made nine of the ten most expensive signings.
• Biggest Sales: PSG (€280m), Chelsea (high profit on sales), Manchester City (£65m Rodri, £85m Savio).
• Notable Transfers: Yan Diomande (€125m to Real Madrid), Ezri Konsa (to Arsenal), Julian Alvarez (attempted Barcelona move blocked).
• Managerial Moves: Jose Mourinho returns to Real Madrid; Ruben Amorim takes over at AC Milan.