2026 Summer Transfer Window: Biggest Winners and Losers
The summer transfer window of 2026 drew to a close with Europe's top clubs in the spotlight. The Premier League dominated Deadline Day with a flurry of moves, breaking records and shaking up squads. Meanwhile, Spain’s giants — Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid — kept quieter after early summer activity.
As the dust settles, some players and clubs clearly benefited, while others faced setbacks.
Top Winners of the Window
- Enzo Fernández: After being rejected by Real Madrid, Fernández set his sights on Manchester City to reunite with former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca. Despite missing an initial deadline, City sealed a record-breaking $169 million (£125 million) deal on Deadline Day, making Fernández the first player transferred twice for over £100 million. Leaving Chelsea, who aren’t in European competitions this season, for a title-contending City side, and reuniting with Maresca, marks a huge win.
- Real Madrid: The Spanish giants took care of business early. They addressed every weak spot: signing Denzel Dumfries for right back, Marc Cucurella at left back, Yan Diomande on the wing, and bringing Ibrahima Konaté on a free. Though missing out on Rodri, they added Bernardo Silva and locked down Vinícius Júnior with a six-year extension. Their start to the season under José Mourinho has been flawless: three wins, 10 goals scored, just two conceded. Plus, they set a new revenue record from player sales.
- Anthony Gordon: Moving from Newcastle to Barcelona transformed Gordon’s prospects. No longer stuck in a struggling Premier League team, he now plays alongside stars like Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Pedri, and Raphinha under Hansi Flick. Champions League nights await, and with Raphinha as the main striker, Gordon enjoys freedom on the left wing, already contributing three assists in as many games.
- Chelsea: Despite a setback losing out on Lamine Camara, Chelsea strengthened key positions by signing Morgan Rogers, goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, and defenders Maxence Lacroix and Marco Palestra. Their sales, including Fernández for $169 million (£125 million), Cucurella, and Nicolas Jackson, brought in over $326 million (£241.8 million). The club cleared out 26 players, giving new manager Xabi Alonso a fresh squad to shape.
Notable Losers of the Transfer Window
- Julián Álvarez: After publicly demanding a move from Atlético Madrid during the World Cup, Álvarez was blocked from joining Barcelona amid tense exchanges between club officials. Arsenal also attempted to intervene, but Álvarez stood firm on only joining Barcelona. In the end, he remains stuck in Madrid, having damaged relationships with the coach, management, and fans.
- Liverpool: Losing Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konaté before the window opened, Liverpool needed urgent reinforcements. Instead, they signed two left wingers, Bradley Barcola and Víctor Muñoz, leaving their right flank exposed. Defensive signings included young center backs Jérémy Jacquet and Ronald Araújo, but doubts remain. On Deadline Day, they added goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans, who won’t arrive until next summer. Opening two matches without a win, their issues persist.
- Joshua Zirkzee: Zirkzee nearly secured a move to Everton amid a hectic Deadline Day, but Manchester United blocked the transfer, unwilling to lose a forward without a replacement lined up. Having turned down Fiorentina, Zirkzee remains on the fringes at Old Trafford, with minimal game time despite Šeško’s ongoing fitness problems.
- Tottenham Hotspur: Spurs spent heavily, signing Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Sávio, and Omar Marmoush on loan, totaling $413.8 million. Yet they lost their first two Premier League games 5-0 on aggregate. Signing Mykhailo Mudryk, out of action for over 20 months due to suspension, raised eyebrows. Spending big hasn’t yet translated into cohesion or results for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
