Summer of records: 20 transfers exceeding €50 million

Premier League clubs shattered their summer spending record by splashing out £3.5 billion (around €4.1 billion) during the latest transfer window. But the biggest deals of the summer extend far beyond British borders, featuring record transfers, World Cup stars and unexpected departures. This is according to the BBC’s ranking of the 20 biggest transfers of the season, based on reported initial fees.

Defenders and midfielders dominate the biggest transfers

Tottenham broke their transfer record by signing Enzo Fernández for £125 million (€147 million), matching the all-time British record held by Alexander Isak. The 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder left Chelsea after just one season in London, where he made 36 Premier League appearances, scoring three goals and providing four assists. The north London club also completed the £52 million signing of central defender Axel Lacroix following tense negotiations with Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Liverpool finalised the transfer of 21-year-old French defender Jean-Clair Todibo in January. Signed to bolster a defence under reconstruction under Andoni Iraola, Todibo arrived with a shoulder injury. Everton saw striker Iliman Ndiaye leave Merseyside for Manchester City in a deal potentially worth £65 million. The Franco-Senegalese forward, adored by Toffees fans, had scored 15 goals in 67 Premier League games for the club.

World Cup stars and Saudi surprises

Several players who shone at the 2022 World Cup moved clubs this summer. England winger Jarrod Bowen, 25, joined FC Barcelona after a 17-goal season with Newcastle, including ten in the Champions League. Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons, who scored twice and provided two assists for the Netherlands at the World Cup, opted for a move to Saudi side Al-Qadsiah, where he will reunite with Brendan Rodgers. In surprise moves, Saudi clubs attracted several European talents. Croatia’s 22-year-old defender Joško Gvardiol left Manchester City for Al-Ahli in a deal reportedly worth €90 million. Chelsea signed Brazilian midfielder João Neves for up to €123 million, also choosing the Premier League after a season at Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, Ivorian striker Simon Adingra, named Bundesliga Young Player of the Season, signed for Real Madrid in a deal potentially worth €120 million.

Records broken and strategic farewells

Manchester City broke their own record by signing Englishman Cole Palmer for €90 million, following a season with 22 goals and eight assists for Chelsea. The Manchester club also sold Rodri, a symbol of their dominance in midfield, to Al-Qadsiah for €52 million. The Spanish midfielder, 2023 Ballon d'Or winner and Spain captain, is leaving City after being central to their play. Arsenal signed Declan Rice for €105 million, a record for a midfielder, following nine goals and four assists for Newcastle last season. Brazilian Martinelli, who scored 15 Premier League goals for Arsenal, was transferred to Tottenham for €75 million. Meanwhile, Chelsea acquired Cameroonian midfielder Jean-Michaël Seri for €52 million, while Manchester United signed Romeo Lavia for €70 million. This transfer window will go down as one of the wildest in football history, with record-breaking fees and bold choices reshaping the landscape of the beautiful game.