The summer transfer window of 2025 is now closed, and the Premier League’s 20 clubs have mostly wrapped up their deals, churned through their ins and outs, and set the tone for the season ahead. In this post I’ll give each club a brief grade, lay down their major transfers in and out, and offer a short verdict on whether their activity impressed, worried or made sense.

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Arsenal — Grade: A−

Arsenal added some excellent pieces without upsetting the balance too much. The signings were well targeted and, crucially, seem ready to contribute straight away. Major additions included Zubimendi, Nørgaard, Madueke, Gyökeres and Eze. Departures were few among the first-team stars, a sign of stability. Verdict: a near-perfect window that keeps them in the title conversation.

Aston Villa — Grade: B

Villa opted for steady progress, not big fireworks. They brought in some useful squad players and loanees to boost depth. The core remains, and the window aligns with that. Verdict: sensible business for a club aiming to climb steadily.

Bournemouth — Grade: B

Bournemouth have made some smart additions, particularly up front and in defence, strengthening without losing identity.

Brentford — Grade: B−

Brentford stuck to their model: they sold when they could, bought young, and reinvested scientifically. The result is stability rather than splash. Major moves were more about continuity than marquee additions. Verdict: good for maintaining mid-table security; maybe not yet pushing the ceiling.

Brighton & Hove Albion — Grade: B

Brighton continue to impress with recruitment. They’ve replaced outgoing talent and added high-upside players, all while keeping the club’s identity intact. The ins and outs reflect long-term vision. Verdict: excellent work from the recruitment team, a benchmark for others.

Burnley — Grade: C

Burnley’s window may not have grabbed the headlines, but the business was pragmatic. They focused on players who fit their system and budget rather than chasing big names. Verdict: for a club aiming at consolidation, this was sensible activity.

Chelsea — Grade: C+

Chelsea are clearly still rebuilding. They brought in youth and potential, which is exciting, but they also still feel a step away from being proper challengers. Major ins: Essugo, Delap, Sarr, Joao Pedro. Major outs: Nkunku, Chukwuemeka and a number of loans/sales. Verdict: promising, yes, but still work to do.

Crystal Palace — Grade: C+

A reasonably quiet window for Palace, prioritising stability rather than spectacle. They made a few additions and kept the core intact. Verdict: fine for their size and objectives, though fans might have hoped for a bit more excitement.

Everton — Grade: B+

Everton brought in some interesting prospects and worked hard to balance the books. While the window may lack a headline-grabber, the pieces could mature well. Major ins: Thierno Barry, Adam Aznou, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Major outs: multiple players moved for game time elsewhere. Verdict: a building window; results may follow.

Fulham — Grade: C

Fulham kept their team broadly intact and added some depth where needed. It wasn’t flashy, but it made sense for their ambitions under Marco Silva. Verdict: steady, competent business that should help keep them in the mix.

Leeds United — Grade: C

As one of the new boys to the league this season, Leeds have had to spend to prevent an instant return to the Championship, and while they have done so, the acquisitions remain uncertain over their ability, meaning this could be a terrific window, but this relies heavily on adapting to the moves.

Liverpool — Grade: A

Liverpool didn’t mess around. They made big signings in key areas while managing a squad refresh. Major ins: Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Giorgi Mamardashvili. Major outs: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhín Kelleher and others. Verdict: big risk, but potentially huge reward, this could be a defining window.

Manchester City — Grade: A

Manchester City were surgical. They replaced key players and refreshed their squad with high-quality options. Major ins: Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Gianluigi Donnarumma. Major outs: Kevin De Bruyne, Ederson and several long-serving stars. Verdict: textbook elite-club summer, ambitious and well executed.

Manchester United — Grade: B+

United made moves to improve the squad across attacking and creative positions. They still might need defensive reinforcements, but there’s a clear sense of direction. Major ins: Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Diego León. Major outs: Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelöf. Verdict: a positive window with momentum; could turn very good if follow-through happens.

Newcastle United — Grade: B-

Newcastle opted for measured improvements rather than full-scale overhaul. They kept faith in the squad that already performed well and added depth. Verdict: credible business; maybe not headline-dominating, but smart for sustainable progression.

Nottingham Forest — Grade: B

Forest had one of the busier windows. They brought in several loanees and signings that show ambition while balancing the immediate need to compete. Major ins: Dan Ndoye, Angus Gunn, James McAtee, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Douglas Luiz (loan). Major outs: Matt Turner and a few others. Verdict: ambitious and pragmatic — if the new arrivals click, this could be a breakout season.

Sunderland — Grade: A

As big spenders this summer, Sunderland spent heavy in their quest to stay in the top flight, and I think they’ve probably done enough. Most would expect them to have the best chance of survival given their spending, so hopefully those moves they made will pay off.

Tottenham Hotspur — Grade: B+

Spurs strengthened sensibly: they didn’t completely rebuild, but added quality where needed and moved on surplus players. Major ins/outs: targeted rather than sensational. Verdict: competent window, though fans may have hoped for a bit more fireworks or one guaranteed game-changer.

West Ham United — Grade: B−

West Ham’s business was cautious, adding role players, letting some go, balancing finances and competitiveness. It’s sensible, but perhaps lacks the ambition to leapfrog rivals. Verdict: safe rather than bold.

Wolverhampton Wanderers — Grade: C

Wolves maintained their strategy: adding depth and loans rather than big names. They kept the core and worked within constraints. Verdict: solid work for their size and budget; may need extra ambition to climb further.