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2026 Summer Transfer Window: Top Winners and Biggest Losers

The summer transfer window of 2026 brought a flurry of activity across Europe's top leagues, with some clubs and players thriving while others fell short of expectations. As the deadline passed on Tuesday evening, clear victors and unfortunate losers emerged from the chaos.

Winners

  • Enzo Fernández: After being publicly rejected by Real Madrid, Fernández redirected his efforts toward Manchester City, aiming to reunite with former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca. Despite initial setbacks, the transfer was finalized on Deadline Day for an eye-watering $169 million (£125 million), making him the first player to surpass £100 million twice in transfer fees. Leaving behind a Chelsea side excluded from European competitions, Fernández now joins one of England's strongest contenders.
  • Real Madrid: Although quiet on Deadline Day, Real Madrid completed most of their significant signings before the season began. Addressing key weaknesses, they secured Denzel Dumfries for right back, World Cup winner Marc Cucurella for left back, Yan Diomande for the right wing, and Ibrahima Konaté on a free transfer to strengthen center back. While missing out on Rodri, they did acquire Bernardo Silva. Their new recruits have helped José Mourinho’s return start perfectly, with three wins from three matches, 10 goals scored, and just two conceded. Vinícius Júnior also extended his contract for six years, and the club set a new record in revenue from player sales.
  • Anthony Gordon: Moving from Newcastle United to Barcelona marked a huge step up for Gordon. Leaving behind a struggling Premier League team, he now plays with elite talents like Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Pedri, and Raphinha under manager Hansi Flick. Champions League football and multiple recent titles await him at Camp Nou. With Raphinha as the No. 9, Gordon has freedom on the left wing and has already delivered three assists in as many games.
  • Chelsea: Despite losing out on Lamine Camara late in the window, Chelsea managed a strong transfer window overall. They signed Morgan Rogers, Emiliano Martínez as goalkeeper, Maxence Lacroix at center back, and Serie A Defender of the Year Marco Palestra. The club earned $169 million (£125 million) from Fernández’s departure and a combined $157.3 million (£116.8 million) from the exits of Cucurella and Nicolas Jackson. A total of 26 players left, either on permanent deals or loans, allowing Xabi Alonso to shape a refreshed squad.

Losers

  • Julián Alvarez: The Argentine winger’s desire to leave Atlético Madrid and join Barcelona became a saga during the World Cup, with Los Rojiblancos refusing to sell despite public outcry and social media drama. Attempts by Arsenal to provide an alternative were rejected by Alvarez, who insisted on Barcelona only. Ultimately, he remained trapped at Atlético, damaging relationships with the manager Diego Simeone, club leaders, and fans.
  • Liverpool: Facing the departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konaté, Liverpool needed reinforcements. Yet their window saw signings mainly of two left wingers, Bradley Barcola and Víctor Muñoz, leaving a glaring gap on the right where Salah once ruled. Defensive additions included young center back Jérémy Jacquet and the injury-prone Ronald Araújo. On Deadline Day, they added goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans, but he will not arrive until next summer. The Reds started the season poorly with two losses and ongoing defensive issues.
  • Joshua Zirkzee: Linked briefly with Everton in a last-minute twist, Zirkzee’s potential move was blocked by Manchester United, unwilling to lose their backup striker without a replacement. After rejecting Fiorentina's interest, Zirkzee remains sidelined at Old Trafford, struggling for game time. The presence of Benjamin Šeško and fitness concerns add to his difficulties.
  • Tottenham Hotspur: Spurs invested heavily, bringing in Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Sávio, and Omar Marmoush, spending over $413 million. Despite this, the team lost their first two Premier League games by a combined 5–0. The signing of Mykhailo Mudryk, returning from a lengthy doping ban, raises questions about cohesion and readiness. The transfer window’s promise remains unfulfilled so far.

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