Another exciting football season is on the way as plenty of players are on the move during this summer’s window.
The 2026 summer transfer window has already delivered big moves across Europe. Before and after the FIFA World Cup, clubs wasted no time reshaping their squads ahead of the new campaign. The usual title contenders are reinforcing key positions and underperforming giants rebuilding from scratch.
With big players on the move across Europe from record fees to free signings, here’s a look at some of the biggest transfers of the summer.
Anthony Gordon to Barcelona
One of the biggest deals of the summer belongs to Barcelona, who secured England international Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for a reported €80 million. The move marks a shift in Barcelona’s transfer strategy after multiple windows of bargain deals and loan signings. Gordon arrives to solve an immediate need on the left wing following Raphinha’s injury concerns and the expiration of Marcus Rashford’s loan spell.
The 25-year-old is coming off another impressive campaign and now forms one of football’s most exciting wing partnerships alongside Lamine Yamal. This gives Barcelona a strengthened attack capable of defending their LaLiga crown while hoping to end a Champions League drought that stretches back to 2015.
Morgan Rogers to Chelsea
The 2025-26 season was one to forget for Chelsea. A 10th-place Premier League finish meant no trophies and no European football, forcing the Blues into a major rebuild. Under new manager Xabi Alonso, Chelsea made an immediate statement by hijacking Arsenal’s move for Morgan Rogers. The England international arrives from Aston Villa for a reported €138 million.
Rogers gives Chelsea another versatile attacking option capable of playing across the frontline. He is expected to slot alongside Cole Palmer behind reigning club Player of the Year João Pedro, giving Alonso a dynamic trio to build around. Chelsea are expected to remain active throughout the window as they continue reshaping the squad after a disappointing campaign.
Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur
Back-to-back bottom-half finishes have left Tottenham supporters frustrated, and the club responded by making one of the biggest midfield overhauls of the summer. Spurs spent a combined €185 million to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United and Mateus Fernandes from Southampton. The duo immediately upgrades a midfield that lacked consistency throughout last season.
Tonali brings elite ball progression, while Fernandes gives more technical quality. Together, they give Spurs fans hope that they change their fortunes and kickstart Tottenham’s rebuild as the club looks to return to European football.
Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Denzel Dumfries, and Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid
No club has been busier than Real Madrid. Following a trophyless campaign, Los Blancos responded with a major rebuild by strengthening nearly every area of the pitch through a mix of smart spending and free transfers.
Marc Cucurella – now a World Cup winner with Spain – arrives from Chelsea for €55 million to solidify the left-back position. On the opposite flank, Denzel Dumfries joins from Inter Milan for just €20 million, providing experience and attacking quality following Dani Carvajal’s departure while Trent Alexander-Arnold continues working his way back to top form.
Madrid also pulled off two of the smartest deals of the summer by signing Bernardo Silva from Manchester City and Ibrahima Konaté from Liverpool on free transfers after both players’ contracts expired. Landing four established starters with two of them being on free transfer is another reminder of why Real Madrid remain one of the most feared operators in the transfer market.
Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos to Manchester United
Fresh off captaining Belgium to an impressive FIFA World Cup campaign, Youri Tielemans is heading to Old Trafford. Manchester United agreed to a €41 million deal with Aston Villa to strengthen the midfield following Casemiro’s departure. Tielemans brings experience, passing range, and leadership alongside Bruno Fernandes. Alongside Tielemans is another midfielder in Andrey Santos, who was signed for €56 million from Chelsea.
The moves also signal another step in Michael Carrick’s project as he enters his first full season in charge. After finishing third in the Premier League last season, United will be hoping Tielemans is one of the final pieces needed to mount a more serious title charge.
Elliot Anderson to Manchester City
With Bernardo Silva’s contract expiring, City wasted little time identifying his replacement. New manager Enzo Maresca made Elliott Anderson his marquee signing as the club began a new era in midfield. The signing was completed for €135 million. The England international is expected to partner Rodri while linking up with fellow creative star Rayan Cherki, giving City another technically gifted and hard-working midfield capable of dominating possession.
As always, Manchester City have invested in players who fit their long-term vision and Anderson could prove to be one of the defining signings of the window.
Banner Images from Anthony Gordon on Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Barcelona signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for a reported €80 million, addressing a left-wing need following Raphinha’s injury concerns and Marcus Rashford’s expired loan.
Chelsea signed Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a reported €138 million, reportedly hijacking a competing move from Arsenal, as part of a rebuild under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Real Madrid signed four established players: Marc Cucurella (€55 million) and Denzel Dumfries (€20 million) via transfer fees, plus Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konaté on free transfers after their contracts expired.
Tottenham signed Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United and Mateus Fernandes from Southampton for a combined €185 million, aiming to fix midfield inconsistency after back-to-back bottom-half finishes.
Manchester City signed Elliot Anderson for €135 million as their marquee midfield addition, expected to partner Rodri and link up with Rayan Cherki under new manager Enzo Maresca.
RELATED STORIES
