Onside/Offside: Analyzing the Premier League Transfer Pulse for Summer 2025
Published on Jun 26, 2025, 09:39 AM ET
As the summer transfer window officially reopened on June 16 and runs until September 1, excitement and tension run high in the football world. This summer signals a pivotal moment for several clubs in the Premier League as they strategize for success and reinvention. Luis Miguel Echegaray analyzes the current state of affairs for various teams, determining which are onside – thriving and prepared for an assault on the coming season – and which are offside – floundering and needing immediate attention.
Onside: Liverpool
The reigning Premier League champions have shown remarkable restraint in their transfer approach over the last season, aligning with strict profit and sustainability rules. However, the summer of 2025 has seen them take a proactive stance with early signings, keen to capitalize on their momentum.
Notably, Liverpool has welcomed Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen to bolster their right side following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid. With the addition of promising young goalkeeper Ármin Pécsi from Hungary and left-back Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, the Reds are enhancing their squad depth significantly.
But the notable cherry on top may be the potential signing of Florian Wirtz, a sought-after German midfielder, who could revolutionize the attack despite a hefty price tag of $157 million. If Liverpool can offset the expenditure by facilitating the exit of players like Darwin Núñez, who struggled last season, they could secure an A-grade summer and align their squad for a title challenge.
Meanwhile, the sale of Jarell Quansah for $40 million to Leverkusen has helped balance the books. Such calculated moves showcase Liverpool’s maturity in the transfer market, emphasizing quality over quantity while seeking out the right striker to complement their existing stars.
Onside: Manchester City
Manchester City, despite facing 115 charges of financial irregularities, is navigating the transfer market with clarity and purpose this summer. With a club-record revenue of approximately $970 million, the club’s management is focused on reinvigorating their squad, particularly in the wake of Kevin De Bruyne’s departure.
The strategy is clear: replace De Bruyne not with a single player but through a cohesive unit of talents. Notable signings include Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan, Rayan Aït-Nouri, and Rayan Cherki, who can bring fresh energy to the midfield and wings. Such additions, coupled with younger prospects like Sverre Nypan from Rosenborg, suggest a bright future filled with potential and ambition.
While City is also gearing up for the Club World Cup, the need to finalize their squad cohesion for the upcoming Premier League season is evident. With Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker rumored to leave, City’s transition signals the dawn of a new era and is noteworthy as they seek to balance immediate success with long-term vision.
Onside: Arsenal
Arsenal finds itself in a financially stable position, thanks to record revenues of nearly $840 million from the previous season. With expectations mounting, this summer represents a critical juncture for Mikel Arteta and the club’s ambitions of securing a Premier League title.
Under the stewardship of sporting director Andrea Berta, Arsenal is poised to bring in Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, fortifying their midfield. This late-stage acquisition will allow Declan Rice to advance further up the pitch, enhancing the club’s attacking capabilities.
As they explore targets such as Brentford’s Christian Nørgaard and the potential signing of Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga, it’s clear that Arteta aims to solidify his squad for a title challenge. With the pressing need for an additional winger and a prolific striker, fans are eager to see if Arsenal can finally penetrate the glass ceiling that has hovered over them for years.
Offside: Chelsea
Following a promising season that secured Champions League football, Chelsea is about to embark on a transformational summer under Enzo Maresca’s management. However, previous tendencies to spend recklessly have led to skepticism around their transfer strategy.
The Blues currently have a substantial young core, with players like Liam Delap showing potential, yet they need to be judicious in their recruitment. After enduring numerous hit-and-miss signings, the focus must now shift to ensuring that any incoming players make a tangible impact.
Targets such as João Pedro from Brighton and Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund are on their radar, but they must avoid overspending, especially in key positions like the goalkeeper role. Although they possess multiple options between the posts, a world-class stopper is essential if they genuinely hope to compete at the European level.
Offside: Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham’s summer is fraught with uncertainty, considering the mixed emotions stemming from last season’s successes and failures. Securing Champions League football feels overshadowed by an underwhelming league performance, raising questions about the club’s long-term vision.
The managerial shift to Thomas Frank signals a potential change in philosophy, but immediate concerns about player retention and recruitment loom large. With influential figures like Son Heung-min uncertain about their futures, Spurs must bolster their roster to ensure they do not repeat past mistakes.
A lack of strategic consistency has plagued the club, as highlighted by five managerial changes since 2019. This unsettled environment underscores the need for a cohesive vision going forward. As Frank navigates his new territory, the board’s willingness to back him with the necessary resources will be crucial in creating a sustainable future.
Offside: Aston Villa
Aston Villa faces their own set of challenges as they transition into Europa League football. Despite Unai Emery’s success in elevating the club to this level, pressing financial realities threaten to overshadow their achievements.
With substantial post-tax losses reported, Villa must offload players to meet profit and sustainability rules by the end of June. Key players like Emiliano Martínez face uncertain futures, highlighting the balancing act between financial prudence and competitive ambitions.
While there are troves of talent within the squad, unresolved contract situations like that of Boubacar Kamara must be prioritized early to maintain squad stability. Victory in each negotiation is crucial, as they strive to build on last season’s successes while remaining alert to their precarious financial standing.
This summer, the transfer market is pulsating with potential as clubs navigate the intricate balance of ambition and financial accountability. Each team’s proactive or reactive strategies will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, as the countdown to the new season officially begins.
