2025 Summer Transfer Window: Donnarumma to Man City, Jackson to Bayern, Antony to Betis

The 2025 summer transfer window has officially closed in Europe, and it ended with some of the most dramatic deals of recent years. Clubs across England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France rushed to complete last-minute business before the September 1 deadline, while the Saudi Pro League still has its window open until September 23.

This summer’s movements highlighted the growing financial power of certain clubs and the willingness of others to reshuffle their squads completely. From Gianluigi Donnarumma’s switch to Manchester City to Nicolas Jackson’s costly loan to Bayern Munich, the football world has been shaken by big names changing shirts in the final days of the market.

Manchester City’s decision to sign Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain was one of the most eye-catching deals. The Italian goalkeeper, who has been a star at both international and club level, leaves France for the Premier League to fill a key position for Pep Guardiola’s side. The move came after speculation around Ederson’s future and represents a major upgrade in a department City have been keen to reinforce. With Donnarumma between the posts, City now boast a world-class presence that could prove decisive in both domestic and Champions League campaigns. The fee, reported around thirty million euros, looks like smart business for a club used to paying premium prices for top talent.

Liverpool also made headlines earlier in the window by landing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a British record transfer fee in the region of one hundred and thirty million pounds. Isak’s move was one of the most expensive of the summer and shows Liverpool’s ambition to keep pace with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. However, their attempt to add Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace fell through before the deadline, leaving defensive depth a concern. Over in London, Fulham broke their own club record to bring in Brazilian winger Kevin from Shakhtar Donetsk for around thirty-five million pounds, underlining how even mid-table Premier League teams are spending big to compete.

Manchester United had one of the busiest deadline days in England. The club confirmed the permanent departure of Brazilian winger Antony to Real Betis in Spain, a move that allows the player to restart his career after a difficult spell in Manchester. United also loaned out Rasmus Højlund to Napoli in Italy, giving the young striker a chance for regular minutes in Serie A while trimming Erik ten Hag’s squad. At the same time, the club brought in goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp as part of a reshuffle in the goalkeeping department. These decisions show a clear effort from United to balance the squad while also creating financial space for future moves.

In Germany, Bayern Munich secured one of the most expensive loan deals in Bundesliga history by signing Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea. The arrangement involves a hefty loan fee and an obligation to buy, making it a complex but bold strategy by the Bavarian giants. Jackson will be expected to provide the goals needed to maintain Bayern’s dominance in Germany and strengthen their European push. The move follows another major arrival earlier in the summer when Liverpool winger Luis Díaz joined Bayern, adding further firepower.

In Spain, Real Betis’ acquisition of Antony was perhaps the most notable deadline-day addition, while in Italy Napoli’s signing of Højlund stands out among late Serie A business. Clubs in these leagues continue to make targeted moves rather than blockbuster buys, but they remain highly competitive in strengthening key positions.

Ligue 1 also saw important changes. Apart from Donnarumma’s exit from PSG, Marseille were active, bringing in Nayef Aguerd and Matt O’Riley, while Strasbourg pulled off a surprise by adding Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell. These deals reflect the depth of the French market, where clubs outside Paris continue to take advantage of opportunities created by the financial reshuffling in England.

While Europe’s biggest leagues have shut their doors for new registrations, the Saudi Pro League remains open until September 23. That means there is still potential for unexpected late transfers as Saudi clubs continue to invest heavily in attracting international stars. This extended window creates an element of uncertainty for European teams, who can no longer buy players but could still lose them to lucrative offers in the Middle East.

Altogether, the 2025 summer transfer market will be remembered for the mix of blockbuster signings and clever squad management. Manchester City’s capture of Donnarumma could change the balance of power in the Premier League. Bayern Munich’s gamble on Jackson demonstrates the financial muscle of Germany’s biggest club. Liverpool’s record-breaking move for Isak shows their intent to challenge for silverware.

Manchester United’s outgoings highlight the difficult decisions top clubs must make when players fail to meet expectations. And with the Saudi market still open, more stories could yet unfold before the end of September. Football fans across the globe will now turn their attention to how these transfers perform on the pitch, but it is already clear that the 2025 summer window has left its mark on the game.