Biggest Football Transfers of Summer 2026
Summer 2026 went down in European football history as one of the most expensive transfer windows in recent memory. Clubs completed six deals worth more than €100 million — more than in the previous three summer windows combined. The main driver of the market was English clubs, although the Spanish giants also deserve credit for finally coming out of hibernation. In this article, we have compiled the top 10 biggest transfers of the past summer.
Enzo Fernandez (midfielder, Argentina) — Chelsea to Manchester City for €145 million
The most expensive deal of the summer and a new Premier League transfer record. Enzo became the first player in history to be bought twice for more than €100 million. The Argentine clearly wanted to leave during last season — Real Madrid were initially mentioned, but he eventually ended up at City in the final hours of the transfer window. By the end of the summer, his relationship with Chelsea fans had completely deteriorated: he was booed by his own supporters and then stopped making the matchday squad altogether. Chelsea's decision to let the Argentine go therefore looks logical. For City, this is a long-term reinforcement of the midfield, especially after losing Rodri and Bernardo Silva in the same summer.
Rodri (midfielder, Spain) — Manchester City to Barcelona for €60 million
At first glance, €60 million for a Ballon d'Or winner and the best player of the World Cup looks like a bargain. But the Spaniard had only one year left on his contract, and he certainly did not become stronger after his ACL injury. Barcelona already had one of the strongest midfields in the world as well. So there are questions about the deal. At the same time, context matters. The Catalans beat Real Madrid, who had been considered favorites for Rodri for most of the transfer window, and added one of the most decorated modern European footballers to their squad.
Morgan Rogers (midfielder, England) — Aston Villa to Chelsea for €138 million
A record signing in Chelsea history and the most expensive British footballer ever. Last season, Rogers recorded 14 goals and 12 assists in 55 matches, helped Aston Villa win the Europa League and was named the tournament's best player. Arsenal were initially considered the main contenders for him, but Chelsea acted faster and signed the talented English midfielder, who on paper looks perfectly suited to Xabi Alonso's system.
Yan Diomande (winger, Ivory Coast) — RB Leipzig to Real Madrid for €125 million
The 19-year-old winger became the most expensive African footballer in history and broke Real Madrid's club record previously held by Jude Bellingham. The Ivorian had one strong Bundesliga season — 13 goals and 10 assists in 36 matches — and also won the league's Rookie of the Year award. Some may say that Los Blancos have taken a huge gamble at that price. But deals like this are very much in Real Madrid's style. Florentino Perez wanted Diomande at any cost, and he got him, even if the fee looks clearly inflated.
Elliot Anderson (midfielder, England) — Nottingham Forest to Manchester City for €135 million
One of the most logical transfers of the window. City lost Rodri and needed a complete midfield rebuild. Anderson played two full seasons for Forest without missing a single match through injury, became one of England's leaders at the 2026 World Cup and showed that he was ready for the next step in his career. Comparing him directly with Rodri is not entirely fair — Elliot depends more on the team's play than he dictates it, unlike the Spaniard, who set the rhythm himself. Maresca will therefore need to build a new midfield around several players rather than one holding midfielder, and Anderson should become a key part of that structure.
Bradley Barcola (winger, France) — PSG to Liverpool for €125 million
A record sale in PSG history and in French football as a whole — the previous record belonged to Neymar's €90 million move. In three years in Paris, Barcola made 152 appearances, scored 39 goals and provided 37 assists, won two Champions League titles and became French champion three times. This summer, Bradley wanted a change. He desperately tried to move to England, where Liverpool were extremely keen to sign him. In the end, every side benefited: Liverpool got a top winger for a problem position, Barcola got a starting role at a Premier League giant, and PSG got richer.
Marc Cucurella (defender, Spain) — Chelsea to Real Madrid for €55 million
Jose Mourinho, who returned to Real Madrid this summer, is a big admirer of the Spaniard and was the main driving force behind the transfer. The club's management had little trouble satisfying the coach's request. The deal was agreed during the World Cup, where Cucurella became a champion with Spain and made the Team of the Tournament. Real Madrid also beat Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the race for Marc.
Bruno Guimaraes (midfielder, Brazil) — Newcastle to Arsenal for €87.5 million
The Premier League champions bought a ready-made midfielder who does not need time to adapt to English football — in just over two seasons at Newcastle, the Brazilian made 195 appearances and scored 31 goals. The main point is rotation. Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi were pushed to the limit last season. Bruno will not only give Arsenal's key midfielders some rest but also add more variety. The Brazilian is versatile: he can play as a holding midfielder or as a No. 8, combining defensive work with forward runs. A great deal for the Gunners.
Anthony Gordon (winger, England) — Newcastle to Barcelona for €80 million
Gordon admitted that he had dreamed of playing for Barcelona since he was three and even learned Spanish as a child because of that dream. Last season, he became Newcastle's top scorer with 17 goals, 10 of them in the Champions League. So the dream became reality. Barcelona did not need him as another technical winger, but as a copy of Raphinha, who moved into the center of attack. Gordon is a pressing machine and a master at attacking open spaces. Judging by the start of the season, he has fitted brilliantly into Flick's system.
Sandro Tonali (midfielder, Italy) — Newcastle to Tottenham for €108 million
A record transfer in Tottenham history. His contract runs until 2032, with a salary of £275,000 per week. The Italian already knows the Premier League and is expected to become one of the leaders of Roberto De Zerbi's team, taking responsibility for controlling the game. Yes, the start of the season has been difficult for Tonali, just as it has been for Tottenham as a whole. But there is little doubt that the Italian will improve and sooner or later help the London club climb out of this slump.
