What We Know: Latest English Premier League and German Bundesliga Signings

The summer 2025 transfer window has officially kicked off, and both the English Premier League (EPL) and German Bundesliga are buzzing with activity as clubs look to bolster their squads ahead of the 2025-26 season. With the FIFA Club World Cup adding an early registration period from June 1 to June 10, followed by the main window from June 16 to September 1, Premier League clubs have been particularly active, while Bundesliga sides are also making strategic moves to maintain their competitive edge. This blog post delves into the latest confirmed player signings, loans, and departures across various teams in both leagues, providing detailed insights into the transfers shaping the upcoming season.

Some Big Moves and Strategic Signings in the Premier League

The Premier League, known for its financial muscle and global appeal, has seen a flurry of activity as clubs aim to strengthen their squads following the 2024-25 season. Liverpool, fresh off their title-winning campaign, and other giants like Manchester City, Chelsea, and Manchester United have made headlines with high-profile signings, while newly promoted sides like Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland are also active. Below is a detailed look at some of the most notable transfers.

Liverpool: Replacing Legends and Building for the Future

Liverpool, under the stewardship of Arne Slot, have made significant moves to maintain their dominance after clinching the 2024-25 Premier League title. The departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid for the Club World Cup was a blow, but the Reds have responded decisively.

Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen, £29.5m): Liverpool triggered the release clause for the Dutch right-back, who has signed a five-year contract. Frimpong’s pace, attacking flair, and versatility make him an ideal replacement for Alexander-Arnold. His 2024-25 Bundesliga campaign with Leverkusen, where he contributed to their Europa League qualification, showcased his ability to bomb forward and create chances. This signing has been widely praised as a coup for Liverpool, with fans excited about his potential to shine at Anfield.

Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen, ~£115m): In a potential British transfer record-breaking move, Liverpool have reportedly secured the services of the German wonderkid Florian Wirtz. The attacking midfielder, long coveted by Europe’s elite, brings creativity and goal-scoring prowess to Liverpool’s midfield. His performances in the Bundesliga, where he was instrumental in Leverkusen’s 2023-24 title win, make this a statement signing. While the exact fee is still being finalized, it could surpass the £115m Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo.

 

Manchester City: Reinforcing for the Club World Cup

Manchester City, preparing for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup and aiming to reclaim the Premier League title, have been strategic in their recruitment, focusing on depth and quality.

Rayan Aït-Nouri (Wolves, undisclosed): The left-back’s move to City was confirmed early in the window, providing cover and competition for Josko Gvardiol. Aït-Nouri’s ability to play as a wing-back or traditional full-back adds tactical flexibility to Pep Guardiola’s side.

Omar Marmoush (Eintracht Frankfurt, undisclosed transfer fee): City secured the signature of the Egyptian striker in January 2025, and he’s now set to feature prominently in their Club World Cup campaign. Marmoush’s pace and finishing could complement Erling Haaland, offering a different dynamic in attack.

Rayan Cherki (Lyon, undisclosed): The young French playmaker, known for his flair and vision, completed his move to Manchester City, fulfilling what he described as a “dream” transfer. Cherki’s versatility across attacking midfield and wide positions adds depth to City’s squad.

Chelsea: Youthful Ambition and Big Spending As Always

Chelsea’s transfer strategy continues to focus on young talent, with Todd Boehly’s ownership maintaining their reputation for splashing the cash. The Blues, who qualified for the Champions League after a top-five finish, have made several high-profile signings.

Liam Delap (Ipswich Town, £30m): Chelsea activated the release clause for the young striker after his impressive 12-goal season with relegated Ipswich. Delap’s physicality and goal-scoring instincts make him a long-term investment for the Blues, who see him as a potential star.

Kendry Paez (Independiente del Valle, £17.3m): Signed in June 2023 but joining this summer due to age restrictions, the Ecuadorian attacking midfielder has arrived with high expectations. Paez’s 13 goals in 70 games for Independiente highlight his potential as a future star.

Dario Essugo (Sporting Lisbon, £18.5m): The Portuguese midfielder, signed after a loan spell at Las Palmas, adds steel and dynamism to Chelsea’s midfield. His eligibility for the Club World Cup was a key factor in the timing of the transfer.

Mike Penders (Genk, £17m): The young goalkeeper, signed after a breakthrough season with Genk, is seen as a long-term successor to Chelsea’s current options. His contract runs until 2032, signaling the club’s faith in his potential.

Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt, undisclosed): Chelsea beat out Manchester City for the signature of the French striker, whose pace and finishing could bolster their attack. This move reflects Chelsea’s ambition to compete on multiple fronts.

Jamie Gittens (Borussia Dortmund, undisclosed): The young English winger, who impressed in the Bundesliga, joins Chelsea to add flair and depth to their wide options.

Manchester United: A New Era Under Amorim

Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United are undergoing a squad overhaul, with a focus on players who fit his high-intensity, possession-based system.

Matheus Cunha (Wolves, undisclosed): United activated Cunha’s release clause, bringing the Brazilian striker to Old Trafford. With 33 goals in 92 appearances for Wolves, Cunha’s versatility and work rate make him a perfect fit for Amorim’s system.

Noussair Mazraoui (Bayern Munich, undisclosed): The Moroccan full-back, previously signed from Bayern, has proven to be a shrewd addition. His versatility and attacking output have earned praise, with many calling it one of United’s best recent transfer decisions.

Other Notable Premier League Signings

Arsenal: The Gunners have targeted RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, with talks ongoing for the Slovenian striker. Šeško’s 2024-25 Bundesliga campaign, where he was a standout for Leipzig, makes him a prime target to bolster Arsenal’s attack.

 

West Ham: The Hammers made Jean-Clair Todibo’s loan from Nice permanent for €40m after a successful 2024-25 season where he featured in 29 matches.

 

Sunderland: The promoted side triggered an obligation to buy Enzo Le Fee from Roma after his loan spell, adding creativity to their midfield as they aim to stay in the Premier League.

 

AFC Bournemouth: Dean Huijsen, the young centre-back, moved to Real Madrid, but Bournemouth’s recruitment has been bolstered by other signings to maintain their mid-table push.

 

Nottingham Forest: Murillo, the 22-year-old defender, has been a revelation, with his performances earning him accolades as a key difference-maker for the surprise package of the 2024-25 season.

Departures and Loans

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool to Real Madrid): The Liverpool vice-captain’s move to Real Madrid for the Club World Cup was a major talking point. His departure leaves a void at right-back, though Frimpong’s arrival softens the blow.

 

João Félix (Chelsea to AC Milan, loan): Despite his technical brilliance, Félix struggled for consistency at Chelsea, managing just one goal and one assist in the Premier League. His loan move to Milan aims to reignite his career.

 

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Chelsea): The midfielder, who shone under Enzo Maresca at Leicester, has seen limited minutes at Chelsea, logging just 259 Premier League minutes in 2024-25. His future remains uncertain.

 

Some Strategic Signings and Talent Retainership in the Bundesliga

The Bundesliga, while not matching the Premier League’s financial firepower, remains a hub for developing talent and making savvy signings. Bayern Munich, the 2024-25 champions, and other clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, and Eintracht Frankfurt have been active, though some key players have departed for the Premier League.

Bayern Munich: Building on Title Success

Bayern, crowned champions on May 4, 2025, after a dominant season, are preparing for the Club World Cup and the 2025-26 campaign with targeted signings.

New Faces for the Club World Cup: Bayern have agreed deals with Leverkusen and Hoffenheim to ensure new signings can feature in their tournament opener against Auckland City on June 15. While specific names are yet to be confirmed, Bayern’s focus is on reinforcing their attack and midfield to complement Harry Kane, the 2024-25 Bundesliga Player of the Season.

 

Departures: Noussair Mazraoui’s move to Manchester United and Omar Marmoush’s transfer to Manchester City in January 2025 have depleted Bayern’s squad, but the club is expected to reinvest in young talent to maintain Genesee County the damage.

 

 

Bayer Leverkusen: Losing Stars but Staying Competitive

Leverkusen, the 2023-24 champions, have lost key players but are rebuilding to remain competitive.

Departures: Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz moved to Liverpool, significant blows given their contributions to Leverkusen’s recent success. Frimpong’s £29.5m transfer and Wirtz’s potential £115m move highlight their value.

New Signings: Leverkusen have been linked with deals to bolster their squad for the Club World Cup, though specific names remain undisclosed. Their focus is on young, dynamic players to maintain their high-pressing style.

Borussia Dortmund: Preparing for the Future

Dortmund, set to face Fluminense in the Club World Cup, are focusing on squad depth.

Departures: Jamie Gittens, the young English winger, moved to Chelsea, leaving a gap in Dortmund’s attack.

New Faces: Dortmund are reportedly targeting versatile attackers to replace Gittens and support their Club World Cup campaign. No confirmed signings have been announced, but their recruitment strategy emphasizes youth and potential.

Eintracht Frankfurt: Losing Key Players

Departures: Omar Marmoush (to Manchester City) and Hugo Ekitike (to Chelsea) were significant losses. Both players were integral to Frankfurt’s attack, and their exits highlight the Bundesliga’s role as a feeder league for the Premier League.

New Signings: Frankfurt are expected to reinvest in attacking talent, with a focus on players who can replicate Marmoush and Ekitike’s output.

RB Leipzig: Šeško’s Potential Exit

Departures: Benjamin Šeško is heavily linked with Arsenal, with talks scheduled for his potential move. His departure would be a blow, given his standout performances in 2024-25.

New Signings: Leipzig are scouting replacements, with a focus on young strikers to maintain their attacking threat.

Trends and Analysis

Premier League’s Bundesliga Raids

The 2025 summer window has seen a notable trend of Premier League clubs targeting Bundesliga talent. Players like Frimpong, Wirtz, Šeško, Ekitike, Gittens, and Marmoush reflect the growing reputation of the Bundesliga as a breeding ground for top talent. However, the “Bundesliga tax” debate persists, with some signings like Timo Werner and Jean-Kevin Augustin struggling to adapt to the Premier League’s physicality, while others like Kai Havertz and Erling Haaland have thrived.

What FFP risks are being Considered

Premier League clubs are navigating Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, with Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim noting the constraints on their transfer activity due to missing out on the Champions League. This has led to a focus on strategic signings like Cunha and Mazraoui, who offer immediate impact within budget constraints.

Club World Cup Influence

The expanded FIFA Club World Cup has shaped the early transfer window, with clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich prioritizing signings eligible for the tournament. The June 1-10 registration period has accelerated deals, such as Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid and Liverpool’s acquisition of Frimpong.

To wrap up the forgoing, I will definitely say that the 2025 summer transfer window is shaping up to be a transformative period for both the Premier League and Bundesliga. Liverpool’s blockbuster signings of Frimpong and Wirtz signal their intent to dominate, while Manchester City and Chelsea are building versatile, youthful squads for the Club World Cup and beyond. In the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich remain a powerhouse, but the loss of key players to the Premier League underscores the competitive gap between the leagues. As the window progresses, expect more high-profile moves, with clubs balancing immediate needs with long-term ambitions. Stay tuned for more updates as the transfer market heats up in the coming days.

These transfer news was verified from Sky Sports, ESPN, and the official Premier League and Bundesliga websites

Images are google sourced!