Sky Sports' analysts have taken a comprehensive look at the summer transfer activity across all Premier League clubs, assigning each side a rating based on the quality, balance and financial prudence of their dealings. The panel featured a range of voices—Gary Cotterill, Kirsty Edwards, Mark McAdam, Uma Gurav, Elliot Cook, James Savundra, Amber Sandhu, Chris Reidy, Vinny O'Connor, James Cole, Tim Thornton, James Green, Zinny Boswell, another Vinny O'Connor, Ben Ransom, Danyal Khan, Keith Downie, Anton Toloui and Michael Bridge—each offering a distinct perspective on their club's window.
**Arsenal** Gary Cotterill awarded the Gunners an eight out of ten, noting that eight senior players left the squad, including Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Christian Norgaard, Fabio Vieira, Jakob Kjeldberg and Reiss Nelson. The only loan departure, Ethan Nwaneri, remains a promising prospect for the future. The club recouped more than £100m in cash and shed significant wages, especially from the high‑earning Jesus. Cotterill argued that a left‑wing signing—either Vinícius Junior or Julián Álvarez—could have nudged the rating to a perfect ten, but the lack of a direct replacement forced Arsenal to rely on internal options.
Newcomer Christos Tzolis, despite a shaky debut at Villa Park, impressed, while Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka provide additional depth on the left flank. Arteta’s squad now boasts a versatile bench, allowing rotation in defence and midfield without a noticeable dip in quality. The window also saw the arrivals of Bruno Guimarês and Ezri Konsa, targets that Cotterill highlighted as essential acquisitions. **Aston Villa** Kirsty Edwards reflected on Villa's surprising turnover after their Europa League triumph, with six regular starters departing, including Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Martínez, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa.
To offset these losses, Emery has focused on youthful talent such as Ibrahim Mbaye and Johan Manzambi, alongside seasoned professionals like Leon Goretzka and Aaron Wan‑Bissaka. New signings Nicolas Jackson, Zion Suzuki and Taylor Harwood‑Billis have already shown promise, and the manager’s financial balancing act has been praised. Edwards remains cautiously optimistic, awaiting proof of the newcomers' impact in a Villa shirt.
**Bournemouth** Mark McAdam highlighted a stark contrast with the club’s 2025 window, emphasizing that this summer was about retention rather than off‑loading. Key players Rayan, Eli Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott stayed, while Bournemouth honoured their promise to Marco Rose not to dismantle the squad.
The club added goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio (ex‑Juventus No.1), centre‑back Antonio Silva, full‑back Juanlu Sanchez and attacker Álvaro Rodríguez, all acquired at perceived value. Their early activity meant they avoided the frantic deadline‑day scramble, and McAdam expects Rose’s side to translate this solid groundwork into on‑field success. **Brentford** Uma Gurav gave Brentford high marks for securing a marquee midfielder in Mamadou Sangare for £39m, calling him a potential signing of the season.
The Bees also welcomed El Hadji Malick Diouf at left‑back, while Jaidon Anthony, Callum Wilson and Jannik Schüster have bolstered the attacking and defensive options. Despite losing Jordan Henderson, Brentford retained key forwards Thiago, Kevin Schade and Yehor Yarmoliuk, and locked down Michael Kayode and Vitaly Janelt with new contracts. The only deadline‑day movement was Jayden Meghoma’s loan to Portsmouth, a strategic move to ensure playing time for younger talent. **Brighton & Hove Albion** Elliot Cook noted Brighton’s unusually busy window, with nine first‑team signings costing close to £170m.
Luka Vuskovic arrived for a club‑record £50m, while defensive midfielder Chema Andrés (a Spain U21 international) joined on deadline day to fill the void left by Carlos Báléba’s move to Manchester United. The Seagulls also lost veteran striker Danny Welbeck, hoping loan signing Promise David can compensate. Liverpool target Yankuba Minteh staying at Brighton was highlighted as a positive. Cook believes that once injured players return and new arrivals gel, manager Fabian Hurzeler will have the depth to compete in both the Premier League and the Conference League.
**Chelsea** James Savundra described Chelsea’s window as a "revolution" driven by a new recruitment philosophy under Xabi Alonso. The club blended Premier League‑ready signings—Jordan Henderson, Emiliano Martínez, Danny Welbeck—with promising youngsters like Geovany Quenda. João Pedro secured an improved contract, and the team added Bruno Guimarães and Ezri Konsa earlier in the window. While the Enzo Fernández saga created controversy, the club still managed to acquire Emiliano Martínez, Morgan Rogers and Maxence Lacroix, strengthening the starting eleven.
Departures such as Marc Cucurella, Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson and Alejandro Garnacho were sold for high valuations, underscoring Chelsea’s reputation as elite player traders. **Coventry City** Amber Sandhu praised Coventry’s ambitious summer, mixing Premier League experience with youthful signings. Goalkeeper Carl Rushworth returned permanently, while centre‑back Aurélien Amenda added athleticism. Midfield reinforcements included Caleb Yirenkyi, Frank Onyeka and Gustavo Hamer.
Up front, Taiwo Awoniyi provides a proven Premier League focal point, complemented by the pace of Loum Tchaouna and Sidiki Cherif. Sandhu noted early season goal‑scoring concerns but affirmed that the squad’s depth and quality represent a bold, measured approach for a newly promoted side. **Crystal Palace** Chris Reidy emphasized the loss of Maxence Lacroix and Daniel Muñoz but highlighted the retention of Adam Wharton, Jean‑Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr as significant wins.
Palace’s signings—Axel Disasi, Dwight McNeil, Ben Chilwell and Takehiro Tomiyasu—are solid Premier League‑level players. Young prospects Dario Osorio, Honest Ahanor and Anan Khalaili could develop into future stars.
Reidy concluded that Palace’s strategic blend of early and late signings has improved squad depth, positioning them well for another season of European competition. **Everton** Vinny O'Connor critiqued Everton’s chaotic end‑to‑window, citing the premature sale of Beto to Fiorentina before securing Folarin Balogun, and the failed pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee. The club also off‑loaded Iliman Ndiaye for £65m, a figure that, while profitable, left fans dissatisfied. Despite these setbacks, Everton added several players—Ainsley Maitland‑Niles, Jack Grealish, Hayden Hackney, Christian Norgaard, Merlin Rohl, Tyrique George and Brennan Johnson—but the lack of a proven striker and right‑back left the squad thin.
O'Connor warned that without further reinforcements, Everton’s European ambitions appear unrealistic. **Fulham** James Cole argued that Fulham’s success will hinge on integration under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, who favors a high‑press, high‑tempo system.
The club secured striker Gonzalo García from Real Madrid, who opened his Fulham account with two goals in three games. Midfield depth was bolstered by Real Madrid academy graduates César Palacios and Manuel Ángel, plus Shea Charles and Hugo Larsson. Defensive concerns remain, especially after the departure of Harry Wilson and Samuel Chukwueze, but the deadline‑day signing of Austrian defender David Affengruber could address the high‑line demands of Arbeloa’s tactics.
**Hull City** Tim Thornton highlighted Hull’s ambitious recruitment, with 18 new players—including six on deadline day—brought in under owner Acun Ilicali’s vision. The club focused on youthful talent capable of developing alongside the promotion‑winning core, aiming to blend experience with potential.
Thornton believes this strategy, while risky, could yield significant rewards if the youngsters adapt quickly. **Ipswich Town** James Green noted Ipswich’s massive summer investment of around £200m, surpassing the £110m spent two years earlier.
Record signing Julio Enciso, along with Abdul Fatawu, Emersonn, Exequiel Palacios, Sasa Lukic, Issa Diop, Florentino Luis and Daizen Maeda, have added experience, physicality and Premier League know‑how. The depth across the squad is unprecedented for the club, and manager Gary O'Neil now faces the task of melding these pieces into a cohesive unit. **Leeds United** Zinny Boswell praised Leeds for securing key targets—Harry Wilson, Tarik Muharemović and James Trafford—early in the window, addressing quality concerns.
Additional depth arrived via Nico Elvedi, Michael Zetterer and Melvin Bard, while Jean‑Matteo Bahoya offers a potential game‑changing winger. Boswell believes the club’s strategic acquisitions position Leeds to consolidate their Premier League status.
**Liverpool** Vinny O'Connor (second entry) highlighted Liverpool’s focus on pace, signing Bradley Barcola and Victor Muñoz, while retaining Cody Gakpo. Defensive reinforcement came through Ronald Araújo, capable of covering centre‑back and right‑back, crucial given injuries to Joe Gomez, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Lo Celso. However, the club still lacks a natural right‑winger to replace Mohamed Salah.
O'Connor noted the club’s average signing age of 22 and the inclusion of two 18‑year‑olds—Lucca Brughmans and Djylian N'Guessan—signalling a long‑term outlook. **Manchester City** Ben Ransom acknowledged City’s ability to replace Rodri’s departure to Barcelona by splashing cash on Enzo Fernández, breaking their transfer record on deadline day. The club also added Iliman Ndiaye and Allan, funded by sales of Savio, Omar Marmoush, Nico González, Tijjani Reijnders, Nathan Ake and James Trafford. Ransom believes the revamped midfield—potentially featuring Fernández, Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi—places City in a strong position to challenge for the title.
**Manchester United** Danyal Khan gave United a relatively high rating, citing a focused midfield overhaul with signings Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Báléba. While the club missed out on a dedicated left‑back, existing players like Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot can fill the role. Khan noted that the retention of key forwards—including Marcus Rashford—limited further spending, but Rashford’s early season form could make him a de‑facto new signing. **Newcastle United** Keith Downie reported Newcastle’s £262m spend, offset by £245m generated from the sales of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães and Anthony Gordon.
New arrivals Matias Fernández‑Pardo, Lukas Horniček, Amar Dedić and Nico González strengthen the first team, while younger prospects Sean Steur, Aladji Bamba, Bazoumana Touré and Ewan Jaouen offer future potential. Downie praised the club’s turnaround after early setbacks, noting that the contributions of Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa make the squad feel even larger. **Crystal Palace (second entry)** Anton Toloui rated Palace’s window 7.5/10, commending Oliver Glasner’s acquisition of a physical No.9 in Liam Delap and a starting‑calibre wing‑back in Daniel Muñoz.
The club missed an immediate replacement for Elliot Anderson but secured a good fee from Manchester City, balancing the books while maintaining competitiveness. **Sunderland** Keith Downie (second entry) described Sunderland’s deadline‑day scramble to sign winger Malick Fofana after a protracted tug‑of‑war with Lyon. Owner Kyril Louis‑Dreyfus’s financial backing secured the deal, and Fofana is expected to start immediately. The club also retained key players such as Granit Xhaka, Brian Brobbey and Noah Sadiki, reinforcing their core.
**Tottenham Hotspur** Michael Bridge gave Spurs a 7/10 rating, applauding their commitment to spending (10/10) but questioning the value of certain purchases. Notable signings included Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke and the late addition of Iliman Ndiaye (who ultimately chose Manchester City). Bridge highlighted the club’s effort to address defensive and midfield needs while still lacking a prolific striker, noting the ongoing debate over the risk associated with signing Mykhailo Mudryk after a two‑year hiatus from competitive football.
Overall, the Sky Sports panel’s analysis paints a vivid picture of a transfer season defined by massive spending, strategic rebuilding, and a mixture of early planning and last‑minute deals. Each club’s approach reflects its unique ambitions, financial constraints and managerial philosophies, setting the stage for an intriguing Premier League campaign ahead.