Sky Sports' analysts have taken a comprehensive look at how each Premier League side performed during the busy summer transfer window, assigning scores and offering detailed commentary on the strategies, successes, and shortcomings of every club. The discussion begins with Arsenal, where Gary Cotterill awards an eight out of ten for a window that saw the departure of eight senior players, including Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Christian Norgaard, Fabio Vieira and the loan exit of Ethan Nwaneri. While the Gunners recouped over £100m in fees and shed significant wage commitments—particularly the high wages attached to Jesus—Cotterill notes that the lack of a direct replacement for the two left‑wingers sold kept the rating from a perfect ten. He argues that securing a player of Vinícius Junior or Julián Álvarez's calibre would have sealed a flawless rating, but even without that, the club managed to plug the gaps with newcomers like Christos Tzolis, who impressed despite a shaky debut at Villa Park, and versatile squad members such as Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka who can operate on the left.
The analysis also highlights the tactical flexibility offered by Maxé Dowman, who could shift to the right flank, and the potential for Riccardo Calafiori to push higher up the pitch, echoing Arteta's previous experiments with Mikel Merino and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Overall, Cotterill concludes that Arsenal's window was successful, especially after landing targets Bruno Guimarães and Ezri Konsa. Kirsty Edwards turns her attention to Aston Villa, recalling the shock of winning the Europa League only to see six regular starters depart shortly thereafter. She examines how Unai Emery tackled the massive rebuild, replacing key figures such as Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Martínez, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa while adhering to strict Financial Fair Play constraints.
Villa's solution involved injecting youthful promise—players like Ibrahim Mbaye and Johan Manzambi—alongside seasoned professionals such as Leon Goretzka and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Edwards praises Nicolas Jackson's seamless adaptation and Zion Suzuki's encouraging debut in goal, while noting Taylor Harwood-Bellis's optimism about further development under Emery. She remains cautiously optimistic, emphasizing that the true test will be the tangible contributions of these signings on the pitch.
Mark McAdam reviews Bournemouth's approach, contrasting it with the club's 2025 summer when it off‑loaded several core players. This season, the Cherries focused on retention, keeping Rayan, Eli Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott, and pledging to manager Marco Rose that the squad would not be gutted.
With European competition adding financial complexity, Bournemouth bolstered depth while cutting costs, adding Juventus’s former No.1 goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, centre‑back Antonio Silva—acquired at a bargain despite previous big‑club interest—and versatile full‑back Juanlu Sanchez. Their early, decisive activity meant they avoided the frantic deadline‑day scramble, a sign of confidence that could translate into on‑field success. Uma Gurav gives Brentford high marks, largely because of the club’s strategic acquisition of midfielder Mamadou Sangare for £39m, a fee she deems a bargain and possibly a signing of the season.
She also notes the emergence of El Hadji Malick Diouf as a potential regular left‑back, the immediate impact of forward Jaidon Anthony, and the valuable depth provided by Callum Wilson and centre‑back Jannik Schuster. Despite losing veteran Jordan Henderson, Brentford retained key attacking assets like Thiago, Kevin Schade and Yehor Yarmoliuk, and secured new contracts for Michael Kayode and Vitaly Janelt.
The only deadline‑day movement was a loan of youngster Jayden Meghoma to Portsmouth, aligning with the club’s philosophy of granting game time to prospects. Gurav stops short of a perfect ten, acknowledging that there is always room for improvement. Elliot Cook rates Brighton’s window at 7.5 out of 10, highlighting a record‑breaking £50m purchase of Luka Vuskovic and the late‑deadline signing of Spanish U21 midfielder Chema Andrés from Stuttgart, intended to fill the void left by Carlos Baleba’s move to Manchester United.
Cook points out the loss of experienced striker Danny Welbeck and the reliance on loan signing Promise David to supply goals. He also mentions Liverpool’s interest in Yankuba Minteh, which remained unfulfilled, and stresses that once injured players return and new arrivals settle, manager Fabian Hurzeler will have a squad capable of competing in both the Premier League and the Conference League.
James Savundra analyses Chelsea’s radical shift in transfer policy, noting the influx of Premier League‑ready talent to complement the club’s youthful core. Signings such as Georginio Wijnaldum, Emiliano Martínez and Danny Welbeck illustrate a new emphasis on immediate impact, while the club also secured emerging star Geovany Quenda.
The rapid contract upgrade for João Pedro demonstrates Chelsea’s intent to retain key assets. Savundra reflects on last season’s turmoil under Enzo Maresca, the revival of fan enthusiasm following Xabi Alonso’s appointment, and the contentious Enzo Fernández saga, which left supporters divided despite a strong start of three wins in three matches. He concludes that while Chelsea have excelled as player traders, the ultimate test will be translating that activity into elite results on the field. Amber Sandhu discusses Coventry City’s ambitious summer, blending Premier League experience with promising youngsters.
The club secured goalkeeper Carl Rushworth permanently, added athletic centre‑back Aurele Amenda, and bolstered midfield with Caleb Yirenkyi, Frank Onyeka and Gustavo Hamer. Up front, Taiwo Awoniyi provides a proven Premier League goal threat, complemented by the pace of Loum Tchaouna and Sidiki Cherif.
Sandhu notes early scoring woes but asserts that the squad’s depth and quality represent a bold yet measured approach for a newly promoted side. Chris Reidy evaluates Crystal Palace, lamenting the loss of Maxence Lacroix and Daniel Muñoz but celebrating the retention of Adam Wharton, Jean‑Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr.
He highlights sensible signings such as Axel Disasi, Dwight McNeil, Ben Chilwell and Takehiro Tomiyasu, and potential gems like Dario Osorio and Anan Khalaili. Reidy stresses that the club’s depth has improved, crucial for balancing domestic and European commitments. Vinny O'Connor critiques Everton’s chaotic window, pointing out the premature sale of Beto, the failed pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee, and the high‑profile departure of Iliman Ndiaye for £65m. He underscores the lack of a quality striker and right‑back, leaving manager Sean Dyche to rely heavily on Thierno Barry until January.
O'Connor argues that without proper reinforcements, Everton’s European ambitions appear unrealistic. James Cole reviews Fulham’s plans under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, noting the arrival of striker Gonzalo García from Real Madrid, who has already scored twice in his first three games, and a midfield bolstered by Real Madrid academy graduates Cesar Palacios and Manuel Angel, alongside Shea Charles and Hugo Larsson. He raises concerns about defensive frailties under Arbeloa’s high‑pressing system, but sees the deadline‑day signing of Austrian defender David Affengruber as a potential solution. Cole observes the surprising omission of a winger despite losing Harry Wilson and Samuel Chukwueze.
Tim Thornton outlines Hull City’s ambitious recruitment of eighteen new players, six on deadline day, driven by owner Acun Ilicali’s vision. The strategy focuses on young talent with high upside, aiming to retain the core that secured promotion while adding depth and quality. James Green details Ipswich Town’s massive £200m investment, featuring record signing Julio Enciso, experienced additions like Daizen Maeda and Sasa Lukic, and a deep squad capable of competing in the Premier League. Zinny Boswell praises Leeds United’s early‑summer signings of Harry Wilson, Tarik Muharemović and James Trafford, plus depth‑boosting arrivals Nico Elvedi, Michael Zetterer and Melvin Bard, while noting the potential impact of wild‑card winger Jean‑Matteo Bahoya.
Vinny O'Connor returns to Liverpool, highlighting the acquisition of wide players Bradley Barcola and Victor Muñoz, the retention of Cody Gakpo, and defensive reinforcement through Ronald Araújo and Jeremy Jacquet. He notes the missed opportunity to sign a natural right‑winger to replace Mohamed Salah.
Ben Ransom examines Manchester City’s window, focusing on the headline‑grabbing signing of Enzo Fernández for a record fee, the departure of Rodri, and the club’s strengthened attacking options with Iliman Ndiaye and Allan. Danyal Khan gives Manchester United a relatively high rating, emphasizing the midfield overhaul with Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba, while acknowledging a lack of depth at left‑back. Keith Downie summarises Newcastle United’s transformation, with a £262m spend yielding a youthful, balanced squad, highlighted by the deadline‑day arrival of Matias Fernandez‑Pardo.
Anton Toloui rates Austrian side’s window at 7.5/10, noting successful signings like Liam Delap and Daniel Muñoz, but lamenting the failure to replace Elliot Anderson. Keith Downie also discusses Sunderland’s last‑minute acquisition of winger Malick Fofana after a protracted tug‑of‑war with Lyon, and the club’s retention of key players such as Granit Xhaka and Brian Brobbey.
Michael Bridge evaluates Tottenham Hotspur’s spending commitment at 10/10, while rating individual signings at seven due to concerns over value for money. He recounts high‑profile moves including Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, and the failed pursuit of Cody Gakpo, as well as the controversial signings of Iliman Ndiaye and Richarlison. The analysis concludes that while Spurs have invested heavily, the effectiveness of those investments remains to be seen.