Transfer Update – May 28, 2025
This year’s soccer transfer season is unique due to the Club World Cup, allowing major leagues like the Premier League, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, La Liga, and Serie A to close and reopen over ten days from June 1 to June 16. Clubs are gearing up for off-season moves after a busy season, and fans are wondering if last summer’s significant transactions will be mirrored this year.
ESPN reporters gather insights regarding the top teams’ ambitions and potential transfers. Which players are expected to join, and who might be heading out?
Premier League
Liverpool
Budget: Liverpool finds itself in a solid financial position this summer after minimal activity in recent transfer windows, focusing on spending only when the right players are available.
Team Needs: Despite winning the league, they could benefit from reinforcements, especially with players like Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving on free transfers. They may need to shore up their left-back position and central defense, and possibly seek a new striker if Darwin Núñez departs.
Main Targets: Liverpool is reportedly pursuing Bayer Leverkusen wingback Jeremy Frimpong, who has already undergone a medical, while also eyeing Florian Wirtz for midfield creativity.
Possible Departures: Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid, and there’s speculation surrounding Darwin Núñez, with interest from Saudi clubs. Other players like Luis Diaz and Harvey Elliott may also seek more playing time.
Contract Renewals: The club has secured new deals for Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, and is looking at extending contracts for Ibrahima Konaté and Luis Diaz.
Arsenal
Budget: Arsenal plans to navigate profit and sustainability rules while exploring significant investments.
Team Needs: The squad urgently requires a striker, considering past needs have not yet been met. They are also looking to strengthen the midfield.
Main Targets: Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi is expected to be a primary target, with Arsenal showing interest in forwards such as Benjamin Sesko and wide players including Nico Williams.
Possible Departures: Jorginho and Kieran Tierney will leave at the end of their contracts, while key players like Thomas Partey may face uncertainty regarding their futures.
Contract Renewals: Bukayo Saka is in line for a new long-term contract, alongside talks with other key players like William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli.
Manchester City
Budget: With no concerns about profit sustainability regulations, City still has funds to invest even after substantial winter spendings.
Team Needs: Pep Guardiola anticipates few major changes, focusing instead on improving the midfield and possibly recruiting a new right-back.
Main Targets: City hopes to secure Tijani Reijnders and Morgan Gibbs White quickly, along with exploring options for versatile defenders.
Possible Departures: Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker are expected to leave, and Jack Grealish’s future remains uncertain post a lackluster season.
Contract Renewals: City aims to extend contracts for Rodri, Phil Foden, and Rúben Dias, all of whom are under long-term agreements.
Newcastle United
Budget: With Champions League qualification, Newcastle has around £150 million to spend.
Team Needs: They require depth in the right-back position and a new forward, especially with Callum Wilson nearing the end of his contract.
Main Targets: Newcastle shows interest in Ipswich’s Liam Dellup and Brighton’s Joao Pedro, while keeping tabs on potential attacking reinforcements.
Possible Departures: They want to retain Alexander Isak but are aware of interest from bigger clubs. Several players could leave as their contracts expire.
Contract Renewals: New contracts for Isak are likely forthcoming following Champions League qualification.
Chelsea
Budget: Chelsea has reported a pre-tax profit of £128.4 million, allowing for potential reinvestment.
Team Needs: They focus on strengthening the central spine of the team, with winger and center-back positions also needing attention.
Main Targets: Chelsea is eyeing players such as Joao Pedro and Benjamin Sesko, while monitoring the futures of several forwards.
Possible Departures: Jadon Sancho’s situation is uncertain, and the futures of several loaned players remain unclear.
Contract Renewals: The club generally has long-term deals in place, with no immediate needs for new contracts beyond potential adjustments.
Fan Take
The upcoming transfer season serves as a key moment for clubs to reshape their squads and prepare for competitive challenges ahead. Fans will closely follow these developments, as the right signings can significantly impact team performance, making this an exciting and crucial time in the soccer calendar.
