To keep up to date with all the latest Premier League transfers and to learn more about how each deal could affect both the player and their new club, check back here for more news and analysis.
Each successive transfer window seems to bring more intrigue as the dollar signs pile up and football becomes even more popular (and commercial). The summer 2023 transfer window should prove to be no exception in the Premier League, which has come to dominate world football as the clear No. 1 league in terms of growth.
Here is our analysis and final grade for every major completed Premier League transfer of the summer 2023 window. The most recent deals are at the top. For the sake of brevity, transfers involving loan deals becoming permanent or pre-agreed transfers, such as Christopher Nkunku to Chelsea, were omitted. Transfers are only included when they are made official or given the green light by either Fabrizio Romano or David Ornstein.
Dominik Szoboszlai to Liverpool
After accelerating talks, Liverpool have decided to go ahead and meet the 70 million euro release clause for Dominik Szoboszlai, according to a report from Fabrizio Romano.
The 22-year-old sensation joins Alexis Mac Allister as another high-profile midfield signing for the Reds, who had one of the worst midfielders of any top-level team in European football last season, which held back an exciting attack. Szoboszlai, of course, is an exciting attacker in his own right as more of an attacking midfielder or even a right winger.
Last season, Szoboszlai averaged 2.3 key passes and 1.7 dribbles completed per game, taking another major step forward in his career. His highlight reel of goals from beyond range were probably the best of anyone in world football last season.
Because of the cost, it is hard to grade this too high for Liverpool, but the Reds had to pay the price. They should consider signing a more defensive option, but maybe they are confident in what Fabinho and Thiago can do if healthy in 2023/24. As it stands, Szoboszlai is a great player, and, at any reasonable price, a good signing.
Grade: B
Nicolas Jackon to Chelsea
Christopher Nkunku is already on his way to Chelsea in a transfer that was confirmed in the winter transfer window, but the Blues now have another young striker in their ranks.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Nicolas Jackson will be headed to London from Villarreal in a deal worth 37 million euros that will be paid in installments. His contract will be a hefty eight years, in line with the lengthy contracts Todd Boehly is offering young attacking signings like Mykhaylo Mudryk in the winter.
Jackson is a highly talented 22-year-old. He nearly transferred to Fulham at the beginning of the last season, but the deal fell through. After suffering an injury, Jackson returned as one of the most in-form players in LaLiga, seemingly putting it all together as both a finisher and creator. Jackson scored 12 goals with 4 assists in about 1,600 LaLiga minutes last season, all told.
A high-reward transfer for Chelsea, the Blues are not spending too much money on a young player with a world of potential, though there a risk because he really only showed true top-level quality in one half-season. It’s a decent transfer for Chelsea, but it’s not quite a steal.
Grade: B-
Pau Torres to Aston Villa
Aston Villa have been linked to many of Unai Emery’s former stars at Villarreal, where the Spanish manager won the 2020/21 Europa League Final over Manchester United. And now, Villa have signed the best of those players at a discount price.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa are set to pay exactly 32.5 million euros plus an additional 5 million in add-ons for Pau Torres, one of the best young center backs in European football.
Torres was previously on the radar of nearly every top club in need of a center back. In 2021, Real Madrid showed interest in Torres, but they decided not to pay his 60 million euro release clause. Fast forward to two years later, and Aston Villa are getting him for considerably less than this fee.
An elite ball-playing defender with leadership traits, Torres is a massive upgrade to the Villa defense and could go down as one of the best signings of the window.
Grade: A+
Mason Mount to Manchester United
Manchester United have been courting Mason Mount heavily for the past several weeks, with the Chelsea midfielder intent on joining the Red Devils and not extending his contract with the Blues. The 2020/21 Champions League winner’s contract expired at the end of the 2023/24 season, so the onus was on Chelsea to make a sale.
However, they were steadfastly rejecting transfer offers for the England international, wanting more money from a direct Premier League article. Per The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Manchester United and Chelsea finally agreed to terms on a Mason Mount transfer for 55 million pounds plus 5 million in add-ons.
It is a steep price for an attacking midfielder who leaves Chelsea after being unable to fit the team in a midfield three. United already have a top playmaker in Bruno Fernandes, so they will have to play Mount outside of his ideal position. He can still be effective in this role, but this is a case of United paying a premium price for a player who doesn’t truly fit the scheme. Erik ten Hag’s recruitment has received criticism from some analysts, but this Mount transfer is their first truly puzzling signing.
Grade: D
Declan Rice to Arsenal
Shortly after closing the Kai Havertz deal, Arsenal beat Manchester City to the punch for one of the most highly-coveted players on the transfer market, potentially swinging the pendulum of the Premier League title race by signing Declan Rice from West Ham United.
Rice will reportedly join the Gunners for 100 million pounds plus an additional 5 million in add-ons, per Fabrizio Romano and others, making him the most expensive English player in history.
It is a steep price for the 24-year-old, but it is money well-spent, because Rice is already one of the best defensive midfielders in the world and is merely scratching the surface. With the likes of Kai Havertz, Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka around him, we are about to see a new level to Rice’s game in terms of his offensive contribution.
Grade: A
Kai Havertz to Arsenal
Initially signed for 80 million euros from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer 2020 transfer window, Kai Havertz joined Chelsea as one of the most highly-regarded young footballers in the world. He scored 17 goals as a teenager in a single Bundesliga season while providing excellent all-around play. And for the Blues, he was a key part of the side that won the 2020/21 Champions League.
For 65 million pounds, Arsenal are set to acquire Havertz from Chelsea, per Fabrizio Romano, after the German international struggled in both the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons.
Chelsea need a true reference point and an out-and-out No. 9 leading their attack, having grown frustrated with the chances Havertz missed last season.
Meanwhile, Arsenal make use of a well-rounded player up top, as 2022 signing Gabriel Jesus is their other option in the center of a world-class, three-man attack. Havertz has the raw physical and technical tools to fit what Mikel Arteta wants.
This is a good signing by Arsenal, and 65 million pounds is the going rate for a top player from a rival Premier League club. You have to pay a premium price to make this kind of signing from a crosstown rival. After you do the conversion, they are paying five million less than Chelsea did.
Grade: B
James Maddison to Tottenham
Tottenham have been busy swinging major deals in the summer 2023 transfer window, but their biggest move is the acquisition of James Maddison from now-relegated Leicester City.
One of the most talented attacking midfielders in European football, Maddison will join Spurs on a transfer worth 40 million pounds, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Despite Leicester’s struggles last season, Maddison was still one of the most productive midfielders in the Premier League with 10 goals and 9 assists. It was the fourth time in his career Maddison had at least five goals and five assists.
Although 40 million pounds is a significant investment, Maddison is one of the most talented English players and has the kind of game-changing technical ability Spurs need to inject into the attack. Tottenham need to show ambition, and they have indeed done so with this deal.
Grade: A-
Sandro Tonali to Newcastle
Newcastle broke the record for the most expensive transfer of an Italian footballer ever, spending 70 million plus add-ons to acquire Sandro Tonali from AC Milan. The Rossoneri will have a 10 percent sell-on-clause in the deal, with Fabrizio Romano also reporting Tonali will earn seven million euros per year with two million in bonuses on a contract that runs through the 2028/29 season.
It is an expensive transfer and an expensive contract for Tonali, who did not want to leave Milan but was pushed out so the new club leadership could make a hefty profit. Yet for Newcastle, it is money well-spent. Tonali joins a world-class midfield double-pivot with Bruno Guimarães. He has the quality in defense to help the Magpies get even stronger in that area of the pitch, while the young midfielder’s playmaking from deep will open new opportunities for the explosive attackers.
Grade: B
Guglielmo Vicario to Tottenham
As expected, Tottenham have confirmed the 19 million euro capture of Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who was actually on the radar of Bayern Munich during the winter transfer window before they ultimately decided to go for an even cheaper and more proven option in Yann Sommer as a half-season rental.
Vicario should replace Hugo Lloris, who is no longer good enough to be Spurs’ starting goalkeeper. Meanwhile, Vicario was one of the best in Serie A, earning a reputation for week-to-week consistency and cat-like reflexes. A master of the double save, Vicario was instrumental in Empoli surviving the drop in both seasons since returning to Serie A.
Cheaper than David Raya and only slightly more expensive than Mark Flekken, Vicario is a solid signing that allows Tottenham to invest more in a center back to help their new shot-stopper. Spurs take a step in the right direction on the market.
Grade: A-
Mateo Kovačić to Manchester City
For the price of 25 million pounds plus five million pounds in add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano, the rich are getting richer. Manchester City are acquiring one of the best midfielders in the world at an affordable rate in Mateo Kovačić, and they are getting the standout midfielder of the 2020/21 side that won the Champions League.
Better yet, City are acquiring Kovačić from a Premier League rival. Now, Chelsea had to make sales this summer in order to raise funds, because they are committed to a youth movement and a long-term project that necessitates sacrificing in the short-term. And as their 2022/23 finish outside the European places showed, they are already suffering the pain.
Meanwhile, City are dominating like never before after signing Erling Haaland last summer, though the additions of Manuel Akanji and Julián Álvarez should not go underrated either. Kovačić gives Pep Guardiola a world-class No. 8 who can play in a double pivot with Rodri or continue as the replacement for İlkay Gündoğan in the attacking midfield role next to Kevin De Bruyne.
Either way, City are getting one of the most press-resistant dribblers there is. He fits Man City perfectly, and they didn’t even need to break the bank to get him.
Grade: A
Justin Kluivert to Bournemouth
The son of Patrick Kluivert, Justin joins AFC Bournemouth in the summer 2023 transfer window after spending the last season on loan at Valencia, where he helped the Bats avoid relegation. Kluivert was perpetually on loan from Roma, where he made 53 appearances but failed to make good on the potential he showed at Ajax. Before joining Valencia, Kluivert had nondescript loan spells with Nice and RB Leipzig.
Per Fabrizio Romano, Bournemouth is paying nearly 10 million pounds with an additional 850,000 in add-ons to Roma for the 24-year-old winger. Kluivert will get a five-year contract from the Cherries.
This Premier League transfer for Kluivert comes just a year after a work permit issue prevented him from joining Fulham.
Kluivert is a bit of a wild card. There is no questioning his raw talent, physical attributes, and technical level when he isn’t under pressure. But when the expectations start to weigh on him and the pitch gets congested, he can become invisible. Bournemouth could be a great environment for him, as Kluivert did show signs of putting it together at Valencia, where he was more successful than in previous loan spells. For the price, this is a solid transfer gamble by Bournemouth.
Grade: B
Youri Tielemans to Aston Villa
After qualifying for the Conference League on the final day of the season with an impressive win over Brighton, Aston Villa and the Unai Emery project made another strong statement on the transfer market by signing Youri Tielemans for free. Tielemans was closely linked with a move to Roma, who had just qualified for the Europa League after reaching the final of the competition in 2023.
One of the most talented midfielders in European football, Tielemans has yet to truly breakout as a top star in the Premier League, but he clearly has the potential to do so.
Aston Villa should be a much better environment for the 26-year-old, as Leicester City completely imploded in 2022/23, suffering relegation. Tielemans could be a game-changer for Villa if he puts it together under Emery.
Grade: A
Jefferson Lerma to Crystal Palace
A transfer within the Premier League, Jefferson Lerma joined Crystal Palace from Bournemouth, agreeing to a four-year contract with his new employers as a free agent.
Lerma is one of the better defensive midfielders in the English top flight. He scored five goals with a combined 2.7 tackles and interceptions per game for the Cherries last season and is in the prime of his career at the age of 28. Lerma should remain an asset to Palace throughout the duration of his contract, bringing a defensive presence in midfield to help the talented forwards.
This is a quality pick-up for the Eagles. It doesn’t get much better than this for a mid-table Premier League side in terms of free-agent signings.
Grade: A
Mahmoud Dahoud to Brighton
Brighton have earned a reputation for making brilliant transfers, and they have picked up another coup on the free-agent market, bringing in one of the most talented German midfielders in Mahmoud Dahoud.
The ex-Borussia Dortmund man was important in the 2020/21 season in Edin Terzić’s first stint as manager, even shining in the Champions League. Injuries have always been the main thing holding Dahoud back, but it was disappointing to see how little of a role he played in 2022/23 despite BVB having serious issues in midfield (besides the wonderful Jude Bellingham).
Dahoud is the definition of a low-risk, high-reward signing for Brighton. The Seagulls don’t have to place weighty expectations on him, but if he is healthy, he could be one of the best Premier League midfielders in Roberto De Zerbi’s system. This is the kind of transfer Brighton is famous for.
Grade: A
James Milner to Brighton
Alexis Mac Allister went to Liverpool, so Brighton went ahead and signed James Milner from the Reds for free. Obviously, Milner is nowhere near Mac Allister in terms of quality or playing style as a replacement. He is veteran depth to add stability and a little bit of an edge to Brighton. They could use that. There is nothing wrong with Milner for free. He can still help a team out as a versatile backup.
Grade: B-
Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool
When the Alexis Mac Allister transfer rumors starting popping up, some fans had concerns about a potential 80 million pound price tag for the Brighton midfielder. Mac Allister, a reigning World Cup winner, had a tremendous breakout season for the Seagulls with 10 goals and tremendous all-around midfield play in helping his side qualify for the Europa League.
But 80 million? That seemed like a stretch.
Instead, Liverpool are getting a much-needed midfield upgrade and an injection of playmaking quality for the mere price of 35 million pounds due to a release clause nobody was aware of during the season. What a steal. For that fee, Mac Allister should go down as one of the best Premier League transfers of the summer 2023 window.
Grade: A+
Mark Flekken to Brentford
In anticipation of losing David Raya to Tottenham or another club – though Spurs seem close to signing Empoli’s Guglielmo Vicario – Brentford signed one of the best goalkeepers in the Bundesliga, Mark Flekken.
Like Brighton, Brentford exceeded expectations in 2022/23 and are built on a brand of astute scouting on the transfer market. Flekken was exceptional for Freiburg last season in their chase for Champions League football, finishing fourth in the Bundesliga in save percentage and fifth in expected goals prevented.
Brentford are paying just 13 million euros for Flekken due to his release clause. That could end up being as little as one-third of the money the Bees generate from a Raya sale, and Flekken is pretty much just as good. Brentford signed one of the better keepers in Europe for a modest fee. Sound business.
Grade: A
