Premier League: Hits and misses in the summer transfer window

Despite the distraction of the 2026 World Cup this summer, Premier League clubs have been splashing the cash in the transfer market.

However, as has been evidenced by previous transfer windows, there is no guarantee that the huge outlay will deliver the desired results.

With just over one month remaining before deadline day, we assess the hits and misses from the business conducted so far.

United’s shrewd strategy should pay dividends

Manchester United have significantly shifted their transfer strategy since co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased a stake in the club.

The Red Devils have refused to get drawn into bidding wars for overpriced players and their revised methodology is paying dividends.

They were linked with big-money moves for Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali, but moved on from them after being quoted ridiculous fees.

Midfielders Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos have been acquired for a combined £83 million outlay, which looks great value in today’s market.

Tielemans is a proven Premier League performer, while Santos has the ability to develop into a truly top-class midfielder over the next few years.

Aston Villa’s decision to sell Tielemans caught people by surprise, but they have moved quickly to fill the void he left behind.

Joao Gomes should prove to be an excellent acquisition following his £34m move from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Several other clubs have also made some shrewd moves during the summer transfer window. They include Everton and Leeds United.

Hayden Hackney is an excellent acquisition for the Toffees after impressing for Middlesbrough in the Championship over the past few seasons.

Tarik Muharemovic and Harry Wilson are solid additions to the Leeds squad and should boost their hopes of securing a top ten finish this season.

Christos Tzolis (Arsenal), Luka Vuskovic (Brighton & Hove Albion) and Xaver Schlager (Nottingham Forest) are other signings who should shine with their new clubs.

Tottenham take a massive summer gamble

After finishing 17th in the Premier League for the past two seasons, Tottenham Hotspur desperately needed a reset this summer.

However, you would be hard-pressed to believe that their huge outlay on new players will be justified.

Sandro Tonali (£92.5m) and Mateus Fernandes (£85m) both look overpriced given what they have achieved with their previous clubs.

Tonali’s betting ban at Newcastle United is still fresh in the memory, while Fernandes has been relegated with Southampton and West Ham United in the last two seasons.

A £52m fee for Jan Paul van Hecke is also over the odds, particularly considering that he spends too much time rolling around on the floor during games.

The free transfer move for former Liverpool defender Andy Robertson may work out, although there is a suspicion that his legs have gone.

Elsewhere, Manchester City have paid well over the odds for Elliot Anderson. A £116m fee is too much to pay for a functional midfielder.

Villa’s loan move for Alejandro Garnacho could go either way. He has been a disruptive influence at Man United and Chelsea, but manager Unai Emery could get the best out of him.

Newcastle’s incoming signings are all risky. Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Toure, Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba have no experience of the Premier League.

With Eddie Howe exiting this week, the Magpies will be heading into the unknown next season under German boss Matthias Jaissle.

He has done a decent job with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, but managing in the Premier League is a different kettle of fish.

If Bruno Guimaraes joins Arsenal, it could be a tough season for the Magpies.