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Sam Tighe
Multiple Authors
The summer transfer window of 2025 was notable for an upsurge in player movement within Premier League clubs, totaling 45 transfers, which increased to 57 in January, making it the highest annual total in over ten years.
Nine of these transactions exceeded £50 million, underscoring a trend where clubs favored spending on “Premier League proven” talents, deeming the investment worthwhile.
Will this summer see a similar trend? Given the ever-increasing financial divide between the Premier League and other European leagues, it seems likely. But which players are set to make big-money moves?
Note: Clubs from outside the Premier League are also eyeing talent, with players such as Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon (Bayern Munich) and West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes (Paris Saint-Germain) also garnering significant interest.
Key attribute: Exceptional physicality and ball-carrying ability
PL clubs linked: Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea
Projected fee: £80 million
Rogers has showcased his talent over two and a half seasons at Aston Villa, pulling off remarkable performances with 27 and 23 goal contributions in his last two full seasons. His technical abilities are paired with striking goals, including a stunning long-range shot against West Ham and a curling masterpiece against Manchester United.
In addition to his skill, Rogers is physically imposing at 6’2″, combining speed and strength while proving to be incredibly durable with back-to-back seasons of over 50 matches each. He has also logged the third-highest running distance (391.13 km) in the Premier League per Gradient Sports.
What’s the downside? Rogers has lost the ball 327 times in the attacking third (the fourth most in the Premier League) and 234 times in the middle third (the fifth most). While this is expected from dynamic attackers, he tends to commit many turnovers on less effective days.
Key attribute: Versatility
PL clubs linked: Manchester United, Manchester City
Projected fee: £80 million
Anderson stands as a near-complete midfielder; he excels at numerous functions outside of scoring. Dominating the pitch, he leads the league with 297 duels won, ranks fourth in combined tackles and interceptions (104), and has covered the second-largest distance (407.34 km) according to Gradient Sports. His presence has been felt both for the England national team and Nottingham Forest, where he has effectively managed possession and uniform playing tempo.
What’s the downside? Anderson may never be a consistent goal-scorer, as his duties often encompass a broader range of responsibilities.
Key attribute: Exceptional passing ability
PL clubs linked: Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea
Projected fee: £75 million
In a sport enhanced by speed and strength, Wharton demonstrates that finesse still holds value, boasting exceptional passing skills. Palace has tailored their attacking game around his ability to accurately penetrate defenses, often surprising opponents with his incisive passes. With 14 through balls this season, only Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes (15) has exceeded him.
Wharton’s outstanding performance has attracted interest from Real Madrid, among other top Premier League clubs eager to improve their offensive play.
What’s the downside? He has faced minor injuries, and his minutes have been closely managed, undergoing groin surgery back in late 2024.
Key attribute: Dynamic offensive play
PL clubs linked: Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
Projected fee: £60 million
Gibbs-White was involved in a significant transfer saga last summer when Tottenham activated his £60 million release clause, only to withdraw amid legal disputes. After signing a new contract with Forest until 2028, he’s had a strong showing this season, proving to be a versatile attacking midfielder who can contribute significantly, having scored 15 goals in the past four Premier League campaigns.
Without European tournaments to satisfy his ambitions, Forest might consider selling, particularly if Anderson leaves as well.
What’s the downside? Despite his talent, Gibbs-White tends to be inconsistent, occasionally vanishing from matches, which is a concern for a player with a hefty price tag.
Key attribute: Excellent dribbling from deep
PL clubs linked: Manchester United, Liverpool
Projected fee: £60 million
Bournemouth is positioning itself for potential European qualification—perhaps even a spot in the UEFA Champions League—thanks to Scott’s impressive form. He has drawn comparisons to Manchester City’s Jack Grealish for his dribbling style and ability to evade defenders while also ranking high in ground duels won (148).
Under Andoni Iraola, Scott has excelled as a presser, creating turnovers and ranking 18th for high turnovers (115) in his category.
What’s the downside? Goal-scoring has eluded him; this season is his best at the elite level, and he has netted just three times.
Key attribute: Exceptional dribbling and agility
PL clubs linked: Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham
Projected fee: £50 million
Ndiaye has experienced a breakout season with six goals, three assists, and a wealth of dribbling skills to boost a lively Everton offense. Only Manchester City’s Jérémy Doku has completed more take-ons (179) than Ndiaye’s 147 this season.
The Senegal international capitalized on the focused defense against loanee Grealish, thriving in one-on-one situations, showcasing his talent that has blossomed since his ascent to the top level with Marseille just three years ago.
What’s the downside? His shooting can be inconsistent; he gets into good positions but sometimes lacks the composure to finish effectively.
Key attribute: Ability to dictate play from deep
PL clubs linked: Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Newcastle United
Projected fee: £40 million
Van Hecke has developed into a solid Premier League center-back during his stint at Brighton, excelling as a valuable passer in the club’s possession style. Comfortable with the ball and averaging over 80 touches per game, he fits well with top clubs, providing options for building play from the back or advancing into midfield.
His defensive presence has improved, as he now wins 5.86 duels per 90 minutes, ranking among the top defenders in the league. With just one year left on his contract and no extension in sight, he could be available for less than other prime choices.
What’s the downside? While not slow, he lacks elite pace which top clubs often desire. Sometimes, he crosses the line with opponents, creating friction.
Key attribute: Strong left foot and extensive experience
PL clubs linked: Liverpool, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Everton
Projected fee: £45 million
West Ham is bracing for the potential loss of their captain and arguably their best player following relegation. While Bowen turns 30 this year, typically a deterrent for top clubs, he remains a proven asset in the Premier League.
A skilled and hardworking player with fantastic pace and a sweet left foot, Bowen’s contributions are clear, raising the question of whether clubs see him as a valuable addition for the next few years.
What’s the downside? His age comes with concerns, and his tendency to focus on dribbling can lead to missed opportunities to pass or cross early.