Premier League Transfer Window Review: Arsenal’s Caution, City’s Support for Maresca, and Spurs’ Risky Spending

The 2026 summer transfer window in the Premier League has been notably chaotic. Nine of the 20 clubs have new managers since last season ended, including heavyweights like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea. Tottenham brought in Roberto De Zerbi during last season's closing stages, while Michael Carrick at Manchester United remains a rare managerial constant.

With fresh leadership comes bold plans and plenty of money to back them, but big spending hasn’t always equated to smart deals. The Premier League’s financial muscle continues to push player prices higher, especially as English clubs compete fiercely against each other to secure talent.

As the deadline passed, some clear winners and losers emerged from this wild market.

Winners and Losers Breakdown

Winner: Arsenal

The reigning champions chose stability amid the frenzy. They secured Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa, both in their prime and ready to contribute immediately. Manager Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s leadership seem to have played their cards wisely, even though attempts to sign a top attacker like Vinicius Junior or Julian Alvarez fell through. Although they parted ways with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, they picked up Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, who has impressed early on.

Loser: Tottenham Hotspur

After two seasons flirting with relegation, Tottenham backed De Zerbi with over $400 million spent on new players. Despite this investment, after two league games, they are winless with no goals scored and five conceded. Significant signings include Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, who struggled at previous clubs. Players like Savinho and Omar Marmoush arrived from Manchester City but failed to make an impact. The defense has looked shaky, with Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke underperforming. This squad, largely made up of mid-table or bench players from last season, faces a tough challenge.

Winner: Manchester City

City experienced considerable player turnover and the departure of Pep Guardiola after a decade. Rodri’s exit to La Liga added to the changes. Yet director of football Hugo Viana managed significant sales, moving on Savinho, Marmoush, Reijnders, Gonzalez, and Trafford for substantial fees. On deadline day, they broke the British transfer record by paying £125 million to Chelsea for Enzo Fernandez and spent another £65 million for Iliman Ndiaye from Everton. Alongside young talents like Ayyoub Bouaddi and Allan, City look well-prepared to compete without leaning on transitional excuses.

Loser: Crystal Palace

After winning the FA Cup, Community Shield, and Conference League under Oliver Glasner, Palace now face a tough season without him. New manager Pierre Sage inherits a challenging situation as key right-back Daniel Munoz moved on, and there are efforts to keep Dean Henderson from leaving too. Forwards Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta remain but appear unhappy. Maxence Lacroix left for Chelsea, and Dwight McNeil arrived in a quiet swap deal. Losing Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi last year suggests struggles ahead.

Winner: Leeds United

Leeds showed improved form last season, escaping relegation worries. This window, they strengthened sensibly. James Trafford arrived from Manchester City as a clear first-choice goalkeeper. Tarik Muharemovic joined following Pascal Strujik’s move to Brighton, and Nico Elvedi was signed from Borussia Monchengladbach to bolster defense. Harry Wilson’s free transfer from Fulham adds attacking quality, having scored 10 league goals last season. The window was low-key but strengthened both defense and attack effectively.

Loser: Aston Villa

Aston Villa’s success may have come at a cost. After a strong finish and winning a European trophy, they lost major players. Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers, who scored in the final, departed—Rogers for a club-record £117 million to Chelsea. Emiliano Martinez also joined Chelsea, Ezri Konsa moved to Arsenal, and Ollie Watkins transferred to the Saudi Pro League. While reducing squad age was necessary and Tielemans had a release clause, losing so many key players leaves a big hole. New signings like Nicolas Jackson and Leon Goretzka bring promise but create uncertainty about the team’s shape.

Winner: Newcastle United

Despite selling Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes, and Sandro Tonali, Newcastle look positive under new coach Matthias Jaissle. Injuries still affect Tino Livramento and Dan Burn, but arrivals such as goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek and full-back Amar Dedic strengthen the defense. Bazoumana Toure and Sean Steur add youthful energy, while Nico Gonzalez brings experience from top European clubs. Deadline-day signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo seems a better attacking fit than Nick Woltemade, who left on loan. Newcastle appear to be rebuilding thoughtfully.

Loser: Everton

Everton’s move to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium has not sparked optimism. Solid signings like Tyrique George and Hayden Hackney promise future potential, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles fills a long-needed right-back spot. Dwight McNeil’s arrival did little to solve scoring problems. Folarin Balogun was expected to boost the attack but his medical issues and a failed transfer saga left Everton stranded. Beto was sold to Fiorentina expecting a replacement that never arrived. The club also facilitated Jack Grealish’s loan return by letting Iliman Ndiaye go to Manchester City. The contrasting trajectories of these two players highlight Everton’s ongoing struggles.