The 2026 summer transfer window has already brought another raft of eye-watering deals, with Premier League clubs once again setting the pace in the European market.
England’s top team comfortably defeated their rivals, while clubs in Spain, Italy, Germany and France have also invested heavily in a bid to strengthen ahead of the new season.
English clubs have dominated the big moves completed so far, accounting for all five of the biggest transfer fees before July 23.
Central midfielders have emerged as a key asset in this summer’s market, and Chelsea have once again shown their willingness to spend whatever it takes to reach their top targets.
Below, we rank the five biggest transfers completed so far this summer.
5. Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United to Barcelona) – £69m
Few predicted that Anthony Gordon would be Barcelona’s star player this summer, but the England international’s move to Catalonia could prove one of the shrewdest pieces of business in the window.
The Spanish champions have spent years navigating financial constraints, making Gordon’s £69 million arrival all the more significant. Although reports differ on the value of the potential additions, the confirmed fee is enough to put the wing among the biggest transfers of the summer.
Barcelona have long admired Gordon’s relentless work rate, direct running and ability to press forward, qualities that make him a natural fit in Hansi Flick’s dynamic system.
Still only 25, the former Everton man also offers the kind of long-term value the club has been looking for in the transfer market.
For Newcastle, the sale represents a huge gain for a player who has developed into one of the Premier League’s most dangerous strikers.
However, questions will certainly be asked after Barcelona were repeatedly linked with Marcus Rashford before finally turning their attention to Gordon.
4. Mateus Fernandes (West Ham United to Tottenham) – £85m
Tottenham wasted little time breaking their transfer record by agreeing an £85m deal for Mateus Fernandes.
The Portuguese became the first midfielder to switch clubs this summer, setting the tone for what has become a landmark transfer window. Elite midfielders have never been more valuable, and Tottenham were ready to pay.
Fernandes arrives on the back of a stint with West Ham, a situation that has done nothing to tarnish his reputation across Europe.
Comfortable under pressure, capable of moving the ball forward in midfield and mature beyond his years, he is seen as a player Spurs can build around for the next decade.
The payment definitely raised eyebrows. Spending £85m on a player whose former club has just been relegated from the Championship has invited criticism, but Tottenham clearly believe the market has changed. Proven midfielders in their early twenties now command premiums previously reserved for forwards.
Only time will tell if Fernandes justifies the price tag, but Tottenham have made it clear they believe he can become one of Europe’s best midfielders.
3. Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United to Tottenham) – £92.5m
If Mateus Fernandes was a statement of intent for Tottenham, Sandro Tonali was a move that really shocked European football.
The Italian international joined Spurs for an initial £92.5m, with the deal capable of reaching £100m through performance-related add-ons. It represents one of the biggest signings ever made by a club not competing in the Champions League.
Tonali’s desire to leave Newcastle played a big role. With a return to Serie A financially difficult, London emerged as the destination of choice, allowing Tottenham to take advantage of the situation.
Tonali brings experience, leadership and a technical level that quickly raises the profile of the midfielders, and his ability to dictate plays should help speed up the team’s rebuilding.
Undoubtedly there will be those who object to Tottenham being overpaid. Spending close to £100m on any midfielder is risky, but transfer fees continue to rise across Europe.
In the current market, Tottenham clearly decided this was the price needed to secure one of the world’s best midfielders.
2. Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest to Manchester City) – £116m
For a short time, Elliot Anderson became the most expensive British football player in history.
Manchester City have agreed a stunning £116m deal to prize the midfielder away from Nottingham Forest, beating off stiff competition to become one of England’s brightest stars.
Manchester United also monitored Anderson, but City’s determination to break their transfer record effectively ended the race.
The transfer also shines on Newcastle’s decision to sell Anderson without including a sell-on clause.
After leaving St James’ Park for a relatively small fee, his incredible rise means the Magpies will not benefit from one of the biggest transfers in British football history.
The city views Anderson as the cornerstone of its next generation. Possessing the ability to contribute, tireless and able to influence games in a number of central midfield roles, he has the necessary attributes to thrive in Pep Guardiola’s demanding system.
1. Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa to Chelsea) – £117m
Chelsea have made headlines with blockbuster transfers for most of the past four years, and Morgan Rogers is the latest addition to that list.
The West London club paid £117m to sign the Aston Villa star, making him the most expensive British footballer to ever complete a major transfer anywhere in the world this summer.
The fee is impressive not only because of its size, but because Chelsea continue to spend heavily despite missing out on Champions League football.
Questions about the club’s finances have done little to dampen its activity in the transfer market, and Rogers has been identified as a marquee addition to lead the next phase of their project.
For Aston Villa, the deal represents an incredible return on investment and offers significant financial flexibility.
With more than a month to go until the transfer window, Chelsea’s record-breaking deal is still under wraps.
