As the curtain fell on the 2025/26 summer transfer window, European football was gripped by a final day of chaos, cash, and compelling storylines — none more notable than the surge of Nigerian talent into the elite. From a shock move for Gianluigi Donnarumma to the standoff surrounding Ademola Lookman, Deadline Day lived up to its billing.
With over £900 million spent in the final 24 hours alone, the sport’s biggest clubs scrambled to reinforce squads, stave off crises, and keep fans dreaming. Here’s how the drama unfolded.
LOOKMAN STAYS PUT AS ATALANTA REJECT BAYERN’S LATE BID
Bayern Munich’s eleventh-hour attempt to secure Ademola Lookman on loan was firmly turned down by Atalanta, who insisted the Nigerian forward was only available via a permanent transfer — and at a much higher fee than Bayern’s proposed €28 million clause.
The Italian side value the 27-year-old closer to €50 million and previously declined a €45 million offer from Inter Milan. Lookman, frustrated by the lack of movement, has been training away from the first team. Interest from Tottenham and Galatasaray lingers, but the clock ran out this window.
WISSA IN, ISAK OUT AS NEWCASTLE RESHAPE ATTACK
In a swift double-deal that stunned many, Newcastle United sanctioned the record-breaking £125 million sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool and promptly reinvested, landing Yoane Wissa from Brentford for £55 million.
Wissa, 28, had been outspoken about his desire to leave, accusing Brentford of blocking reasonable offers. His arrival in the North East signals Newcastle’s aggressive rebuild, following the addition of Nick Woltemade earlier this summer.
LIVERPOOL SECURE GUEHI IN DEFENSIVE BOOST
Liverpool, now defending their Premier League crown, turned to youth and reliability at the back by sealing a £35 million deal for Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The England international completed his medical in London ahead of a long-term contract.
Guehi, 25, impressed with his consistency and leadership at Palace, and his addition is viewed as a shrewd reinforcement for Jurgen Klopp’s back line.
KOLO MUANI JOINS SPURS IN SURPRISE LOAN DEAL
In a Deadline Day twist, Tottenham Hotspur clinched a last-minute loan deal for Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain. The French striker had drawn interest from several Premier League clubs, but Spurs moved decisively to seal the agreement.
The move bolsters a reshaped Spurs frontline, which now includes Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons. Despite missing out on Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White, the North London side enter their Champions League return with renewed attacking firepower.
BONIFACE COMPLETES MEDICAL AT BREMEN AMID FITNESS CONCERNS
After weeks of speculation and a failed move to AC Milan, Nigerian striker Victor Boniface completed a medical with Werder Bremen, bringing him one step closer to a Bundesliga lifeline.
Boniface, 24, remains under contract at Bayer Leverkusen but has not featured recently due to fitness issues. Bremen, in need of offensive reinforcements, appear willing to take the gamble despite his troubling injury record — including missing the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
WOLVES LAND AROKODARE IN £24 MILLION DEAL
Wolverhampton Wanderers unveiled their marquee signing of the window with the £24 million acquisition of Tolu Arokodare from Genk. The towering 6ft 6in Nigerian striker joins on a four-year deal after a Golden Boot-winning campaign in Belgium.
With Jorgen Strand Larsen staying put despite interest, Wolves now boast one of the most physically imposing strike partnerships in the league as they seek to claw their way off the foot of the table.
DONNARUMMA MAKES SHOCK SWITCH TO MANCHESTER CITY
One of the most unexpected moves of the day came as Gianluigi Donnarumma swapped Paris for Manchester in a €35 million deal to join Manchester City. The Italian No.1, once considered untouchable at PSG, had fallen down the pecking order under Luis Enrique.
City’s patience with young keeper James Trafford reportedly wore thin, prompting Pep Guardiola to make the move despite Ederson remaining at the Etihad. The reigning Champions League holders now have a new shot-stopper between the posts.
QUIET BUSINESS AS CHELSEA LOAN BUONANOTTE, SELL MATOS
Elsewhere in the capital, Chelsea concluded a quiet deadline with two modest moves. Facundo Buonanotte joined on loan from Brighton, adding creative depth to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, while youngster Alex Matos completed a permanent switch to Sheffield United.
The 2025 summer window will be remembered for its unpredictability, urgency, and eye-watering spending. Some clubs walk away with reinforcements; others with only what-ifs.
But as the dust settles and the real action begins, one truth remains: Deadline Day never disappoints.
TOP DEADLINE DAY DEALS RECAP:
Yoane Wissa ➡ Newcastle (£55m), Marc Guehi ➡ Liverpool (£35m), Randal Kolo Muani ➡ Tottenham (Loan), Tolu Arokodare ➡ Wolves (£24m), Gianluigi Donnarumma ➡ Manchester City (€35m), Victor Boniface ➡ (Medical complete at Werder Bremen).
