Top 5 Premier League done deals of the summer’s first transfer window

France's Rayan Cherki (25) and Kylian Mbappe (right, 10) in their nations league defeat to Spain. PHOTO: AFP

Samuel Tan

UPDATED Jun 11, 2025, 09:27 PM

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There were some frenzied dealings by English Premier League sides during the 10 days before the special transfer window was slammed shut on June 10.

While the move was to allow Manchester City and Chelsea, the two sides in the Club World Cup to strengthen their squads ahead of the month-long tournament in the United States, their EPL rivals were also quick to snap up players.

Here are the top five deals done in this period before the transfer window reopens from June 16 to Sept 1.

5. Caoimhin Kelleher (Brentford)

Caoimhin Kelleher arrives in Brentford as a Premier League champion. PHOTO: AFP

Since their promotion in 2021 , Brentford’s shrewd recruitment strategy has been one of the key factors that helped them beat the drop and become Premier League mainstays. And their latest coup is no different.

Kelleher arrives in West London as a Premier League champion and one of the division’s best shot-stoppers all for a reported cheap price of £12.5 million (S$ 21.7 million). At Liverpool, he stepped in comfortably when Alisson Becker was out injured, however he was never able to hold down the position and as such, was confined to the bench for most of his career on Merseyside.

Afte r publicly stating his desire to play regularly in his bid to cement his place as Ireland’s first choice goalkeeper, Brentford have granted him that chance following Mark Flekken’s departure to Bayer Leverkusen.

4. Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool)

Jeremie Frimpong possesses the ability to play in any right-sided position. PHOTO: AFP

Speaking of Leverkusen, the German side have traded their dynamic wing-back Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool after the Reds triggered his £33.8 million release clause .

The Premier League champions are looking to bolster their squad after right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid on June 1 and they have moved quickly to sign Frimpong, a member of the invincible Leverkusen team who won the club’s first ever Bundesliga title in 2024.

While he may not have the same profile as Alexander-Arnold, the 24-year-old Dutchman’s pace and ability to get forward have seen him deployed in a more advanced winger role, offering the versatility to play multiple positions.

He may not be the last player to leave the BayArena for Liverpool this summer, with a blockbuster move for Florian Wirtz set to be completed soon.

3. Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)

Rayan Cherki has scored some high-profile goals last season, including against Manchester United in a Europa League quarter-final. PHOTO: REUTERS

City were linked with Wirtz before his expensive price tag forced them to back out of negotiations. Instead, they have opted for a much cheaper option – Lyon’s Rayan Cherki.

After interest from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, City have won the race for the 21-year-old Frenchman, signing him for £34 million on a five-year deal . Primarily a right-winger, Cherki has also featured in an attacking midfield role and Pep Guardiola is hoping that he has found his long-term replacement for Kevin De Bruyne.

Cherki’s 12 goals and 20 assists in all competitions last season have seen him earn a maiden call- up for France . On June 6, he came off the bench to score one goal and set up another in France’s 5-4 loss to Spain in the Nations League semi-finals.

2. Liam Delap (Chelsea)

Liam Delap (right) battles with Chelsea’s Levi Colwill (left) for the ball. The pair are now teammates together. PHOTO: AFP

Part of the criticism about Chelsea’s season was their over-reliance on Cole Palmer for goals as well as their lack of an out-and-out striker. The signing of Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap looks to plug both those issues.

Previously a City academy graduate , Delap scored 12 goals in his first full top-flight campaig n and was one of the shining lights in an otherwise bleak season for Ipswich that ended in relegation. So Chelsea pounced quick, forking up £30 million for the Englishman who will link up once more with Enzo Maresca, who coached him at City’s youth level.

Delap will don the infamous No. 9 jerse y, worn by flops such as Romelu Lukaku, Alvaro Morata and Fernando Torres, and Chelsea fans will be hoping this transfer will not be another blast from the past.

1. Matheus Cunha (Manchester United)

Matheus Cunha has the 7th joint highest league goals last season. PHOTO: AFP

Despite their worst Premier League finish since they were relegated in 1974, Manchester United have been able to secure the services of one of the league’s most exciting players in Matheus Cunha.

Cunha was easily Wolverhampton Wanderers’ best player last season, contributing 1 5 goals and six assists in the league.

In a summer that is expected to see a lot of chop and change at Old Trafford, Cunha’s £62.5 million transfer is currently the most expensive and serves as a statement signing in Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge.

United will be hoping the Brazilian can strike up a deadly partnership with captain Bruno Fernandes, and maybe even get out-of-form Rasmus Hojlund firing again.

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