Transfer Policy & Summer 2025

[Frogfish]

Multiple sources used and of course they aren't aligned so figures will vary by source.
Fbref (who often quote Capology), Transfermarkt & Capology.
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Main Transfers (into the 1st Team or Bench)

• 2024/25 : Marmardashvili, Chiesa
  2023/24: Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Endo, Gravenberch
• 2022/23: Nunez, Ramsay, Carvalho, Gakpo
• 2021/22: Konate, Diaz
• 2020/21: Tsimikas, Thiago, Jota, Pitaluga, Davies
• 2019/20: van den Berg, Elliott, Adrian, Lonergan, Minamino
• 2018/19: Keita, Fabinho, Shaqiri, Alisson

All figures in Euros unless stated.

I was reading an article recently that went into some detail on how spending less on transfers (we're 8th in the PL over the past 5 years) enables us to stay within PSR regulations whilst still paying some of the highest salaries according to UEFA : 5th in Europe at 449m, and higher than United's at 429m with PSG highest at 658m and Arsenal at 381m.
I'm assuming those figures above are for the clubs as a whole, with bonuses, and not just the 1st Team or Squad base salaries which seems to account for a much lower amount of those figures, source Capology : (City £224m, United £172m, Chelsea £170m, Arsenal £166m and LFC on £129m).

Over the past 5 years that's 72 players inbound (24 into the squad and 16 1st Team or Bench), one of the lowest in the PL (only West Ham and Newcastle lower at 66). Spend : LFC 537m (net spend is -248m or -300m depending on source). Chelsea 1.74B (net -947m), Arsenal 783m (-556m or -328m depending on source), City 969m (-370m) and United 918m (-693m).

Under FSG a relatively big transfer spend season usually follows a pattern of 1-2 bigger seasons : 23/24 : €172m, 22/23 €146m, 18/19 €182m, 17/18 €174 (regardless of where the money comes from it's still being spent) being followed by 2-3 much lower seasons to balance the books.

When you add in the turmoil last season with Klopp et al leaving, and a new manager, then there were obvious reasons not only why we hardly spent but for why top players would maybe not consider moving here, so in that regard it was better to tread water - which amazingly has paid off in spades. We are in a MUCH better situation for high quality transfers now. That said we had a big transfer season in 2023/4 so it was normal we had a low key year last year.

By past history I assume we are in for one of those 'big transfer season' though history dictates no more than 3 players for the 1st Team and maybe 2-3 younger squad players. Using that as the template I can see those 3 x high quality 1st Teamers, being for LB (bye Tsimi, Robbo to the bench), CF x2 (bye Nunez & Jota) and the 3 squaddies being : a mature player for RB (Bradley now the starter), a 22-23 yo for CB (are we going to have 4 or 5?) and 22-23 yo for a RW Mo. backup. Meaning Diaz, Robbo, Gomez etc. all staying. Marmalade in for Kelleher and Bajcetic returning.

 

[Fabio]

I think if there's deals to be made then we'll sell some that people aren't expecting. Diaz is at peak age for a winger and his output isn't that special, so if a big enough bid comes in I can see him going

 

[Buddha]

You can add in 5m or something for Trent if Real want him before the end of his contract for the World Club Championship or whatever it’s called.

 

[Fabio]

I'd quite like us to buy a good player who's a bit of a cunt on the pitch.

We're very nicey nicey. Even robbos cunt edge is blunted.

 

[keniget]

It'll be interesting to see how things shape up in terms of outgoings over the next few transfer windows.

In the past, it's often been said that Klopp is too loyal to players and perhaps that's why some have stayed past their sell by date etc. Now he's gone, so let's see if anything changes.

 

[Hansern]

Diaz and Darwin seem to be high on the short list for the Saudi clubs. I'd imagine both could leave and move there.

 

[Frogfish]

It'll be interesting to see how things shape up in terms of outgoings over the next few transfer windows.

In the past, it's often been said that Klopp is too loyal to players and perhaps that's why some have stayed past their sell by date etc. Now he's gone, so let's see if anything changes.

Slot does (or is supposed to be) far more ruthless. We'll see.

 

[Brizzle]

we have a few players who are arguably offering bare minimum and whilst some might have special places in their hearts for them - it makes sense to get rid. Mostly Darwin & Jota at present.

 

[Modo]

What we need is a marquee signing. We need the next Torres, Suarez, Mane or Salah type.

Unfortunately we were sleeping when Kvara was available and Nunez turned out to be a dud. I had high hopes for Szobo but unfortunately he hasn't stepped up.

I'm not sure who the next one will be, but that's what we need.

 

[ibromurph]

I really do hope Arteta is booted soon, because he looks on the cusp of something. Contrary to popular belief, I actually think he's a very good manager, just very much dislikeable in the way that he speaks/moans.

If they, God forbid, unexpectedly won the UCL, then the confidence it would give them ahead of next season would be worrying. Similar to how we won the CL the year before we annihilated the league.

In terms of us though, I expect us to sell the likes of Diaz, Gomez/Quansah, Elliott, Endo, Jota, Nunez, TAA (free), so:
At RB, I think we need more quality. Bradley's fitness is a huge question mark, so def need someone were to come in; they'd really need to be up to scratch almost immediately, if not the starter themselves.

At DM, I'm assuming Gravy isn't going to play another 50+ games uninjured next season again. So we need a genuine quality rotation option. Slot clearly doesn't rate Endo.

At CB, we still need someone to be 3rd choice and/or rotate with the first 2. I don't think Quansah is good enough yet and Joe Go probably needs to be sold (again, due his injury record).

Out of the 4, CMs, Mac is genuine quality. Harvey is a quality player but lacks athleticism and Slot doesn't trust him. Both Jones and Szobo, the jury is still out on for me, as to their quality.

 

[Beamrider]

Just to comment on wages, the figures quoted, assuming they're in Euros, look about right - in sterling, wages for 2024 were:
LFC £386m
United £377m
Arsenal £329m
Arsenal's were a big increase from £235m in the prior year, which I think is because they brought a load of functions in-house - likely retail and catering. This puts them more or less like-for-like with United and us as all three clubs do most of that stuff in-house.
These figures are for all staff. UEFA put out a detailed financial report in which they estimated salaries for non-playing / non-coaching staff at 18% across all clubs surveyed. So you're probably looking at a range of 15-25% for the supporting staff.
That will give you a decent estimate of first-team costs. Capology ignores bonuses, social security, agent fees etc. and bases itself on media speculation for players' basic salaries. It should be treated as no more than educated guesswork.
NB, as well as adding a but more to the bottom line, Arsenal's rationale for their changes was probably to increase their revenues for the UEFA FCR calculation - the revenues count towards the bottom half of the fraction, but the related costs do not. Moving some commercial functions in-house will massively improve the ratio (a 10% improvement in revenue knocks just over 9% off the ratio). Between 2023 and 2024, Arsenal's revenues increased by £150m (almost 1/3), of which £78m was commercial and matchday, much of it from re-structuring their operations.

 

[Fabio]

I really do hope Arteta is booted soon, because he looks on the cusp of something. Contrary to popular belief, I actually think he's a very good manager, just very much dislikeable in the way that he speaks/moans.

If they, God forbid, unexpectedly won the UCL, then the confidence it would give them ahead of next season would be worrying. Similar to how we won the CL the year before we annihilated the league.
.

He reminds me of Rodgers. Just doesn't have that final bit of nous to get them over the line. The fact it's taken 5 years to get to this point, and in that time they've not even threatened a cup (unlike us with multiple finals before winning something).

I think he's not confident enough weirdly. First time they challenging and wit was free flowing attacking football. then saliba got injured and they struggled to cope. Now he's focusing on defending more and it's sacrificed some of their potency

 

[ibromurph]

City are going to have a 2 year period of rebuilding. Arsenal are our only challengers for now.

We'll likely have Mo and VVD at a decent level for another 2 years. We need to take advantage of this to win number 20 and 21.

I think we do that if we surround them with youth and quality.

That means a quick, competent LB to help out VVD (I like Kerkez).

And getting a quick, competent, dominant 1v1 RB to compete with Bradley to help out Mo. Because if Mo doesn't have to track back, and Ryan doesn't have to come over so much, we'll be more dominant both in possession and on the counter.

It would also help Mo out if he had a competent CF to play with/off. Or a dominant 1 v 1 winger on the other side, meaning he can focus on just getting in on the back post.

 

[Hansern]

Arteta got them a club dog called «Win», and his players are now well equipped in case any pick pocketers enter the pitch.
He’s a weirdo. Nothing else.

 

[ibromurph]

He reminds me of Rodgers. Just doesn't have that final bit of nous to get them over the line. The fact it's taken 5 years to get to this point, and in that time they've not even threatened a cup (unlike us with multiple finals before winning something).

I think he's not confident enough weirdly. First time they challenging and wit was free flowing attacking football. then saliba got injured and they struggled to cope. Now he's focusing on defending more and it's sacrificed some of their potency

Rodgers didn't compete for 2-3 years in a row though.

He also didn't turn us around for a joke/banter club to a respectable club (Klopp did that). We just had 1 really good season with him.

Arteta has had 2-3 really good seasons and has turned Arsenal from a banter club to a respectable club again. Sure, he's made mistake as any rookie would (he doesn't have Jurgen's experience there). But he's shown that he can learn from his mistakes.

Every season he's had to learn a harsh lesson with Arsenal. And this season would have been a massive lesson for him/their squad on how to cope with injuries.

I felt like we learnt that lesson last season, when we won the Carabao Cup with a half fit side. It gave us the mental strength this season, to both focus on staying fit (Arne emphasised that early on), and also allow for no excuses with our early injuries.

I fear this is a lesson Arsenal may learn from next season, and I say that after their showing against Madrid where they won with Kwior at the back, and Merino as CF. Finding a way to win with these guys does show an element of growth in Arsenal/Arteta.

 

[Frogfish]

... because they brought a load of functions in-house - likely retail and catering. This puts them more or less like-for-like with United and us as all three clubs do most of that stuff in-house.

I think United have closed the kitchen and set up a hot dog stand around the back of the bike shed.

 

[Hansern]

Arsenal and their fans are still a joke. Mostly thanks to their deluded fans.

Arteta is a weirdo and very much like Rodgers. Just with great defending.

 

[Buddha]

Rodgers didn't compete for 2-3 years in a row though.

He also didn't turn us around for a joke/banter club to a respectable club (Klopp did that). We just had 1 really good season with him.

Arteta has had 2-3 really good seasons and has turned Arsenal from a banter club to a respectable club again. Sure, he's made mistake as any rookie would (he doesn't have Jurgen's experience there). But he's shown that he can learn from his mistakes.

Every season he's had to learn a harsh lesson with Arsenal. And this season would have been a massive lesson for him/their squad on how to cope with injuries.

I felt like we learnt that lesson last season, when we won the Carabao Cup with a half fit side. It gave us the mental strength this season, to both focus on staying fit (Arne emphasised that early on), and also allow for no excuses with our early injuries.

I fear this is a lesson Arsenal may learn from next season, and I say that after their showing against Madrid where they won with Kwior at the back, and Merino as CF. Finding a way to win with these guys does show an element of growth in Arsenal/Arteta.

Rodgers didn’t have anywhere near the Arteta net spend either.

There’s a reason (beyond their weird fan culture) that many Arsenal fans are somewhat done with Arteta after five seasons of massive spend, no genuinely sustained trophy challenges and repeated mistakes in set-up and transfer dealings…I don’t buy this Arteta is unlucky and leaning harsh lessons narrative when he’s not taken the opportunity to sign the players they’ve needed and consistently relied on a defensive set up and excuses.

There’s zero chance they win the champions league this season or mount a serious sustained league challenge next season with Arteta in charge.

 

[ibromurph]

Rodgers didn’t have anywhere near the Arteta net spend either.

There’s a reason (beyond their weird fan culture) that many Arsenal fans are somewhat done with Arteta after five seasons of massive spend, no genuinely sustained trophy challenges and repeated mistakes in set-up and transfer dealings…I don’t buy this Arteta is unlucky and leaning harsh lessons narrative when he’s not taken the opportunity to sign the players they’ve needed and consistently relied on a defensive set up and excuses.

There’s zero chance they win the champions league this season or mount a serious sustained league challenge next season with Arteta in charge.

I wouldn't be so sure. Arsenal's massive spend was needed to get them from a joke club to clearly the 2nd best team in the league.

When you continue knocking on the door, you may eventually break through, so long as the best team has a drop off and you continue to improve.

I'll be more hopeful of a serious Arsenal fall off, when I see Saliba leaving for Madrid, or Saka leaving for Bayern.

I think it's true Arteta is in the last chance saloon next year to get it right in the transfer market, but if they got a world class striker and/or left winger, you can argue it's similar to the last piece of the puzzle we needed with VVD and Alisson to get over the line.

From a purely coaching POV, Arteta isn't THAT far away from Pep. You speak like he's spent money and made Arsenal a joke of a club like Man United (or Chelsea), whose spending have been greater, for lesser progress. You could also argue the reason why Pep has won sooooooo much at City IS his own massive spending (+ the squad he inherited before he spent). If Arteta had the same initial squad + spending power of Pep (especially when it comes to rectifying a mistake in the transfer marker), I do think he'd have won a league by now too (not 4 in a row or a treble though). Basically, I don't think you have to be a legendary manager to win a league if you do have great spending power and/or great players already. You just have to be a good coach.

 

[Hansern]

I wouldn't be so sure. Arsenal's massive spend was needed to get them from a joke club to clearly the 2nd best team in the league.

When you continue knocking on the door, you may eventually break through, so long as the best team has a drop off and you continue to improve.

I'll be more hopeful of a serious Arsenal fall off, when I see Saliba leaving for Madrid, or Saka leaving for Bayern.

I think it's true Arteta is in the last chance saloon next year to get it right in the transfer market, but if they got a world class striker and/or left winger, you can argue it's similar to the last piece of the puzzle we needed with VVD and Alisson to get over the line.

From a purely coaching POV, Arteta isn't THAT far away from Pep. You speak like he's spent money and made Arsenal a joke of a club like Man United (or Chelsea), whose spending have been greater, for lesser progress. You could also argue the reason why Pep has won sooooooo much at City IS his own massive spending (+ the squad he inherited before he spent). If Arteta had the same initial squad + spending power of Pep (especially when it comes to rectifying a mistake in the transfer marker), I do think he'd have won a league by now too (not 4 in a row or a treble though). Basically, I don't think you have to be a legendary manager to win a league if you do have great spending power and/or great players already. You just have to be a good coach.

There is about 30 trophies different in terms of the quality of coaching between Pep and Arteta.

 

[keniget]

I think ibro has got a point. It's easy to dismiss Arsenal due to the frankly embarrassing Office-esque behind the scenes shenanigans and the toxic online channels but they have become an established top team and are one great attacker away from a really good side.

The accusation is that he's not won anything but let's be fair - there is no shame in losing out to two generational managers in Pep and Klopp.

This season perhaps should've been theirs but ya'know, it's not over yet, is it?

 

[tombrown]

There is about 30 trophies different in terms of the quality of coaching between Pep and Arteta.

Being fair to Arteta (which I don't really like to do) there is also about £30b difference between them

 

[Hansern]

I think ibro has got a point. It's easy to dismiss Arsenal due to the frankly embarrassing Office-esque behind the scenes shenanigans and the toxic online channels but they have become an established top team and are one great attacker away from a really good side.

The accusation is that he's not won anything but let's be fair - there is no shame in losing out to two generational managers in Pep and Klopp.

This season perhaps should've been theirs but ya'know, it's not over yet, is it?

Are they though? There biggest problem these days is that their tactics have gone stale and to focused on the defensive side of the game.
Not sure if a new attacker solves that.

 

[Hansern]

Being fair to Arteta (which I don't really like to do) there is also about £30b difference between them

They've probably spent the same amount of money since Arteta took over, in all fairness.

 

[binomial]

Imagine being 11 points clear of the team's manager people are kiss arsing.

Arsenal have done fuck all for over 20 years. Like us they've got 3 (bordering) on world class players in Saliba, Odegaard and Saka and like us we see what happens when we have to cope without them. Injuries finally catch up to them and people want to start making excuses for them? Mother fuckers get the fuck outta here.

 

[ibromurph]

Imagine being 11 points clear of the team's manager people are kiss arsing.

Arsenal have done fuck all for over 20 years. Like us they've got 3 (bordering) on world class players in Saliba, Odegaard and Saka.

I want them to stay 11pts behind us next season is the point.

If we both have the same squad next season and everyone stays injury free, I think they finish above us. Heck, maybe even City do too.

Therefore we must not sit on our laurels (again). We can't be arrogant and pretend like they're not our biggest threat given the respective age profiles of our teams.

We need to surround VVD and Salah with a better supporting cast.

 

[ibromurph]

There is about 30 trophies different in terms of the quality of coaching between Pep and Arteta.

Yeah. And there's a big difference between Pep and Klopp too, but I happen to think Klopp is a better coach because he's often worked with far less resources than Pep (and didn't inherit a world class side), but was only beaten by fine margins.

Arteta isn't so far behind some of these other coaches. There's a reason why his teams haven't lost a game to a traditional top 6 rival in years, after they used to be a joke of a team in big games.

I used to laugh at Arsenal. They were a soft team. No hope of ever winning anything any time soon. Now I'm no longer laughing. They look one good window away from winning a big trophy. Especially with City floundering and Pep (the Great?) signing dud after dud, and going backwards. And with FSG handcuffing us. If we have the much promised BIG window, then I think we get Arteta sacked next season. And then have a chance of winning a couple more PL with Arsenal/City rebuilding.

If we sit on our hands, Arsenal will win the league, get confidence and have an age profiles of a squad that can win for multiple years. And the Arteta will have the fans onside (from doubters to believers).

Essentially, we just need to hold oft Arsenal for one more year and I think we can grab another couple of titles by putting pressure on them to sack him (and Pep at City).

It's why I think it's a crucial summer.

 

[Hansern]

Yeah. And there's a big difference between Pep and Klopp too, but I happen to think Klopp is a better coach because he's often worked with far less resources than Pep (and didn't inherit a world class side), but was only beaten by fine margins.

Arteta isn't so far behind some of these other coaches. There's a reason why his teams haven't lost a game to a traditional top 6 rival in years, after they used to be a joke of a team in big games.

I used to laugh at Arsenal. They were a soft team. No hope of ever winning anything any time soon. Now I'm no longer laughing. They look one good window away from winning a big trophy. Especially with City floundering and Pep (the Great?) signing dud after dud, and going backwards. And with FSG handcuffing us. If we have the much promised BIG window, then I think we get Arteta sacked next season. And then have a chance of winning a couple more PL with Arsenal/City rebuilding.

If we sit on our hands, Arsenal will win the league, get confidence and have an age profiles of a squad that can win for multiple years. And the Arteta will have the fans onside (from doubters to believers).

Essentially, we just need to hold oft Arsenal for one more year and I think we can grab another couple of titles by putting pressure on them to sack him (and Pep at City).

It's why I think it's a crucial summer.

Yeah, but there is a massive massive difference between Klopp and Arteta as well. Arteta isnt up there at all for me.
Klopp and Guardiola are up there with the best managers that have ever grazed the PL/English league. Arteta has won 1 trophy, and he's not a winner at all. He's the anti winner if anything.

This season was the year Arsenal were supposed to step up and they look to be going backwards compared to their upwards trajectory.
Its not easy to be the team that are close but cant reach the top. Its a big summer for them as well.

 

[Beamrider]

They've probably spent the same amount of money since Arteta took over, in all fairness.

They are second only to Chelsea over the last 5 years (using either net or gross spend), going off accounts figures (2019-2024).

GROSS SPEND

Chelsea £1,726m
Arsenal £990m
Man City £970m
Man Utd £917m
Spurs £830m
Liverpool £731m
Villa £692m
Newcastle £625m

NET SPEND

Chelsea £981m
Arsenal £773m
Man Utd £713m
Spurs £639m
Newcastle £492m
Villa £442m
Man City £400m
Liverpool £335m

 

[Beamrider]

FWIW, Brighton have a negative net spend (£3.2m) over the same period.