Here are five player transfers that happened in the summer 2025 window that many football fans did not see coming.
On Monday, September 1, 2025, the summer 2025 transfer window officially came to a close; however, it wasn’t a drama-free transfer window in the Premier League, as there were some player signings, many fans did not see coming.
The 2025/2026 club football season has continued to take shape, and it is expected that clubs that actively sought reinforcement in key positions in the summer 2025 transfer window have their eyes set on finishing the season strong and also competing on the biggest of stages.
Who are the shocking player signings of the 2025 summer transfer window?
Jadon Sancho to Aston Villa
Jadon Sancho had a quiet 2025 summer transfer window as the English international struggled to find clubs that suited his preferences. It, however, came as a shock that the England international agreed to complete a move to the Premier League side, Aston Villa, in the final hours of the transfer window.
Sancho was expected to still remain at Man United at least to the January 2026 transfer window after he rejected offers from clubs like AS Roma, Galatasaray and many more, but the move to Villa curbed this, ensuring that the English forward will remain in England and fight for a shirt in the national team for the 2026 World Cup.
Zinchenko to Nottingham Forest
It came as a shock to many when it was revealed that Arsenal’s Zinchenko had agreed to a loan move to Nottingham Forest for the rest of the 2025/2026 club football season.
The Ukrainian, who had struggled to re-enter Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup following the return of Califiori to action, opted for the side led by Nuno Espirito to ensure that he gets the much-needed playtime.
Ben Chilwell to Strasbourg
It came as a shock to many when Chelsea confirmed in an official announcement that Ben Chilwell had completed a permanent move to the French side Strasbourg. Chilwell had struggled to find a new club following his poor stint with Crystal Palace during the 2024/2025 season.
Christantus Uche to Crystal Palace
Christantus Uche to Crystal Palace was one of the deadline transfer moves that shocked football fans, as the Getafe man was not linked to a possible departure for a huge part of the 2025 summer transfer window.
Speaking on the move, Uche revealed, “This moment is unbelievable. I’m very lucky to be here today and this club is a big opportunity for me.”
Kolo Muani to Tottenham Hotspur
In one of the most surprising twists of the summer transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur secured a Deadline Day loan deal for Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani.
The 26-year-old France international, who many expected to remain a key figure at PSG this season, made the unexpected switch to North London on a straight loan with no option or obligation to buy.
The move came as a shock to fans and pundits alike, especially as Spurs were scrambling for attacking reinforcements following the departure of captain Heung-Min Son and a serious ACL injury to James Maddison.
Kolo Muani, handed the No. 39 shirt, joins fellow PSG starlet Xavi Simons as one of Tottenham’s late-window signings, making this one of the most dramatic Deadline Day storylines of the summer.