The 2025 summer transfer market officially shut its doors on Monday, September 1, but not without delivering its share of drama.
The Premier League, in particular, witnessed several unexpected moves that left fans and pundits equally stunned.
As the 2025/26 season unfolds, clubs that were active in strengthening their squads over the summer are hoping their gambles pay off in the race for silverware and Champions League spots.

Here are five of the most surprising transfers of the summer.
Jadon Sancho – Manchester United ➝ Aston Villa
Perhaps the biggest curveball of the window was Jadon Sancho’s late switch to Aston Villa. For much of the summer, the England winger appeared destined to remain at Old Trafford, with links to Roma, Galatasaray, and others failing to materialize.
Then, on Deadline Day, Villa swooped in to secure his signature. The move ensures Sancho stays in the Premier League, giving him a fresh start and the chance to push for a spot in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Jadon Sancho from Manchester United.
The England international joins Villa on a season-long loan.
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) September 1, 2025
Oleksandr Zinchenko – Arsenal ➝ Nottingham Forest (loan)
Few would have predicted Arsenal’s Zinchenko ending up at Nottingham Forest. With Riccardo Calafiori back from injury and firmly established in Mikel Arteta’s plans, Zinchenko found himself slipping down the pecking order.
In search of regular minutes, the Ukrainian full-back opted for a season-long loan to Nuno Espírito Santo’s Forest side, a move that surprised both fans and analysts given his importance to Arsenal in past campaigns.
Welcome to Nottingham Forest, Oleksandr Zinchenko! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/QFS00VoCMV
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) September 1, 2025
Ben Chilwell – Chelsea ➝ Strasbourg
Another eyebrow-raising deal came from Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea announced Ben Chilwell’s permanent departure to French outfit Strasbourg.
The left-back had endured a difficult spell on loan at Crystal Palace last season and struggled to attract suitors in England. His decision to take on a fresh challenge in Ligue 1 marks a turning point in his career, and few saw this move coming.
Ben Chilwell has completed a permanent transfer to RC Strasbourg.
Thank you and good luck, Chilly.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 1, 2025
Christantus Uche – Getafe ➝ Crystal Palace
One of the most under-the-radar but shocking Deadline Day deals involved Nigerian forward Christantus Uche. Hardly linked with a move throughout the summer, Uche suddenly emerged as a new signing for Crystal Palace.
Speaking after sealing the switch from Getafe, Uche said:
“This moment is unbelievable. I’m very lucky to be here today and this club is a big opportunity for me.”
The surprise addition is expected to bolster Palace’s attacking depth heading into the new campaign.
Christantus Uche, welcome to Palace ❤️💙
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) September 1, 2025
Randal Kolo Muani – PSG ➝ Tottenham Hotspur (loan)
Tottenham pulled off one of the most sensational Deadline Day coups by landing Randal Kolo Muani on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.
The French international was widely tipped to play a key role at PSG this season, but Spurs’ urgent need for firepower—after Heung-Min Son’s exit and James Maddison’s long-term injury—opened the door for this unlikely deal.
Handed the No. 39 shirt, Kolo Muani’s arrival alongside fellow PSG talent Xavi Simons added a dramatic twist to the final hours of the window and gave Spurs fans renewed hope.
We are delighted to announce the signing of Randal Kolo Muani on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain ✍️
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 1, 2025
These transfers prove once again that the summer window always has a few surprises in store, with clubs making last-minute moves that can reshape their season.
