Did your favorite Premier League club ‘downgrade’ this summer? From Liverpool’s surprising signing to West Ham’s post-Kudus struggles, it seems some big names are facing unexpected challenges. Meanwhile, Man Utd quietly strengthens by weakening their rivals. Is this transfer window a tactical masterclass or a series of missteps?
This summer’s Premier League transfer window has unveiled an intriguing and often perplexing trend: several top clubs, including Liverpool and West Ham, appear to have overseen significant ‘downgrades’ in key positions. This contrasts sharply with Manchester United’s seemingly strategic approach of not only strengthening their squad but also subtly weakening potential rivals. The narrative of football transfers success is rarely linear, and the early weeks of the 2025/26 season are already providing ample evidence of these complex dynamics.
A prime example of this summer’s player downgrades can be observed at Bournemouth, where the departure of the highly-rated Huijsen to Real Madrid for a substantial fee left a void. Despite securing Lille defender Diakite, who brings Champions League experience and numerous senior appearances, the immediate impact compared to Huijsen’s instant success last season raises questions. Many analysts view Diakite, despite his credentials, as a clear step down, struggling to replicate the influence of the new Real Madrid man in the competitive Premier League.
The theme of replacing influential players with less impactful alternatives extends to other clubs. Brentford, for instance, saw the formidable Mbeumo depart for Manchester United in a high-value deal, only to bring in Ouattara, a fine player but not perceived to be on the same world-class level. Similarly, Wolves experienced a significant downgrade with the loss of Cunha, who was pivotal to their 2024/25 campaign, and his replacement, Arias, has yet to show similar goal involvement, leaving a palpable void in their attack.
West Ham United also finds itself grappling with a significant attacking shortfall following Kudus’s impressive move to Spurs. Despite securing Fullkrug, who was envisioned to step into Kudus’s role under their struggling head coach, the German forward disappointed last season and appears ill-suited for the Premier League’s demands. This particular player downgrade has left the Hammers missing a crucial spark, with existing forwards unable to consistently provide the quality needed to alleviate pressure on the coaching staff.
Bryan Mbeumo’s highly anticipated arrival at Manchester United, following a £65m transfer from Brentford, represents one of the season’s most intriguing football transfers. While Mbeumo is widely considered borderline world-class, his initial two league appearances yielded no goals or assists, although he did find the net against Grimsby. The pressure at Old Trafford is immense, and the early signs indicate he has much to prove, battling against the pervasive Manchester United narrative that can often overshadow individual player performances.
The jury remains out on Cherki, another notable player acquisition, with opinions sharply divided on whether he will ultimately prove to be a flop or a success. The intense scrutiny and, at times, bias surrounding high-profile young talents can distort perceptions, potentially amplifying the perceived ‘downgrade’ more than the on-field reality might warrant. This adds another layer of complexity to evaluating the success of this summer’s strategic player acquisitions across the league.
Beyond individual player movements, the broader landscape of Premier League football transfers is heavily influenced by managerial decisions and club strategies. Recent whispers regarding Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United, echoing sentiments previously directed at Erik Ten Hag, highlight the constant pressure on top coaches. Such managerial uncertainty can directly impact transfer policies and the perceived quality of incoming players, influencing whether a signing is seen as a reinforcement or a step back for the team.
The ongoing managerial saga at Manchester United, coupled with the Glazers’ customary scrutiny, underscores a period of flux, with potential replacements like Southgate emerging as tempting prospects for some, particularly Liverpool fans. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s pursuit of a top striker, aiming to conclude the Alexander Isak saga, signifies their intent to reinforce, contrasting with other clubs’ perceived player downgrades. This demonstrates a clear divide in transfer philosophies and immediate impacts across the league.
As the 2025/26 season progresses, the early implications of these complex Premier League transfers and strategic player downgrades are becoming clearer. The transfer window’s narrative is not just about big money signings but also about the subtle shifts in squad strength and the early performances that dictate a club’s trajectory. This period feels crucial for several clubs, with Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City all eager to make definitive statements in the competitive race for glory.
