Deadline Day 2025: High-profile summer transfer deadline day moves over the years
Deadline Day 2025: High-profile summer transfer deadline day moves over the years
Football’s summer transfer window is reaching its final hours, with clubs across the globe scrambling for last-minute reinforcements. Deadline day has often produced drama, from record-breaking moves to unexpected twists.
Here are some of the biggest transfers completed on the final day of the summer window.
Manchester United fended off Chelsea’s interest to secure Wayne Rooney from Everton. Over 13 years at Old Trafford, Rooney collected five Premier League titles, an FA Cup, three League Cups, the 2008 Champions League, the Europa League and the Club World Cup. He remains United’s all-time leading scorer with 253 goals.
In 2013, Real Madrid broke the bank to sign Gareth Bale, who had been dazzling at Tottenham Hotspur. His nine years in Spain were blighted by injuries, yet he still delivered moments of brilliance in the final third — most memorably his stunning overhead kick against Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League final. Bale departed with an extraordinary haul: five Champions League titles, four Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, three La Liga crowns and as many Spanish Super Cups, along with more than 100 goals for the club.
Ronaldo’s storming performance during the title-winning run in the 2002 World Cup made him the top priority for Real Madrid, which was putting together an array of star names, dubbed the Galacticos.
Soon, the Brazilian switched from Inter Milan to Real Madrid on deadline day. He scored 104 goals in 177 games at the Spanish capital, winning two La Liga titles, one Intercontinental Cup and one Super Cup.
Mesut Ozil joined Arsenal for a then club-record fee, becoming the most expensive German player of his time. He quickly won over the Gunners’ fans with his vision and creativity, lifting the FA Cup in his debut season — the club’s first trophy in nine years. Across 254 appearances, Ozil scored 44 goals and provided as many assists, cementing his place as one of Arsenal’s most gifted playmakers.
Sergio Ramos arrived at Real Madrid as the most expensive Spanish defender of his time and soon carved out legendary status at the club. Over 16 years, he became one of the most decorated players in Madrid’s history, lifting 22 major trophies — including four Champions League titles, five La Liga crowns and four Club World Cups.
Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic made a high-profile switch in 2004, when he moved clubs from Ajax to Juventus.
Ibrahimovic spent two seasons with Juventus, scoring 23 goals from 73 games. He would then shift allegiance to Inter Milan following Juventus’ relegation in the aftermath of the Calciopoli scandal.
Ashley Cole’s move from boyhood club Arsenal to London rival Chelsea was one of the most controversial transfers in Premier League history. At Stamford Bridge, however, he became indispensable, winning multiple domestic titles and playing a key role in the club’s 2012 Champions League triumph. Widely regarded as one of the finest left-backs in English football history, Cole left a lasting legacy on both club and league.
After arriving from Real Madrid, Claude Makelele became the midfield conductor for Chelsea under Jose Mourinho.
In the 2004/05 season, Makelele helped Chelsea win the Premier League title, conceding a competition-low of only 15 goals.
The France international Makelele made 144 appearances with Chelsea, winning two League Cups and the FA Cup, along with back-to-back Premier League titles.
Dimitar Berbatov moved to Manchester United from Tottenham Hotspur in 2008 after snubbing Manchester City.
He went on to help the Red Devils win two Premier League titles, a League Cup and the Club World Cup in four seasons at Old Trafford. His peak came in 2010-11, when he scored 20 league goals to share the Golden Boot with Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez.
Cristiano Ronaldo made a sensational return to Manchester United from Juventus on deadline day in 2021.
Though, he failed to inspire United to silverware, Ronaldo made his mark with his finishing skills, scoring 27 goals from 54 appearances across two seasons.
Published on Sep 01, 2025
