Summer transfer window: Grading big signings in men's soccer - ESPN

Premier League clubs increased their spending in the January window to £370 million — up on the £100m paid out last year — though Manchester City are chiefly responsible after splashing out £180m of that on their own. We were nowhere near the 2023 record of £815m, but will the summer see a rise in expensive moves?

This year, for the first time, the transfer window has been split into two because of the Club World Cup. The first window ran from June 1-10, it was closed for six days before reopening (for Premier League clubs at least) on June 16. But, as ever, international deals not involving clubs in the Club World Cup, and free transfers, didn't go through until July 1.

Here are grades for all the major confirmed transfers in the men's game, with each listed by date and then by highest fee.

All fees are reported unless confirmed with an asterisk.

PSV Eindhoven: A-
Bayer Leverkusen: B

The rising star of the United States men's national team, Tillman's big summer just got even bigger thanks to a move to Bayer Leverkusen, where he'll attempt to fill the Florian Wirtz-sized hole in their team. The 23-year-old looks like a good fit for new coach Erik ten Hag's squad, as he not only boasts tremendous off-the-ball movement and natural finishing technique, but also works extremely hard defensively and uses his big frame well.

PSV will miss him, but at least €35m plus another €5m in add-ons makes him one of their top five most expensive ever departures.

Nottingham Forest: B+
Newcastle United: B-

After three straight windows of chasing his signature, Newcastle finally have Elanga. Manager Eddie Howe is all in on him and believes he can elevate his first XI — which is something the club haven't managed to do for a whole year.