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

Once again, in spite of a global financial crisis, the men's soccer clubs around Europe spent an incredible amount of money to sign players in January, and this summer might not be any different.

Indeed, clubs spent a record $1.57 billion (£1.27bn) on transfers in the January transfer window, according to FIFA, with the Premier League doing most of the heavy lifting at 57.3% of the total. But with two giants of the game in Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) and Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) now taking their careers outside of Europe, who will step up?

Here are grades for all the major summer transfers in the men's game, with each day's moves listed in order of highest fee.

All fees are reported unless confirmed with an asterisk (*).

Stuttgart: C+Liverpool: C+

Stuttgart's captain joined permanently in 2020 and has won rave reviews for his performances in Germany. The club aren't flush with cash though, so €19m could be a decent amount to get for a 30-year-old.

Let's be honest, Endo wasn't Liverpool's first choice. The Japan international is an intense presser and has impressive stats in ball recovery, duels and tackling. But his career so far has comprised of Japan, Belgium and Germany. Is he ready for the highest level?

PSG: A+Al Hilal: C+

PSG wanted rid of a player who cost them €222m back in 2017, and they somehow managed to get €90m for his services at the age of 31. Pretty great business.

It feels like a statement signing for the Saudi Pro League, but it's not really. The Brazil international was snubbed by every top European side he would have wanted to join, so opted to take the money. He's the wrong side of 30, has injury issues and won't be overly motivated to play.

Brentford: B+Arsenal: C+

With a contract that expires