The 2025/26 summer transfer window slammed shut with a flurry of dramatic deals, record bids, and last-minute medicals — and perhaps no storyline dominated more than the growing influence of Nigerian talent and the desperate scrambles of European giants to bolster their squads. From Atalanta’s firm stance on Ademola Lookman to Gianluigi Donnarumma’s shock move to Manchester City, here’s a full roundup of Deadline Day’s top headlines.
🔵 Bayern Snubbed as Atalanta Hold Firm on Lookman
Bayern Munich’s late push to sign Ademola Lookman on loan was firmly rejected by Atalanta, who insisted the Nigerian forward would only leave in a permanent deal — and for a lot more than Bayern’s proposed €28 million clause.
Atalanta reportedly value the 27-year-old closer to €50 million and have turned down multiple bids this summer, including a €45m package from Inter Milan. Lookman, frustrated and training separately, remains keen on a move — with Tottenham and Galatasaray waiting in the wings as time ticked down.
⚫🟢 Newcastle Splash £55m on Wissa After Isak Exit
Newcastle United pulled off a big-money coup by landing Yoane Wissa from Brentford in a £55 million deal, finalizing the agreement just hours after offloading star striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a British-record £125 million.
Wissa, 28, had publicly pushed for the move, accusing Brentford of blocking “fair offers.” His arrival is expected to immediately fill the attacking void at St. James’ Park. The Magpies also recently signed Nick Woltemade, but Wissa’s addition marks a major attacking upgrade as Eddie Howe’s rebuild gathers pace.
🔴 Liverpool Land Guehi in £35m Defensive Deal
Premier League champions Liverpool secured a key addition at the back, reaching a £35 million agreement with Crystal Palace for centre-back Marc Guehi. The England international will complete his medical in London before penning a long-term deal.
With 162 appearances for Palace and an impressive showing in a 3-0 win over Aston Villa this week, Guehi has emerged as one of the league’s most reliable defenders. Liverpool’s backline reinforcement is seen as a major win ahead of their title defense.
⚪ Spurs Snag Kolo Muani in Last-Minute Loan from PSG
In one of the most surprising deadline day twists, Tottenham Hotspur landed Randal Kolo Muani on a season-long loan from PSG. The French striker was linked to several Premier League sides, but Spurs moved quickly to finalize terms.
Kolo Muani joins a revamped Spurs attack featuring Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons. Despite missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, Spurs have managed to reshape their frontline for their Champions League return.
🟢 Werder Bremen Complete Boniface Medical Amid Injury Fears
Nigerian striker Victor Boniface looks set for a move to Werder Bremen after completing a medical, just days after AC Milan pulled out of a deal due to injury concerns. Boniface, still on Bayer Leverkusen’s books, had been training separately and was left out of their latest matchday squad.
The 24-year-old’s injury history remains a red flag, but Bremen are willing to take the risk as they seek attacking reinforcement. Boniface missed the 2023 AFCON due to a muscle injury and is looking to reset his career in the Bundesliga.
🐺 Wolves Sign Towering Arokodare in £24m Deal
Wolverhampton Wanderers unveiled Tolu Arokodare, the 6ft 6in Nigerian striker, as their latest addition after agreeing a £24 million fee with Genk. The 24-year-old joins on a four-year deal following a Golden Boot-winning season in Belgium.
With Jorgen Strand Larsen staying put after Newcastle’s failed bids, Wolves now boast a powerful strike duo as they aim to climb off the foot of the table. Arokodare becomes the club’s headline signing of the summer and a symbol of their new-look attack.
🧤 Donnarumma Heads to City in Surprise €35m Switch
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is set to join Manchester City in a €35 million move from PSG. Initially thought to hinge on Ederson’s exit, the deal went through regardless, as Pep Guardiola’s side lost patience with underperforming summer signing James Trafford.
Donnarumma, despite helping PSG to a Champions League win, fell out of favour under Luis Enrique after the club installed Lucas Chevalier as the new No. 1.
🔵 Chelsea Wrap Up Buonanotte Loan & Matos Exit
Chelsea quietly completed two deals on deadline day: Facundo Buonanotte joined the Blues on loan from Brighton, while young midfielder Alex Matos made a permanent move to Sheffield United.
Buonanotte adds depth and flair to Chelsea’s attacking options, while Matos seeks first-team football after a series of youth-level performances and a loan spell at Oxford United.
📊 Nigerian Power Surge: Four Big Moves for Super Eagles Stars
It was a defining window for Nigerian talent in Europe:
Ademola Lookman drew bids from multiple giants
Victor Boniface completed a medical at Werder Bremen
Yoane Wissa (DR Congo/Nigeria heritage) signed for Newcastle
Tolu Arokodare joined Wolves in a £24m blockbuster
The growing valuation and demand for Nigerian attackers highlight the country’s deepening impact on European football’s elite.
🔚 Window Closed — What Next?
The 2025/26 transfer window ended with over £900 million in Deadline Day activity alone, underlining the insatiable spending power of Europe’s top clubs and the desperation that deadline pressure brings.
While some clubs will feel satisfied with their late business, others may regret missed opportunities as the season progresses.
Headline Signings Recap:
Yoane Wissa ➡ Newcastle (£55m)
Marc Guehi ➡ Liverpool (£35m)
Randal Kolo Muani ➡ Tottenham (Loan)
Tolu Arokodare ➡ Wolves (£24m)
Gianluigi Donnarumma ➡ Man City (€35m)
Victor Boniface ➡ (Medical completed at Werder Bremen)
