Premier League Clubs Spend Record £3.19bn in Summer Transfer Window

Manchester City's signing of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain for £26 million has been widely praised as the best deal of the summer transfer window, especially by Manchester United legend Paul Scholes. Despite Liverpool's record-breaking £450 million spending spree, including a British transfer record for Alexander Isak, Scholes singled out Donnarumma as the most impactful signing, even stating he would want the Italian goalkeeper at Manchester United immediately. Donnarumma's arrival at City follows the departure of Ederson to Fenerbahce, and he is expected to compete with James Trafford for the starting position, though Scholes noted that Donnarumma might struggle to fit Pep Guardiola's style due to his limited ball-playing ability. Other Premier League clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle, and Manchester United also made significant investments exceeding £200 million each, but Scholes' endorsement highlights the value Manchester City gained with Donnarumma's acquisition. Bournemouth also had a busy transfer window, bringing in seven players for around £117.9 million while seeing notable exits, including Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid and Illia Zabarnyi to PSG. This transfer activity underscores the high stakes and strategic moves clubs are making to strengthen their squads for the season ahead.