Transfer deadline day: Liverpool sign Alexander Isak as Marc Guehi move collapses

On Sept. 1, 2025, Europe’s summer window largely slammed shut with a flurry of late twists. Liverpool sealed a record-breaking deal for Alexander Isak from Newcastle, but their bid for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi fell apart. Manchester City struck for Gianluigi Donnarumma as Ederson moved toward the exit, while a string of loans and last-minute agreements reshaped squads across the continent. LaLiga’s market remains open until 5:59 p.m. ET, with several other associations closing later.

Key takeaways

• Liverpool completed Alexander Isak from Newcastle for around $175 million, a Premier League record fee reported by multiple outlets.
• Marc Guehi’s transfer to Liverpool collapsed after Crystal Palace failed to secure a replacement in time.
• Manchester City agreed a $30 million deal with PSG for Gianluigi Donnarumma; Ederson is set to join Fenerbahce.
• Juventus were active, moving for Edon Zhegrova (~$20 million) and Loïs Openda (~$40 million).
• Inter landed Manuel Akanji on loan from Manchester City; OM took Benjamin Pavard on loan from Inter.
• Tottenham secured Randal Kolo Muani on loan from PSG; Chelsea and Bayern progressed on a loan for Nicolas Jackson with a buy option.
• Manchester United outgoings included Antony to Real Betis for €25 million (with a 50% sell-on), while Napoli announced Rasmus Højlund on loan with an obligation to buy (~$55 million combined).
• Only LaLiga remains open among the top five leagues after 5:59 p.m. ET; Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and others close later, creating continued outbound options.

Verified facts

Liverpool announced the signing of Sweden international Alexander Isak from Newcastle United on deadline day. The reported fee is around $175 million, making it one of the most expensive transfers in English football history. Isak completed his medical earlier in the day after weeks of negotiation and player pressure for a move. It follows Liverpool’s earlier summer capture of German playmaker Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported $133 million.

Manchester City struck a deal with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Italy No. 1 Gianluigi Donnarumma for about $30 million. With a long-term contract in Manchester, his arrival coincides with Ederson preparing to depart to Fenerbahce after more than eight years with City.

The Premier League leaders were also in the market for defensive reinforcements, but their pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi fell short. Palace had accepted a fee in excess of $46 million with a 10% sell-on clause, but the move collapsed when Palace could not finalize a replacement before the deadline.

Elsewhere, Inter completed a surprise loan move for Manuel Akanji from Manchester City, while Olympique de Marseille took Benjamin Pavard on loan from the Nerazzurri. Tottenham added Randal Kolo Muani on loan from PSG. Juventus were busy, agreeing to sign Edon Zhegrova (from Lille) for about $20 million and Loïs Openda (from RB Leipzig) for around $40 million.

Among confirmed club announcements, Napoli unveiled Rasmus Højlund on a loan with an obligation to buy, a package understood to total around $55 million. Real Betis signed Antony from Manchester United for €25 million, with United retaining a 50% sell-on clause.

Top completed or announced deals

Context & impact

Liverpool’s move for Isak underscores a strategic pivot toward elite, ready-made attackers under Arne Slot. Pairing the Swede with summer arrival Florian Wirtz gives the Reds a transformative spine for domestic and European campaigns. Missing on Guehi, however, leaves center-back depth as the next window’s priority.

Newcastle, forced to adapt, accelerated their rebuild with Yoane Wissa among the arrivals to ease the blow of losing Isak. The fee injects significant headroom for January, especially with later-closing markets still open for outgoing business.

For Manchester City, Donnarumma represents a long-term solution in goal as Pep Guardiola refreshes a title-winning core. Should Ederson finalize his switch to Fenerbahce, City will have successfully managed a delicate succession without losing leverage late in the window.

Inter’s move for Akanji — while sending Pavard on loan to OM — reshapes Simone Inzaghi’s defensive mix. Juventus, meanwhile, sought more final-third punch with Zhegrova and Openda, signaling a push to reclaim domestic superiority and improve European output.

Window timing snapshot

• Premier League, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1: closed at 2 p.m. ET on Sept. 1.
• LaLiga: open until 5:59 p.m. ET on Sept. 1.
• MLS: closed Aug. 21.
• Liga MX: closes Sept. 13.
• Saudi Pro League, Türkiye and others: close later in September, enabling outbound sales from Europe.

Official statements

SSC Napoli announce the signing of Rasmus Højlund on a loan deal with an obligation to buy.

SSC Napoli

We have completed the transfer of Antony on a permanent deal until 2030, with a 50% sell-on clause for Manchester United.

Real Betis

Unconfirmed

• Isak fee varies by report (e.g., ~$175m vs. £130m). Final accounting may differ once add-ons and exchange rates settle.
• Ederson to Fenerbahce: widely expected after Donnarumma’s arrival at Man City, pending completion.
• Nicolas Jackson to Bayern Munich: described as a loan with a buy option; terms evolved amid late negotiations.
• Reiss Nelson to Brentford (loan with option): club-to-club talks reported; not announced at the deadline snapshot.
• Crystal Palace’s pursuit of defensive replacements (including Igor Julio) influenced the Guehi decision; elements shifted late.
• Further LaLiga activity possible before 5:59 p.m. ET closure.

Bottom line

Liverpool won deadline day by securing Alexander Isak, even as the Guehi bid collapsed. Manchester City quietly solved a long-term need with Donnarumma. With LaLiga still open and several leagues closing later, expect additional outgoings — but the Premier League’s biggest dominoes have already fallen.

Sources

• CBS Sports
• Liverpool FC
• Manchester City
• SSC Napoli
• Real Betis
• Premier League