Top 5 loan moves of the 2025 summer transfer window

The 2025 summer transfer window closed with a flurry of activity across Europe. While multi-million-pound transfers dominated the headlines, several loan moves could shape the season ahead.

From Jack Grealish’s shock switch to Everton to Aston Villa’s ambitious double swoop for Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott, these are the standout loan deals of the summer.

1. Jack Grealish – Manchester City to Everton

The most eye-catching loan deal of the window saw Jack Grealish depart Manchester City for Everton. The England international, once a £100 million record signing, endured a difficult spell in Manchester, struggling for minutes and form.

At Goodison Park, Grealish is expected to be the creative heartbeat of David Moyes’ side. Everton also have an option to make the move permanent for around £50m.

His choice of the No.18 shirt—once worn by Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne—adds extra symbolism to his arrival.

2. Nicolas Jackson – Chelsea to Bayern Munich

One of the more dramatic stories of deadline week involved Nicolas Jackson. The Chelsea striker looked set to stay at Stamford Bridge after the club initially cancelled his loan due to injury concerns within the squad.

Bayern pushed again late on and eventually secured him on a season-long deal with a €15m loan fee and a €65m option to buy next summer.

Bayern gain an extra attacking weapon, while Chelsea secure both short-term cash and a potential big sale down the line.

3. Jadon Sancho – Manchester United to Aston Villa

After a turbulent time at Old Trafford, Jadon Sancho has been handed a lifeline by Aston Villa. The Birmingham-born winger returns to his home city in search of stability, with Villa covering most of his hefty wages. Under Unai Emery, Sancho will be expected to rediscover the spark that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting wide men.

4. Harvey Elliott – Liverpool to Aston Villa

Aston Villa also pulled off the loan signing of Harvey Elliott from Liverpool. The 22-year-old midfielder joins on a season-long deal that includes a £35m obligation to buy next summer.

Elliott, who had struggled for consistent minutes at Anfield, will bring creativity and energy to Villa’s midfield. For Emery, his arrival alongside Sancho underlines Villa’s growing ambition to compete at the very top.

5. Piero Hincapié – Bayer Leverkusen to Arsenal

Arsenal strengthened their backline with the loan signing of Ecuador international Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen. The versatile defender, comfortable at both centre-back and left-back, joins with a buy option set at over €50m.

For Mikel Arteta, Hincapié offers quality cover and a long-term solution in defence should the move become permanent.