The transfer window has already thrown up some surprises and we’ve looked at some of the unexpected deals of the summer so far.
The most surprising transfers of the 2025 summer window so far
Kyogo Furuhashi – Rennes to Birmingham City
Birmingham City return to the Championship this season after a record-breaking League One campaign. The Blues, however, do not appear to be planning to stick around for long.
Birmingham have launched an ambitious recruitment drive with Tommy Doyle and Demarai Gray statement signings at this level. However, arguably the biggest coup is the arrival of Kyogo Furuhashi from Rennes.
We could tell you how good our new signing is, or we could just show you. 🤷♂️@Kyogo_Furuhashi pic.twitter.com/bGmwSCc43F
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) July 6, 2025
Just six months in from a disappointing £10m move to the French side, the ex-Celtic striker returns to British football. Furuhashi netted 85 times in 165 games for Celtic and a return to that form could help Birmingham challenge for back-to-back promotions.
Leroy Sane – Bayern Munich to Galatasaray
Despite the offer of a contract extension at Bayern Munich, Leroy Sane chose to leave the German champions for Turkey.
Sane has signed for a Galatasaray side with big ambitions, another statement signing for the Istanbul outfit after Victor Osimhen’s loan move last season.
We are the best! 😎 pic.twitter.com/SYwsDcKZXN
— Galatasaray SK (@GalatasaraySK) June 12, 2025
Sane struggled for a regular role with Bayern last season but proved he still possesses plenty of quality. The 29-year-old scored 11 times and provided five assists in the Bundesliga, averaging a goal involvement every 102 minutes.
Kyle Walker – Manchester City to Burnley
Kyle Walker has swapped the San Siro for Turf Moor in a surprise switch this summer. After leaving Manchester City for Milan on loan in January, Walker returned to England to assess his options.
Burnley is the destination of choice with the six-time Premier League winner set to help the Clarets consolidate back in the top division. The 35-year-old reunites with former Tottenham teammate Scott Parker.
Very happy to be joining @BurnleyOfficial
I can’t wait to get back on the pitch playing.
Thank you to everyone who’s helped made this move happen.
Up the clarets ❤️ pic.twitter.com/6en9G98HC7
— Kyle Walker (@kylewalker2) July 5, 2025
Jhon Duran – Al-Nassr to Fenerbahce (loan)
Just six months after leaving the Premier League in a €77m deal, Jhon Duran is on the move again. Al-Nassr have sanctioned a surprise loan exit to Fenerbahce, despite Duran’s impressive goal record in the Middle East.
The 21-year-old netted 12 times in 18 games following his January arrival from Aston Villa but has been deemed surplus to requirements for the new season.
Jhon Durán has joined Fenerbahçe on loan from Al Nassr after six months with the club 🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/I9DxLpSeVA
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 6, 2025
Chelsea and West Ham United were among the teams who have expressed interest in Duran previously, but Fenerbahce have won the race. The Turkish team’s decision to take on his reported £320,000-a-week wages will have been a contributing factor.
No purchase option has been included in the season-long loan arrangement.
Read – Five players who could return to the Premier League this summer
See more – Four breakout players from the FIFA Club World Cup
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