The first part of the 2025 summer transfer window has come and gone, slamming shut tonight at 7pm local time.
But worry not, it shall swing back wide open in just a week’s time! The only tangible difference by then will be that players signed won’t be able to compete at the Club World Cup (though depending on when they sign, they might yet be eligible for any knockout round games).
In any case, Chelsea were able to get a few things done in this initial period, signing a new striker in Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, and completing the pre-agreed arrivals of Dário Essugo and Mamadou Sarr.
We had a couple more irons in the fire, but neither have produced anything beyond a few giants puffs of steam. Borussia Dortmund want too much for young winger Jamie Gittens, and AC Milan are holding fast on their valuation of experienced goalkeeper Mike Maignan as well.
And though it sounds like we may yet continue talks over Gittens, in the latter’s case, we are walking away — or at least making as if we were walking away. After all, Maignan has just one year left on his current contract, and Milan would be the sure losers in any sort of waiting game here.
Of course, as we know, nothing’s ever final in Silly Season until the window truly slams shut, and that won’t happen until September 1st (once it officially reopens on June 16). Plenty of twists and turns to come, I’m sure.
Expect Chelsea to revisit the Jamie Gittens signing in the coming weeks. Less certainty around the Mike Maignan situation, they may not re-approach until January when he is free. https://t.co/0z7AlnPXIN
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) June 10, 2025