Bernardo Silva to Real Madrid earns top marks as GOAL grades biggest summer transfers of 2026

The 2026 summer transfer window is already delivering blockbuster moves, surprise twists and major talking points across Europe’s elite clubs.

From Bernardo Silva’s long-awaited switch to Real Madrid to Marc Cucurella’s shock move from Chelsea to the Santiago Bernabeu and Andy Robertson’s emotional departure from Liverpool, some of football’s biggest names are on the move ahead of the new season.

But who has emerged as the biggest winner from each deal?

GOAL has assessed the impact of every major transfer, grading the selling club, buying club and player involved to determine who came out on top.

Bernardo Silva (Manchester City to Real Madrid, free transfer)

Manchester City grade: D

Manchester City have lost one of the defining players of their modern era.

Silva was the embodiment of Pep Guardiola’s football philosophy, combining relentless work rate, tactical intelligence and technical brilliance across nine trophy-laden years at the Etihad Stadium.

Allowing a player of his quality to leave for nothing is far from ideal financially, even if the Portuguese international had earned the right to choose his next destination after years of loyal service.

His departure leaves a significant void both on and off the pitch.

Real Madrid grade: B+

Real Madrid have secured one of the smartest deals of the summer.

Not only have they landed a proven world-class performer without paying a transfer fee, but they also beat rivals Barcelona to a player who had long appeared destined for Camp Nou.

New manager Jose Mourinho reportedly made Silva a priority target immediately upon his arrival, and it’s easy to see why.

While the 31-year-old may no longer be at his physical peak, his experience, mentality and leadership qualities could prove invaluable in a squad packed with emerging stars.

Silva’s influence could mirror the role Luka Modric played during the latter stages of his Madrid career — a trusted veteran capable of delivering in the biggest moments.

Bernardo Silva grade: A+

This is the move Silva has been chasing for years.

The Portugal international has repeatedly been linked with a switch to Spain throughout his Manchester City career, but circumstances never quite aligned.

Now he finally gets the opportunity to test himself at one of football’s biggest clubs under a manager who clearly values his qualities.

Although competition for places at Real Madrid remains fierce, Silva possesses the intelligence, versatility and professionalism to thrive in La Liga for years to come.

Marc Cucurella (Chelsea to Real Madrid, €60m)

Chelsea grade: B-

Chelsea’s decision to sell Cucurella feels surprising but understandable.

The Spaniard developed into one of the club’s most reliable performers after overcoming a difficult start to life at Stamford Bridge.

However, concerns over his long-term future and reports of growing frustration behind the scenes appear to have influenced the club’s thinking.

Recovering a substantial fee for a player approaching his late twenties represents decent business.

Real Madrid grade: C

Madrid are paying a premium price for a player they need to perform immediately.

Cucurella fits Mourinho’s preferred profile thanks to his aggression, intensity and work ethic, but €60 million is a significant investment given his age and recent inconsistency.

The deal also creates congestion at left-back, leaving questions about how Madrid will manage their squad depth.

Marc Cucurella grade: A

For the player, the transfer is a dream outcome.

Cucurella secures a return to Spain and joins one of the world’s biggest clubs at the peak of his career.

Having reportedly grown frustrated with Chelsea’s direction, the opportunity to work under Mourinho at Real Madrid was unlikely to be passed up.

Andy Robertson (Liverpool to Tottenham, free transfer)

Liverpool grade: D

Robertson leaves Anfield as one of the greatest signings in Liverpool’s modern history.

Signed for just £8 million from Hull City, he became a Champions League winner, Premier League champion and one of the best left-backs of his generation.

While Liverpool had already begun planning for the future, his departure removes a key leadership figure from the dressing room.

Tottenham grade: C

Spurs add valuable experience and winning mentality to a squad that desperately needs both.

However, left-back was not necessarily their most urgent area of concern, making the signing feel more opportunistic than strategic.

Even so, landing a player of Robertson’s pedigree on a free transfer carries little risk.

Andy Robertson grade: C

Robertson’s decision remains a curious one.

The Scotland captain had interest from clubs competing at a higher level, including teams playing regular Champions League football.

Yet Tottenham’s new project under Roberto De Zerbi appears to have convinced him that he can play an important role in rebuilding the club.

Whether that translates into significantly more minutes than he received at Liverpool remains to be seen.