The early period of the 2025 summer transfer window is set to close on June 10, and football clubs are actively working to finalize player movements ahead of the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. For the first time, teams were permitted to officially sign players before the standard expiration date of contracts on June 30. This change has led to significant activity and completed deals in the initial phase of the summer window. With major clubs such as Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Chelsea among the busiest so far, let`s look at five potential transfers we could see confirmed before the early deadline of this summer`s transfer window.
Al-Hilal Seek a Striker
Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are undergoing significant changes this summer, having appointed former Inter coach Simone Inzaghi. His lucrative contract, reportedly worth around $50 million over two years, makes him one of the highest-paid coaches globally. Inzaghi aims to recruit a new striker and a left-back before the Club World Cup. Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has emerged as a prime target, but Al-Hilal has not yet managed to persuade the Nigerian international to join Inzaghi`s squad. AC Milan`s left-back Theo Hernandez also reportedly declined a move to Al-Hilal before the early Deadline Day, preferring to remain in Europe. The Saudi club has now reportedly offered around $20 million to sign AS Roma`s left back Angelino, who is currently in discussions to agree personal terms ahead of the summer tournament.
Al-Hilal Club World Cup schedule
- Real Madrid vs. Al-Hilal: Wednesday, June 18, 3 p.m. ET
- Salzburg vs. Al-Hilal: Sunday, June 22, 6 p.m. ET
- Al-Hilal vs. Pachuca: Thursday, June 26, 9 p.m. ET
Manchester City Closing in on Cherki
Manchester City are reportedly nearing a deal to sign Rayan Cherki from Olympique Lyon for approximately $35 million. The young French player is expected to undergo a medical soon to join Pep Guardiola`s team. Cherki is anticipated to feature for the Citizens in the FIFA Club World Cup, potentially becoming their second signing of the window. Manchester City are also reportedly set to announce the signing of midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for around $70 million, including add-ons. Guardiola is expected to make further squad adjustments this summer. Club legend Kevin De Bruyne will not be part of the Club World Cup squad and is reportedly set to agree a move to Napoli in the coming days.
Manchester City Club World Cup schedule
- Manchester City vs. Wydad Casablanca: Wednesday, June 18, 12 p.m. ET
- Manchester City vs. Al-Ain: Sunday, June 22, 9 p.m. ET
- Juventus vs. Manchester City: Thursday, June 26, 3 p.m. ET
Chelsea Target Mike Maignan
AC Milan is also undergoing significant changes this summer following the appointment of Massimiliano Allegri as their new head coach. Milan are expected to sell both Tijjani Reijnders and Theo Hernandez. Additionally, French goalkeeper Mike Maignan is currently in talks with Chelsea. The two clubs are still negotiating the final transfer fee. Reports suggest the player is pushing for the move to happen, as he is keen to play in the FIFA Club World Cup with the English side. If Maignan departs, AC Milan will seek a replacement goalkeeper but do not necessarily need one before the Tuesday deadline, as the Rossoneri are not participating in this month`s Club World Cup.
Chelsea Club World Cup schedule
- Chelsea vs. LAFC: Monday, June 16, 3 p.m. ET
- Flamengo vs. Chelsea: Friday, June 20, 2 p.m. ET
- Esperance vs. Chelsea: Tuesday, June 24, 9 p.m. ET
Real Madrid Set to Sign River Plate Talent Mastantuono
Real Madrid are reportedly close to signing Argentinian prodigy Franco Mastantuono from River Plate. According to multiple reports, the two clubs have agreed a fee of $45 million. Mastantuono is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents of the next generation. He will turn 18 in August, but the expectation is that he will join the Spanish giants after the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins on June 14 in the United States. River Plate is also participating in the tournament and will face Inter, Monterrey, and Urawa Red Diamonds in the group stage.
River Plate Club World Cup schedule
- River Plate vs. Urawa Red Diamonds: Tuesday, June 17, 3 p.m. ET
- River Plate vs. Monterrey: Saturday, June 21, 9 p.m. ET
- Inter vs. River Plate: Wednesday, June 25, 9 p.m. ET
Another Bellingham Joins Dortmund
Jobe Bellingham, younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, is reportedly set to join Borussia Dortmund, the club where his brother previously played. The German team has reportedly agreed a deal with Sunderland for $35 million, plus add-ons. Sunderland will also retain a 15% sell-on clause should Bellingham leave Dortmund in the future. Jobe is also expected to link up with the team coached by Niko Kovac before the FIFA Club World Cup, where Dortmund will compete against Fluminense, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Ulsan Hyundai in the group stage.
Borussia Dortmund Club World Cup schedule
- Fluminense vs. Dortmund: Tuesday, June 17, 12 p.m. ET
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Dortmund: Saturday, June 21, 12 p.m. ET
- Dortmund vs. Ulsan HD: Wednesday, June 25, 3 p.m. ET
Dominic Ashworth