The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is scheduled to commence on Saturday, June 14. In anticipation of the tournament, some of the world`s leading football clubs have significantly bolstered their rosters through an early summer transfer window. This period of rapid signings and even managerial changes, such as Real Madrid appointing Xabi Alonso, highlights the evolving dynamics in global football as teams prepare ahead of schedule.
Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal has announced the appointment of former Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi. Meanwhile, Inter has replaced Inzaghi with club icon Cristian Chivu, previously managing Parma, who is set to make his debut in the dugout at the Club World Cup. These strategic moves, alongside player acquisitions, underscore the clubs` proactive approach to strengthening before the major summer tournament. Let`s take a closer look at five prominent players ready to feature for their new teams in the upcoming competition.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid
New Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso will welcome several fresh faces, including former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold. Having departed his long-time club, Alexander-Arnold joins the Spanish giants and is expected to quickly become a key figure. Although initially anticipated as a free transfer for summer 2025, Real Madrid reportedly paid Liverpool $11.4 million to secure the English defender`s services prior to the World Cup kickoff.
Jobe Bellingham, Borussia Dortmund
Following in his brother Jude`s footsteps, Jobe Bellingham is heading to Borussia Dortmund. The German side signed Jobe from Sunderland ahead of the World Cup and have already confirmed his inclusion in their squad traveling to the United States. After an impressive season with Sunderland, which culminated in promotion to the Premier League, Bellingham made the move to Dortmund this summer. He is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in the tournament and is anticipated to draw considerable attention.
Tijjani Reijnders, Manchester City
Tijjani Reijnders has officially completed his transfer to Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City from AC Milan for a fee reported to be around €75 million. This move is likely to be one of the biggest deals of the 2025 summer transfer window. The Dutch midfielder was a standout performer in the 2024-25 Serie A season, netting 15 goals in 54 appearances across all competitions for AC Milan. Reijnders` versatility allows him to excel in various midfield roles, from deep playmaker to box-to-box dynamism or even further forward, making him a crucial addition to a refreshed Manchester City squad.
Liam Delap, Chelsea
Chelsea has added striker Liam Delap to their ranks ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. Interestingly, he is reported to be the sole player signed by Enzo Maresca`s side specifically for the tournament. Delap joins the Blues from Ipswich Town for $40.5 million, with Chelsea activating a release clause in his contract following Ipswich`s relegation from the Premier League. Chelsea had also reportedly sought a new goalkeeper before the June 10 deadline but were unable to finalize an agreement with AC Milan for French international Mike Maignan in time.
Petar Sucic, Inter
Inter Milan promises to be one of the most intriguing teams to observe, given the significant changes this summer. The Italian giants have appointed former player and 2010 Champions League winner Cristian Chivu as their new head coach, replacing Simone Inzaghi. Inter has also brought in Luis Henrique from OM and midfielder Petar Sucic from Dinamo Zagreb. The young Croatian international, Sucic, is expected to feature prominently from the outset due to injuries to key midfielders Hakan Calhanoglu and Davide Frattesi, creating significant anticipation around his performance at the Club World Cup.
Dominic Ashworth