The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is set to begin on Saturday, June 14. Ahead of the tournament, numerous leading global teams have made significant signings, utilizing an early summer transfer window introduced specifically for this purpose. This accelerated transfer activity highlights the evolving landscape of world football, involving not only player transfers but also quicker appointments of new managers. For instance, Real Madrid appointed former Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, in addition to bringing in new players before the competition.
Similarly, Saudi club Al-Hilal has appointed former Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi. Inzaghi left Inter after their 5-0 defeat to PSG in the UEFA Champions League final on May 31 and is now scheduled to face Real Madrid in Al-Hilal`s opening group stage match. The Italian giants, in turn, replaced Inzaghi with former club icon and Parma manager Cristian Chivu, who will make his managerial debut for the Nerazzurri at the FIFA Club World Cup. These moves underline the clubs` desire to integrate new managerial staff before the summer tournament. Now, let`s highlight five top players poised to feature for their new clubs in the upcoming competition.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso will have the opportunity to integrate several new signings, including former Liverpool standout Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined the Spanish giants before the FIFA Club World Cup. Having left the club where he spent his entire professional career, Alexander-Arnold is anticipated to become a crucial figure for Real Madrid. Although signed as a free agent in summer 2025, Real Madrid reportedly paid $11.4 million to Liverpool to secure his services prior to the World Cup`s commencement.
Jobe Bellingham, Borussia Dortmund
Another Bellingham brother is heading to Dortmund. The German club Borussia Dortmund has signed Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland ahead of the World Cup and has already included him in their traveling squad for the United States. Following an impressive season with Sunderland that culminated in promotion to the Premier League, Bellingham has opted to follow his brother Jude`s path and joined Borussia Dortmund this summer. He is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents participating in the tournament and is expected to attract significant attention.
Tijjani Reijnders, Manchester City
Tijjani Reijnders has officially joined Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City from AC Milan for approximately €75 million. This transfer is likely to be one of the most substantial signings of the 2025 summer transfer window. The Dutch midfielder was a standout performer in the 2024-25 Serie A season, contributing 15 goals in 54 appearances across all competitions for the Rossoneri. Reijnders` versatility allows him to play various midfield roles, including deep-lying playmaker, box-to-box, or even in more advanced positions, making him a projected key player in a refreshed Manchester City squad.
Liam Delap, Chelsea
Chelsea has secured striker Liam Delap ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. Surprisingly, he is set to be the sole addition to Enzo Maresca`s squad before the tournament. Delap will travel to the United States after the Blues paid $40.5 million to sign him from Ipswich Town, activating his release clause following Ipswich`s relegation from the Premier League. Chelsea also reportedly sought to sign a new goalkeeper before the June 10 deadline but were unable to finalize terms with AC Milan for French international Mike Maignan in time.
Petar Sucic, Inter
Inter Milan is certainly one of the teams to watch in this tournament, undergoing significant changes this summer. The Italian giants have replaced manager Simone Inzaghi with their former player Cristian Chivu, a 2010 Champions League winner. The Nerazzurri have also bolstered their squad by signing both Luis Henrique from Marseille and midfielder Petar Sucic from Dinamo Zagreb. The young Croatian international is anticipated to step directly into the starting lineup due to injuries affecting both Hakan Calhanoglu and Davide Frattesi, placing considerable expectations on him at the Club World Cup.
Benedict Kingsley