The early phase of the 2025 summer transfer window is set to close on June 10, prompting clubs to finalize deals ahead of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. For the first time, teams were permitted to officially sign players before the standard June 30 contract expiry, leading to significant early activity. Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Chelsea are among the busiest clubs navigating this period. Here are five potential transfers generating buzz as the initial deadline approaches:
Al-Hilal Seeks Striker and Left-Back
Saudi side Al-Hilal is undergoing significant changes this summer, having appointed former Inter coach Simone Inzaghi. Reports suggest Inzaghi is one of the world`s highest-paid coaches, earning around $50 million over two years. He aims to bolster the squad with a striker and a left-back before the Club World Cup. Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is reportedly a prime target, but Al-Hilal has yet to convince the Nigerian international to join. AC Milan`s left-back Theo Hernandez has also reportedly declined a move, preferring to remain in Europe. Al-Hilal has now reportedly tabled a $20 million offer for AS Roma left-back Angelino, who is reportedly in talks to agree personal terms ahead of the summer tournament.
Manchester City Nears Cherki Signing
Manchester City is reportedly close to completing a deal for Rayan Cherki from Olympique Lyon for approximately $35 million. The young French player is expected to undergo a medical soon for Pep Guardiola`s team. Cherki is anticipated to join his new teammates for the FIFA Club World Cup. This potential acquisition follows reports that City is also set to announce the signing of midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for around $70 million, including add-ons. Guardiola is likely planning several changes for summer 2025; club legend Kevin De Bruyne is not expected to feature in the Club World Cup and is reportedly nearing an agreement to join Napoli in the coming days.
Chelsea Interested in Mike Maignan
AC Milan is also experiencing major changes this summer, having appointed Massimiliano Allegri as their new head coach. The club may reportedly offload both Tijjani Reijnders and Theo Hernandez, as well as French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who is reportedly in discussions with Chelsea. A final transfer fee is still being negotiated between the clubs, but the player is reportedly keen on the move. According to various reports, Maignan is eager to play in the FIFA Club World Cup with the English side. If Maignan departs, Milan will seek a replacement goalkeeper, but they are not under pressure to secure one before the Tuesday deadline, as the Rossoneri are not participating in this month`s Club World Cup.
Real Madrid Poised to Sign Mastantuono
Real Madrid is reportedly set to sign highly-rated Argentinian talent Franco Mastantuono from River Plate after agreeing a $45 million fee, according to multiple reports. Mastantuono, widely considered one of the most promising players of his generation, will turn 18 in August. The expectation is that he will join the Spanish giants after the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 14 in the United States. River Plate is also participating in the tournament and is scheduled to face Inter, Monterrey, and Urawa Red Diamonds in the group stage.
Another Bellingham Heading to Dortmund
Jobe Bellingham, the brother of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, is expected to join Borussia Dortmund, the club where his older brother also played before moving to Spain. The German team has reportedly agreed a deal with Sunderland worth $35 million, including add-ons. Sunderland will also reportedly retain a 15% sell-on clause for any future transfer. Jobe is also anticipated to join Niko Kovac`s team in time for the FIFA Club World Cup, where Dortmund will face Fluminense, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Ulsan Hyundai in their group stage matches.
Adrian Whitmore