The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to begin on Saturday, June 14th. Ahead of the tournament, many of the world`s leading teams have significantly bolstered their rosters with key signings made during a new early summer transfer window designed to aid their preparations. This accelerated transfer activity, involving not only players but also new managerial appointments on a quicker timeline, highlights the evolving landscape of global football. For instance, Real Madrid appointed former Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso as their new head coach, in addition to bringing in new players.
Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal has decided to appoint former Inter manager Simone Inzaghi. Inzaghi departed Inter after losing the UEFA Champions League final 5-0 against PSG on May 31st and will now face Real Madrid in their opening group match. Meanwhile, Italian giants Inter have replaced Inzaghi with club legend and former Parma manager Cristian Chivu, who will make his debut in the Nerazzurri dugout at the FIFA Club World Cup. This illustrates the proactive approach clubs have taken in securing new managers before the summer tournament. Let`s now look at five prominent players who are expected to feature for their new teams in the upcoming competition.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso will have the opportunity to work with several new acquisitions, including former Liverpool standout Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined the Spanish powerhouse before the FIFA Club World Cup. After leaving the club where he started his professional journey, Alexander-Arnold is anticipated to become a vital player for Real Madrid. While initially reported as a free agent signing for summer 2025, the Spanish club reportedly agreed to pay Liverpool $11.4 million to secure the English defender`s transfer before the World Cup commenced.
Jobe Bellingham, Borussia Dortmund
Another Bellingham brother is heading to Dortmund. The German club signed Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland prior to the World Cup and have already included him in the squad travelling to the United States. After an exciting season at Sunderland that culminated in promotion to the Premier League, Bellingham has chosen to follow the path of his brother Jude and joined Borussia Dortmund this summer. He is expected to be one of the most promising young talents in the upcoming tournament, attracting significant attention.
Tijjani Reijnders, Manchester City
Tijjani Reijnders has officially signed for Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City, joining from AC Milan for a fee of approximately €75 million. This deal is likely to be one of the most significant transfers of the 2025 summer window. The Dutch midfielder was a standout performer in the 2024-25 Serie A season, scoring 15 goals in 54 appearances across all competitions for the Rossoneri. Reijnders is versatile in midfield, capable of playing as a deep playmaker, box-to-box midfielder, or in a more attacking role, and he is expected to be a key figure in a refreshed Manchester City squad.
Liam Delap, Chelsea
Chelsea have secured the signing of striker Liam Delap before the FIFA Club World Cup. Surprisingly, he is reported to be the sole new addition to Enzo Maresca`s squad for the tournament. Delap will travel to the United States after Chelsea paid Ipswich Town $40.5 million, activating the release clause in his contract following Ipswich`s relegation from the Premier League. Chelsea were also looking to sign a new goalkeeper before the June 10 deadline but were unable to reach an agreement with AC Milan for French international Mike Maignan in time.
Petar Sucic, Inter
Inter is undoubtedly one of the most interesting teams to watch in this tournament, undergoing substantial changes this summer. The Italian giants have replaced manager Simone Inzaghi with Cristian Chivu, a winner of the 2010 Champions League. Inter have also acquired Luis Henrique from Marseille and midfielder Petar Sucic from Dinamo Zagreb. The young Croatian international is anticipated to start immediately due to injuries to both Hakan Calhanoglu and Davide Frattesi, creating significant expectations for him at the Club World Cup.
