The initial phase of the 2025 summer transfer window is set to close on June 10th, creating a rush for clubs to strengthen their squads before the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. For the first time, teams have been able to officially register players before the traditional June 30th contract expiry, leading to a flurry of early deals. While Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Chelsea are reportedly among the most active participants so far, here`s a look at five potential transfers that could be completed before this initial deadline.
Al-Hilal Seeks Attacking Reinforcements
Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal is reportedly undergoing significant restructuring this summer. They recently appointed former Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi on a lucrative two-year contract estimated to be worth around $50 million. Inzaghi is said to be targeting a new striker and a left-back before the Club World Cup begins. Napoli`s Victor Osimhen emerged as a prime candidate for the striker role, but the Nigerian forward has reportedly not yet been convinced to join Inzaghi`s side. Similarly, AC Milan`s left-back Theo Hernandez is reported to have declined a move to Al-Hilal, preferring to remain in European football. The Saudi club has now reportedly submitted an offer of around $20 million for AS Roma`s left-back Angelino, with discussions over personal terms reportedly underway.
Manchester City Targets Young Talent
Manchester City is reportedly closing in on signing Rayan Cherki from Olympique Lyon for approximately $35 million. The young French player is expected to undergo a medical examination for Pep Guardiola`s team imminently and is anticipated to feature for his new club in the FIFA Club World Cup. Cherki would become City`s second major signing of the window, following the reported acquisition of midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for a fee potentially rising to $70 million including add-ons. Guardiola is expected to make several adjustments to his squad this summer, particularly as club icon Kevin De Bruyne is not slated to participate in the Club World Cup and is reportedly nearing a move to Napoli.
Chelsea Interested in Mike Maignan
AC Milan is also reportedly preparing for significant squad changes under their new head coach, Massimiliano Allegri. While Tijjani Reijnders and Theo Hernandez are potential departures, reports suggest that French goalkeeper Mike Maignan is currently in discussions with Chelsea. The two clubs are yet to finalize a transfer fee, but the player is reportedly pushing for the move, expressing a desire to play in the FIFA Club World Cup with the English club. Should Maignan depart, Milan will look for a new goalkeeper, but they are not under immediate pressure to secure a replacement before the June 10th deadline, as they are not participating in this month`s Club World Cup tournament.
Real Madrid Set to Sign River Plate Prodigy
Real Madrid is reportedly on the verge of signing highly-rated Argentinian talent Franco Mastantuono from River Plate. According to multiple reports, the clubs have agreed on a transfer fee of $45 million. Mastantuono, widely considered one of the most promising young players globally, will turn 18 in August. However, expectations are that he will join the Spanish giants after the FIFA Club World Cup, which commences on June 14th in the United States. River Plate is also competing in the tournament and is scheduled to face Inter Milan, Monterrey, and Urawa Red Diamonds in the group stage.
Another Bellingham Heads to Dortmund
Jobe Bellingham, the younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, is reportedly set to join Borussia Dortmund, the club where his brother previously played. The German side has reportedly agreed a deal with Sunderland worth up to $35 million, including add-ons. Sunderland is also said to have secured a 15% sell-on clause for any future transfer fee should Bellingham leave Dortmund. Jobe is also expected to integrate with Niko Kovac`s squad in time for the FIFA Club World Cup, where Dortmund will face Fluminense, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Ulsan Hyundai in the group stage.
