As the summer approaches, the footballing world is abuzz with chatter about the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to run from June 14 to July 13 in the United States. This prestigious tournament is set to make waves not only on the pitch but also in the transfer market, significantly altering our expectations of the summer transfer window.
Traditionally, most European leagues open their summer transfer windows on July 1, but this year, many have agreed to an early window from June 1 to June 10. Following this brief period, there will be a six-day hiatus before markets reopen on June 16. Clubs in all leagues can still sign free agents during this hiatus. Moreover, FIFA’s regulations for the Club World Cup allow clubs to replace players on their squad lists if their contracts expire between June 27 and July 3. This policy raises intriguing questions: Could some players finish their seasons with one club only to feature in the Club World Cup for another? Or will some players sign short-term deals solely to participate in this summer’s competition?
One player to watch closely is Kevin De Bruyne, the Manchester City star. While he has been linked with potential transfers, concerns about injury are clouding his Club World Cup aspirations, especially with his City contract set to expire on June 30.
As the anticipation builds, let’s take a closer look at clubs and players poised to make significant moves leading up to June 14.
UEFA (Europe)
By Sam Tighe
Qualified Teams: Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Inter Milan, FC Porto, Benfica, FC Salzburg
Real Madrid
Dean Huijsen: Real Madrid has already confirmed the signing of Huijsen for €59m ($67m), ensuring his availability for the Club World Cup. His swift capture was a response to fierce competition following an impressive season in the Premier League.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: His potential move remains unconfirmed but reports suggest he may join on a free transfer. For him to be ready for the Club World Cup, a deal with Liverpool would need to wrap up before June 30.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Speculation exists around Ronaldo possibly returning to Madrid, although a lucrative offer from Brazil may complicate his return.
Atlético Madrid
Johnny Cardoso: The Real Betis midfielder is a top target for Atlético as they seek to bolster their midfield with a defensive-minded player. However, his €80m release clause poses a significant hurdle.
Manchester City
Florian Wirtz: City is looking for an attacking midfielder to fill De Bruyne’s role. However, negotiations for Wirtz appear stalled due to financial concerns and competition from Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich
Jonathan Tah: Bayern is eager to sign Tah, who is set to leave Bayer Leverkusen as his contract expires, presenting a more straightforward opportunity for the German giants.
Chelsea
Dário Essugo: Chelsea has secured Essugo as part of a €22.2m deal. He will join as they prepare for the Club World Cup.
CONMEBOL (South America)
Qualified Teams: Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, River Plate, Boca Juniors, Botafogo
Palmeiras
Palmeiras is unlikely to make any signings, having opted to keep their goalkeeper, Marcelo Lomba, amid unsuccessful efforts to find a replacement.
Flamengo
The club is keen on signing Jorginho from Arsenal, as they also scout for wingers to fill gaps in their attacking midfield.
CONCACAF (North and Central America, and the Caribbean)
Qualified Teams: Pachuca, Monterrey, Seattle Sounders, Inter Miami, Los Angeles FC/Club America
Inter Miami
Ángel Di María: The experienced winger could reunite with Lionel Messi at Miami for the Club World Cup, having recently announced his departure from Benfica.
CAF (Africa)
Qualified Teams: Al Ahly, Wydad, Esperance de Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns
Al Ahly
Zizo: The Egyptian winger is making a switch from SC Zamalek to Al Ahly, illustrating the intense rivalries in African football as he joins his new teammates ahead of the Club World Cup.
AFC (Asia)
Qualified Teams: Al Hilal, Al-Ain, Urawa Red Diamonds, Ulsan HD
While Urawa and Ulsan are not expected to make major changes, Al Hilal’s past interest in high-profile players continues to draw attention, although the club appears focused more on managerial pursuits.
OFC (Oceania)
Qualified Team: Auckland City
Auckland City remains Oceania’s sole representative in the Club World Cup but isn’t anticipated to engage in any transfer activities.
