The expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, June 14th. Ahead of the tournament, many of the world`s top football clubs have made significant player acquisitions during an early summer transfer window. This early activity highlights the evolving landscape of global football, where both player and managerial movements are happening on a faster timeline. For instance, Real Madrid appointed former Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso as their new head coach, alongside integrating new players into their squad before the competition.
Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal has notably appointed former Inter manager Simone Inzaghi, who left the Italian side after losing the UEFA Champions League final. Al-Hilal is set to face Real Madrid in the opening match of their group phase. Following Inzaghi`s departure, the Italian giants, Inter, have appointed club legend and former Parma manager Cristian Chivu as their new head coach. Chivu is expected to make his debut on the Inter bench at the FIFA Club World Cup, demonstrating clubs` strategic moves to secure new management prior to the summer tournament. Below, we take a look at five prominent players who are set to feature for their new teams in the upcoming event.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso`s squad will benefit from several new additions, including former Liverpool standout Trent Alexander-Arnold. The English defender joined the Spanish giants before the FIFA Club World Cup. After departing the club where he began his professional career, Alexander-Arnold is anticipated to become a crucial figure for Real Madrid. While initially planned as a free agent signing for summer 2025, the Spanish side agreed to pay $11.4 million to Liverpool to finalize the transfer before the World Cup commenced.
Jobe Bellingham, Borussia Dortmund
Another player named Bellingham is heading to Dortmund. Borussia Dortmund signed Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland prior to the World Cup start and have already officially included him in the squad traveling to the United States. Following an exciting season with Sunderland that culminated in promotion to the Premier League, Bellingham has chosen to follow the path taken by his brother, Jude, joining Borussia Dortmund this summer. He is expected to be one of the most promising young talents in the upcoming tournament, drawing significant attention.
Tijjani Reijnders, Manchester City
Tijjani Reijnders officially completed a transfer to Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City from AC Milan for a fee around €75 million. This move is likely to be one of the most significant signings of the 2025 summer transfer window. The Dutch midfielder enjoyed an excellent 2024-25 Serie A season, scoring 15 goals in 54 appearances across all competitions for the Rossoneri. Reijnders` versatility allows him to play in various midfield roles, including as a deep playmaker, a box-to-box player, or in a more advanced position, making him a key expected addition to a revamped Manchester City roster.
Liam Delap, Chelsea
Chelsea have signed striker Liam Delap ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. Surprisingly, he appears to be the only new player added to Enzo Maresca`s team specifically for the tournament. Delap will travel to the United States after the Blues paid $40.5 million to sign him from Ipswich Town. Chelsea activated the release clause in his contract following Ipswich`s relegation from the Premier League. The London club also reportedly sought a new goalkeeper before the deadline of June 10th but were unable to reach an agreement with AC Milan for French goalkeeper Mike Maignan in time.
Petar Sucic, Inter Milan
Inter Milan is certainly one of the teams undergoing major changes this summer and will be interesting to watch in this tournament. The Italian giants have replaced manager Simone Inzaghi by appointing former 2010 Champions League winner Cristian Chivu as their new head coach. Furthermore, the Nerazzurri have signed both Luis Henrique from OM and midfielder Petar Sucic from Dinamo Zagreb. The Croatian international Sucic is highly anticipated to feature in the team immediately, partly due to injuries affecting both Hakan Calhanoglu and Davide Frattesi, generating considerable expectation around his performance at the Club World Cup.
