The initial period of the 2025 summer transfer window is set to close on June 10, as football clubs actively seek to complete deals ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This early deadline has created a unique situation, allowing clubs to officially sign players before their contracts typically expire on June 30, leading to notable activity in the early phase of the summer window. While prominent clubs such as Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Chelsea have been particularly active, let`s examine five potential or confirmed deals that could materialize before this first deadline for the 2025 summer transfers.
Al-Hilal Targets New Forwards
Saudi club Al-Hilal is undergoing significant changes this summer, following the appointment of former Inter coach Simone Inzaghi. He is reported to be one of the highest-paid coaches globally, potentially earning around $50 million over the next two years. Inzaghi is aiming to recruit a striker and a left-back to bolster his squad before the Club World Cup. Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has emerged as a primary target, but the Saudi side has so far found it challenging to persuade the Nigerian international to join. AC Milan`s left-back Theo Hernandez also reportedly declined a potential move to Al-Hilal before the early Deadline Day, preferring to remain in Europe. Al-Hilal is now rumored to have offered approximately $20 million for AS Roma left-back Angelino, who is reportedly in negotiations regarding personal terms ahead of the upcoming tournament.
Al-Hilal Club World Cup schedule:
- Real Madrid vs. Al-Hilal: Wednesday, June 18, 3 p.m. ET
- Salzburg vs. Al-Hilal: Sunday, June 22, 6 p.m. ET
- Al-Hilal vs. Pachuca: Thursday, June 26, 9 p.m. ET
Manchester City Nearing Key Signings
Manchester City is reportedly close to finalizing a deal for Rayan Cherki from Olympique Lyon, valued at around $35 million. The French player is expected to undergo a medical soon and is anticipated to feature for Pep Guardiola`s team in the FIFA Club World Cup. Cherki would represent City`s second reported major signing, following midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for approximately $70 million including add-ons. Guardiola is expected to make several squad adjustments during the summer of 2025. Club legend Kevin De Bruyne, notably absent from the Club World Cup squad, is reportedly nearing an agreement to join Napoli in the coming days.
Manchester City Club World Cup schedule:
- Manchester City vs. Wydad Casablanca: Wednesday, June 18, 12 p.m. ET
- Manchester City vs. Al-Ain: Sunday, June 22, 9 p.m. ET
- Juventus vs. Manchester City: Thursday, June 26, 3 p.m. ET
Chelsea Interested in Mike Maignan
AC Milan is also preparing for significant changes this summer under their newly appointed head coach, Massimiliano Allegri. Milan is reportedly open to selling several players, including Tijjani Reijnders and Theo Hernandez. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan is another player in discussions, currently in talks with Chelsea. While the two clubs are yet to agree on a final transfer fee, reports indicate the player is actively pushing for the move, eager to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup with the English club. Should Maignan depart, Milan will need to secure a replacement goalkeeper, but they are not under immediate pressure to do so before Tuesday`s deadline, as the Rossoneri are not competing in this month`s Club World Cup tournament.
Chelsea Club World Cup schedule:
- Chelsea vs. LAFC: Monday, June 16, 3 p.m. ET
- Flamengo vs. Chelsea: Friday, June 20, 2 p.m. ET
- Esperance vs. Chelsea: Tuesday, June 24, 9 p.m. ET
Real Madrid Secures Argentine Talent
Real Madrid is reportedly poised to sign highly-rated Argentinian prospect Franco Mastantuono from River Plate. According to multiple reports, the two clubs have agreed on a transfer fee of around $45 million. Mastantuono, widely considered one of the most promising talents of the next generation, will turn 18 in August. The expectation is that he will link up with the Spanish giants after the FIFA Club World Cup, which commences 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.
River Plate Club World Cup schedule:
- River Plate vs. Urawa Red Diamonds: Tuesday, June 17, 3 p.m. ET
- River Plate vs. Monterrey: Saturday, June 21, 9 p.m. ET
- Inter vs. River Plate: Wednesday, June 25, 9 p.m. ET
Another Bellingham to Dortmund
Jobe Bellingham, the younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, is reportedly set to join Borussia Dortmund, where his older brother previously played. The German club has reportedly reached an agreement with Sunderland for a deal worth approximately $35 million, including potential add-ons. Sunderland is also expected to retain a 15% sell-on clause for any future transfer of the player from Dortmund. Jobe is anticipated to join Niko Kovac`s squad before the FIFA Club World Cup, where Dortmund is drawn against Fluminense, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Ulsan Hyundai in the group stage.
Borussia Dortmund Club World Cup schedule:
- Fluminense vs. Dortmund: Tuesday, June 17, 12 p.m. ET
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Dortmund: Saturday, June 21, 12 p.m. ET
- Dortmund vs. Ulsan HD: Wednesday, June 25, 3 p.m. ET
