The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is scheduled to commence on Saturday, June 14th. Ahead of this expanded global tournament, several top clubs worldwide utilized an early summer transfer window to bolster their squads. This period was marked not only by notable player movements but also by swift managerial appointments, indicating a rapid evolution in the football landscape. For example, Real Madrid notably appointed former Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso as their new head coach, in addition to bringing in new players for the competition.
Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal has reportedly appointed former Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi. According to the source, Inzaghi departed Inter after a significant defeat (a 5-0 loss against PSG in the UEFA Champions League final on May 31st) and is now set to manage Al-Hilal, including facing Real Madrid in their group stage opener. Meanwhile, the Italian giants, Inter, have replaced Inzaghi with club legend and former Parma manager Cristian Chivu. Chivu is expected to make his debut managing the Nerazzurri side at the FIFA Club World Cup, underscoring how clubs prioritized securing new leadership before the summer tournament. Below, we highlight five key players set to debut with their new teams in the upcoming competition.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid
Real Madrid`s new coach, Xabi Alonso, will have several new faces in his squad, including former Liverpool standout Trent Alexander-Arnold. Alexander-Arnold, a long-serving figure at Liverpool, has joined the Spanish powerhouse before the FIFA Club World Cup and is anticipated to become a key player for the team. While the report mentioned Real Madrid initially planned to sign the English defender as a free agent in summer 2025, they reportedly paid Liverpool $11.4 million to secure his services before the World Cup began.
Jobe Bellingham, Borussia Dortmund
Another Bellingham brother is headed to Dortmund. Borussia Dortmund acquired Jobe Bellingham before the start of the World Cup and have already confirmed his inclusion in the squad traveling to the United States. Following what the text describes as an exciting season at Sunderland, which it states culminated in promotion to the Premier League, Bellingham has chosen to follow in his brother Jude`s footsteps by joining Borussia Dortmund this summer. He is predicted to be one of the most promising young talents in the upcoming tournament, drawing considerable attention.
Tijjani Reijnders, Manchester City
Tijjani Reijnders has officially transferred to Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City from AC Milan ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. The reported fee is around €75 million, potentially making it one of the largest transfers of the 2025 summer window. The Dutch midfielder is highlighted as one of the top performers during the 2024-25 Serie A season, credited with scoring 15 goals in 54 appearances across all competitions for AC Milan. Reijnders` adaptability across various midfield roles, including deep-lying playmaker, box-to-box, or attacking midfield, is noted, and he is expected to be a vital contributor to a refreshed Manchester City roster.
Liam Delap, Chelsea
Chelsea has signed striker Liam Delap in preparation for the FIFA Club World Cup. The article notes, somewhat surprisingly, that he is expected to be the only addition to Enzo Maresca`s squad before the tournament. Chelsea reportedly paid $40.5 million to bring Delap from Ipswich Town by activating a release clause in his contract, which the text links to Ipswich`s supposed relegation from the Premier League. Chelsea also reportedly attempted to sign a new goalkeeper before the June 10 deadline but was unable to agree terms with AC Milan for French goalkeeper Mike Maignan in time.
Petar Sucic, Inter Milan
Inter Milan is presented as one of the most compelling teams to observe in this tournament, undergoing significant changes this summer. The Nerazzurri have reportedly replaced manager Simone Inzaghi and appointed Cristian Chivu, a former player and 2010 Champions League winner, as their new head coach. Inter has also added Luis Henrique from OM and midfielder Petar Sucic from Dinamo Zagreb. High expectations are placed on Sucic, the Croatian international, who is anticipated to start immediately due to stated injuries to Hakan Calhanoglu and Davide Frattesi, creating considerable anticipation around his performance at the Club World Cup.
