The first phase of the 2025 summer transfer window concluded on June 10, with clubs making strategic moves in preparation for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This year marked a significant change, allowing clubs to officially sign new players as soon as June 30, leading to a flurry of transactions during the early part of the transfer period. Among the most active clubs have been Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Chelsea, but let’s explore five key transfers that could happen before this initial phase ends.
Al Hilal’s Search for a Striker
Al-Hilal from Saudi Arabia has made notable changes this summer by appointing former Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi, who will be one of the highest-paid coaches globally, earning approximately $50 million over two years. Inzaghi aims to secure a striker and a left-back before the Club World Cup, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen being a top target. However, the Saudi club has yet to sway the Nigerian striker to join its ranks. Meanwhile, AC Milan’s left-back Theo Hernandez turned down an opportunity to move to Al-Hilal, opting to remain in Europe.
Al-Hilal Club World Cup Schedule:
- Real Madrid vs. Al-Hilal: June 18, 3 PM
- Salzburg vs. Al-Hilal: June 22, 6 PM ET – Watch on Dazn (free)
- Al-Hilal vs. Pachuca: June 26, 9 PM
Manchester City Acquires Cherki
Manchester City is set to sign Rayane Cherki from Olympic Lyon for around $35 million and will soon conduct his medical examination under Pep Guardiola. Cherki, expected to join City for the FIFA Club World Cup, will be the second addition for the team this summer, following the announcement of midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for about $70 million. Guardiola is expected to be quite active in this transfer window, especially with club legend Kevin De Bruyne absent from the Club World Cup, likely preparing to finalize a deal with Napoli soon.
Manchester City Club World Cup Schedule:
- Manchester City vs. Widad Casablanca: June 18, 12 PM ET – Watch on Dazn (free)
- Manchester City vs. Al-Ain: June 22, 9 PM ET – Watch on Dazn (free)
- Juventus vs. Manchester City: June 26, 3 PM
Chelsea Eyes Mike Maignan
After appointing Massimiliano Allegri as their new head coach, AC Milan is making significant moves this summer. The club is considering the sale of both Tijjani Reijnders and Theo Hernandez, as well as French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who is currently in discussions with Chelsea. Though both clubs have not yet agreed on a final transfer fee, Maignan is eager to complete the transfer to play in the FIFA Club World Cup. If he departs, AC Milan will seek a new goalkeeper, but they won’t need an immediate replacement since they aren’t participating in this month’s tournament.
Chelsea Club World Cup Schedule:
- Chelsea vs. LAFC: June 16, 3 PM ET – Watch on Dazn (free)
- Flamengo vs. Chelsea: June 20, 2 PM ET – Watch on Dazn (free)
- Esperance vs. Chelsea: June 24, 9 PM
River Plate Transfers Mastantuono to Real Madrid
Real Madrid is reportedly set to sign Argentine prodigy Franco Mastantuono from River Plate for $45 million. Highly regarded as one of the brightest talents of his generation, Mastantuono will turn 18 in August but will remain with River Plate during the FIFA Club World Cup, where they will face Monterrey and Urawa Red Diamonds in the group stage.
River Plate Club World Cup Schedule:
- River Plate vs. Urawa Red Diamonds: June 17, 3 PM
- River Plate vs. Monterrey: June 21, 9 PM ET – Watch on Dazn (free)
- Inter vs. River Plate: June 25, 9 PM ET – Watch on Dazn (free)
Job Bellingham Joins Borussia Dortmund
Job Bellingham, brother of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, is set to join Borussia Dortmund. Following Jude’s previous stint with the club, Job is expected to finalize a deal with Sunderland for around $35 million. The English club will retain a 15% sell-on clause if Job leaves Dortmund later. He is also anticipated to join his new team coached by Nico Kovac ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, where Dortmund will compete against Fluminense, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Ulsan Hyundai in the group stage.
Borussia Dortmund Club World Cup Schedule:
- Fluminense vs. Dortmund: June 17, 12 PM ET – Watch on Dazn (free)
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Dortmund: June 21, 12 PM ET – Watch on Dazn (free)
- Dortmund vs. Ulsan HD: June 25, 3 PM
Fan Take
These transfer activities highlight a pivotal moment in global soccer, showcasing the intense competition and ambition of clubs as they ramp up for the FIFA Club World Cup. For fans, this means thrilling prospects for upcoming matches and a reshaped landscape in top-tier soccer as clubs strive for glory.
