With clubs rushing to strengthen their squads before the exclusive transfer window closed, these are the headline signings that reshaped the competition.
The 2025 summer transfer window has been one of the most chaotic and fast-paced in recent memory. Fans were stunned by how quickly top clubs around the world wrapped up major signings. The reason? The new-look FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States, forced participating teams to move swiftly before a unique early transfer deadline.
While some blockbuster moves fell apart—like Chelsea’s failed bid for Mike Maignan and Al Hilal’s unsuccessful pursuit of Angeliño—many others were completed just in time. Let’s take a closer look at the 12 biggest transfers made specifically for the 2025 Club World Cup.
1. Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid
➡️ Real Madrid CF | Liverpool FC
With his contract expiring this summer, Trent was expected to join Madrid for free. But since Real Madrid needed him ready for the Club World Cup, they paid €10 million to Liverpool to expedite the move. With Dani Carvajal unfit and Lucas Vázquez underwhelming, Trent was a vital addition.
2. Rayan Cherki to Manchester City
➡️ Manchester City FC | Olympique Lyonnais
City paid €36 million for the gifted French midfielder from Lyon to fill the creative void left by Kevin De Bruyne’s departure. The deal had some complications but was completed just in time for the tournament.
3. Jonathan Tah to Bayern Munich
➡️ FC Bayern Munich | Bayer Leverkusen
Long linked with a summer switch, Tah was meant to move to Bayern on a free transfer. But the champions paid Leverkusen a fee to accelerate the transfer so he could be registered for the Club World Cup.
4. Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund
➡️ Borussia Dortmund | Sunderland AFC
In a touching family twist, Jobe Bellingham joined his brother Jude’s former club for €33 million. Dortmund wanted him in time for the tournament, and the 19-year-old will wear the number 77 shirt.
5. Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid
➡️ Real Madrid CF | AFC Bournemouth
Madrid were desperate for defensive reinforcements due to injuries. They signed 20-year-old Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, sealing the move even before the season officially ended.
6. Liam Delap to Chelsea
➡️ Chelsea FC | Ipswich Town
Chelsea, fresh off a Europa Conference League win, triggered Delap’s release clause at Ipswich and handed him the number 9 shirt. He’s expected to lead the line in the Club World Cup.
7. Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City
➡️ Manchester City FC | AC Milan
City weren’t done with Cherki. They also paid €57 million for Reijnders from Milan, ensuring midfield depth for the tournament. The Dutchman is expected to be a central figure in the squad.
8. Rui Patrício to Al Ain
➡️ Al Ain FC
In a rare move, Al Ain signed veteran goalkeeper Rui Patrício on a short-term deal purely for the tournament. The 37-year-old could become a free agent again after the competition ends.
9. Jorginho to Flamengo
➡️ CR Flamengo | Arsenal FC
Jorginho’s move to Flamengo was greenlit by Arsenal months before the season’s end. The Italian midfielder brings experience to the Brazilian giants, who have high hopes for the Club World Cup.
10. Rayan Aït-Nouri to Manchester City
➡️ Manchester City FC | Wolverhampton Wanderers
City’s third Club World Cup signing, Aït-Nouri, joined from Wolves to add more flexibility on the left side. The move has been praised as strategic—he fits City’s system perfectly.
This transfer window, driven by the urgency of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, gave fans a glimpse of how future global tournaments might shape club strategies and market behavior.
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Chelsea
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
