The transfer window for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, open from June 1 to June 10, is driving significant activity in the football market, with high-profile names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba, and Tijjani Reijnders at the forefront. Set to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, the tournament features 32 clubs vying to bolster their squads. Teams like Manchester City and Real Madrid are actively pursuing deals, while free agents or players nearing the end of their contracts, such as Pogba and Ronaldo, are drawing widespread interest. This unique window allows strategic adjustments, with player substitutions permitted between June 27 and July 3. The tight deadline is fueling urgent negotiations as clubs aim to build competitive rosters for the global event.
Clubs qualified for the tournament are seizing the opportunity to secure impactful signings. FIFA, the tournament’s organizer, has set specific guidelines for the window, offering greater flexibility to participants. The activity underscores the significance of the event, poised to be the largest in its history.
- Key players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba, Tijjani Reijnders, Alejandro Garnacho, Gibbs-White.
- Window period: June 1 to June 10, with substitutions from June 27 to July 3.
- Main event: Club World Cup, June 14 to July 13, in the United States.
The heated market reflects bold strategies from clubs aiming to assemble formidable lineups for the trophy unveiled by FIFA last week.
Frenzied market activity
The opening of the transfer window for the 2025 Club World Cup has sparked a flurry of negotiations. Clubs across continents are racing against time to finalize deals before the June 10 deadline. The tournament, debuting in an expanded 32-team format, heightens the urgency for quality reinforcements.
Manchester City, a leading contender, is among the most active. The English club, led by Pep Guardiola, is in talks to sign Tijjani Reijnders, a Dutch midfielder from AC Milan. British media reports indicate that discussions with the Italian club have progressed, with the 26-year-old viewed as a pivotal addition for the tournament. City’s chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, emphasized plans to craft a “new squad” for the event.
Eyes on the prize. 🏆 #TakeItToTheWorld | #FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/qqqhMrvbES
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 1, 2025
Real Madrid is also making waves in the market. The Spanish club secured Alexander-Arnold, formerly of Liverpool, in a deal worth 10 million euros. The 26-year-old right-back has already joined the squad and is expected to feature in the tournament. The transfer was finalized before his Liverpool contract expired on June 30.
Spotlight on Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, at 40, remains a central figure in transfer rumors. The Portuguese star’s contract with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia ends on June 30, and his next move is uncertain. Spanish outlet “Marca” reported that Ronaldo may leave the club, though Al-Nassr is pushing to extend his deal with promises of major signings.
Ronaldo, however, is keen to compete in the Club World Cup. Since Al-Nassr is not qualified, he may seek a move to one of the 32 participating teams. European and South American clubs are monitoring his situation, but no offers have been confirmed yet.
- Current club: Al-Nassr, contract until June 30.
- Interest: Clubs in Europe and South America.
- Goal: Participation in the Club World Cup.
Paul Pogba’s search for a new team
Paul Pogba, a free agent since completing an 18-month doping ban, is another name stirring the market. The 32-year-old French midfielder last played in September 2023 for Juventus. His suspension, lifted in March 2025, has kept him sidelined, but Pogba remains a target for clubs in the Club World Cup.
Teams in the Premier League and Ligue 1 have shown interest, though no deal has materialized. Pogba’s experience, highlighted by his 2018 World Cup win with France, makes him an attractive option for clubs seeking seasoned talent.
Manchester City strengthens midfield
Manchester City is doubling down on squad improvements. Alongside Reijnders, the club is pursuing Gibbs-White, a 25-year-old midfielder from Nottingham Forest. The departure of Kevin De Bruyne, a cornerstone of City’s success, has created a need for creative players in midfield.
Gibbs-White, versatile as an attacking midfielder or second volante, is reportedly close to a deal, with a potential transfer fee of 35 million pounds, per British media. The player is expected to join the squad in time for the trip to the United States.
- Primary target: Gibbs-White, Nottingham Forest.
- Estimated fee: 35 million pounds.
- Role: Attacking midfielder.
- Purpose: Replace Kevin De Bruyne.
Chelsea targets young stars
Chelsea, another English club in the tournament, is focusing on youthful talent. Alejandro Garnacho, a 20-year-old Argentine at Manchester United, is a top priority. The London club is preparing a formal bid for the winger, who has scored seven goals in the 2024/2025 Premier League season.
Manchester United, however, views Garnacho as a key asset and may resist the transfer. Chelsea aims to capitalize on the transfer window to secure the deal before the Club World Cup begins.
Eriksen available as free agent
Christian Eriksen, 33, became a free agent after Manchester United declined to renew his contract. The Danish midfielder, who played 107 matches and scored eight goals for the club, is now exploring new opportunities. Clubs in the Club World Cup are among those eyeing him.
Eriksen’s experience with Tottenham and Inter Milan adds to his appeal. Teams in the Premier League and Asian leagues are tracking him, though he has yet to commit to a new club.
Real Madrid’s strategic approach
Real Madrid, the reigning Champions League winner, is pursuing targeted signings. Beyond Alexander-Arnold, the club is exploring options for attack and defense. The English right-back strengthens a position already featuring Dani Carvajal.
The club’s preparations include pre-tournament friendlies in the United States. Coach Carlo Ancelotti stressed the need to quickly integrate new players into the squad.
- Confirmed signing: Alexander-Arnold, ex-Liverpool.
- Transfer fee: 10 million euros.
- Position strengthened: Right-back.
Transfer window regulations
FIFA has outlined clear rules for the Club World Cup transfer window. Clubs may register up to 26 players, with final lists due by June 10. Substitutions are allowed from June 27 to July 3, but only for injuries or other approved reasons.
The window’s flexibility aids clubs with depleted or transitioning squads. The option for mid-tournament adjustments ensures competitiveness, particularly for teams facing unexpected setbacks.
Tournament preparations
The 2025 Club World Cup will be hosted across 12 stadiums in the United States, with matches in cities like Miami, Los Angeles, and New York. FIFA unveiled the tournament trophy last week, heightening anticipation.
South American clubs, such as Flamengo and Palmeiras, are also active in the transfer window, though their moves have been quieter. Most Brazilian teams are prioritizing squad retention, with few signings confirmed so far.
- Match venues: 12 stadiums in the United States.
- Tournament dates: June 14 to July 13.
- Participants: 32 clubs from six confederations.
Emerging names in the market
Beyond the highlighted players, other names may emerge as the window progresses. Clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Juventus are scouting free agents or players nearing contract expirations. The looming deadline is accelerating talks, with agents and directors working to finalize agreements.
The short window offers a rare chance for clubs to fine-tune their rosters. More transfers are expected to be announced before the tournament kicks off, with an emphasis on players who can make an immediate impact.
Tight timeline for deals
The 10-day transfer window demands swift action from clubs. Negotiations that typically span weeks must be wrapped up quickly. The pressure to perform in the Club World Cup, coupled with interest from sponsors and fans, is driving investment in new talent.
FIFA is overseeing the process to ensure compliance with regulations. The organization has introduced an online registration system to streamline player registrations for participating clubs.
- Deadline: June 10 for player registrations.
- Substitutions: Allowed from June 27 to July 3.
- Registration system: FIFA’s online platform.
Fan excitement builds
The transfer activity is fueling fan anticipation for the Club World Cup. The prospect of seeing stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba in new teams is boosting interest. Social media accounts of clubs like Manchester City and Real Madrid are seeing high engagement, with supporters discussing potential signings.
The tournament, featuring champions from all confederations, promises thrilling matchups. The transfer window, though brief, plays a critical role in shaping the lineups that will compete for the title.
