The initial phase of the 2025 summer transfer window concludes on June 10, and clubs are actively working to finalize transfers ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. This year, clubs had the unique opportunity to officially sign players before their standard contract expiry on June 30, leading to significant early movement and deals. While Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Chelsea have been notably busy, let`s examine five potential transfers that could be completed before this first window shuts.
Al-Hilal Seek Attacking Reinforcements
Saudi club Al-Hilal is undergoing leadership changes this summer after appointing former Inter coach Simone Inzaghi, reportedly making him one of the world`s highest-paid managers with an estimated $50 million over two years. Inzaghi aims to sign a striker and a left-back before the Club World Cup. Napoli`s Victor Osimhen is a prominent target, but the Saudi side has not yet convinced the Nigerian player. AC Milan`s left-back Theo Hernandez also declined the opportunity to join Al-Hilal before the early deadline, preferring to remain in Europe. The Saudi team has now reportedly offered around $20 million for AS Roma left-back Angelino, who is currently negotiating personal terms ahead of the summer 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 Poised to Sign Cherki
Manchester City are reportedly nearing a deal for Rayan Cherki from Olympique Lyon for approximately $35 million, with the French player expected to undergo a medical for Pep Guardiola`s side. Cherki, anticipated to play in the FIFA Club World Cup with his new team, would become City`s second signing. They are also set to announce the acquisition of midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for around $70 million, including add-ons. Guardiola is likely to make several changes in the summer of 2025, as club icon Kevin De Bruyne will not be part of the Club World Cup squad and is expected to finalize a move to Napoli soon.
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 undergoing significant changes this summer following the appointment of Massimiliano Allegri as the new head coach. Milan is expected to sell both Tijjani Reijnders and Theo Hernandez, as well as French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who is reportedly in discussions with Chelsea. The two clubs are still working to agree on a final transfer fee, while the player is reportedly pushing for the move to be completed. According to numerous reports, he is keen to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup with the English side. If Maignan departs, Milan will look for a new goalkeeper but do not necessarily need a replacement before Tuesday`s deadline, as the Rossoneri are not competing in this month`s Club World Cup.
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 —
River Plate`s Mastantuono Headed to Real Madrid
Real Madrid is set to sign Argentinian talent Franco Mastantuono from River Plate after the two clubs reportedly agreed on a fee of $45 million. Mastantuono, widely considered one of the brightest young talents, will turn 18 in August. However, he is expected to join the Spanish giants after the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins on June 14 in the United States. River Plate is also participating in the tournament and will 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 Joins Dortmund
Jobe Bellingham, the brother of Real Madrid`s Jude Bellingham, is expected to sign for Borussia Dortmund, the former club of his elder sibling. The German team has reportedly agreed to a $35 million deal with Sunderland, including add-ons. The English club will also benefit from a 15% sell-on clause should Bellingham leave Dortmund in the future. Jobe is also anticipated to join Niko Kovac`s squad before the FIFA Club World Cup, where Dortmund will face 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 —
