Club World Cup 2025: Star signings set to shine in US showpiece

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup promises to be a landmark event in football, with a restructured 32-team format taking place in the United States for the first time. 

In preparation for the high-stakes tournament, FIFA opened a special transfer window in early June, allowing clubs to strengthen their squads with key signings. 

Among the headline names making waves are Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Cherki—each bringing fresh intrigue to an already star-studded competition.

Real Madrid stunned fans by sealing a surprise early move for Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Spanish giants paid €10 million to secure the England international ahead of the expiration of his contract. 

Under new manager Xabi Alonso, Alexander-Arnold will be tasked with adapting quickly as Madrid seek to transition from the Carlo Ancelotti era and chase silverware in the US. 

Elsewhere, Real Madrid also secured the services of Dean Huijsen, a promising centre-back who has developed into one of Europe’s top young defenders after a breakout season in England.

Manchester City, looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, have aggressively reshaped their squad.

Tiijjani Reijnders, signed from AC Milan, is set to add dynamism to City’s midfield, while the arrivals of Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki reflect Pep Guardiola’s move towards more flair and flexibility. 

Cherki, in particular, arrives from Lyon with high expectations and questions about whether his creative style can flourish under Guardiola’s structured system.

Chelsea have turned to youth in a bid to shake off their attacking woes by signing Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.

The 21-year-old striker, son of former Premier League player Rory Delap, will attempt to break the club’s infamous No.9 curse. Borussia Dortmund made headlines, too, snapping up Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland.

The younger brother of Jude Bellingham arrives in Germany with over 100 senior appearances and a recent Young Player of the Season award to his name.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich bolstered their defence with the signing of Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen. With injuries and departures weakening their backline, the experienced German international will play a pivotal role in their tournament campaign.

In South America, Brazilian giants Flamengo added Jorginho to their midfield, marking the Euro 2021 winner’s first time playing for a club in his home country. The move also sets up a potential reunion against Chelsea in the group stage.

Rounding out the list of notable transfers is Gabri Veiga’s return to Europe with FC Porto after a controversial stint in Saudi Arabia, and Botafogo’s eye-catching capture of 18-year-old Alvaro Montoro from Velez Sarsfield. 

Nicknamed ‘Rocket,’ Montoro represents one of the tournament’s most exciting young prospects. With so many high-profile and promising names involved, the 2025 Club World Cup is shaping up to be a thrilling chapter in global football.