The revamped Club World Cup is set to kick off on June 14, just two weeks after the Champions League final this weekend. For some clubs, this tournament in the United States marks the continuation of a campaign that began last July, while for others, it serves as an opportunity to reassess their priorities for the 2025-26 season. Most of the 32 teams are expected to field strong squads, given the lucrative prize money and increased brand exposure in a rapidly expanding football market.
However, players and managers have voiced concerns about the congested schedule and reduced rest periods between matches and seasons. In response, FIFA has introduced an additional transfer window from June 1-10 for teams participating in the Club World Cup, allowing them to sign players ahead of the tournament. This is particularly significant as the official summer transfer window opens on June 16. Soon-to-be free agents with contracts expiring at the end of June could be signed for minimal fees.
The Athletic has identified several players in this situation who may be targeted by Club World Cup participants.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future remains uncertain, as his contract with Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, who are not participating in the tournament, expires on June 30. This uncertainty intensified following comments from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who indicated that the 40-year-old “might play” at the Club World Cup and that “discussions with some clubs” are ongoing.
Ronaldo stirred speculation with a social media post on Monday, following Al Nassr’s final match of the season, where he shared a photo of himself in an Al Nassr jersey, captioned, “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.”
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Wherever Ronaldo goes, drama is sure to follow. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored 93 goals in 105 matches during his two-and-a-half seasons in Riyadh, but he has not secured any major domestic or Asian titles. It remains to be seen whether he will make a move in time to participate in this summer’s tournament—could we witness a final showdown with long-time rival Lionel Messi, whose MLS team Inter Miami is also in the competition?
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold confirmed on May 5 that he will leave Liverpool this summer as a free agent, with Real Madrid expected to be his next destination. However, the Club World Cup adds complexity to the situation.
With Madrid’s first-choice right-back Dani Carvajal still recovering from an ACL injury, Lucas Vazquez—whose contract expires shortly after the tournament begins—remains their only senior option at that position. Madrid may negotiate with Liverpool for a fee to secure Alexander-Arnold’s services before the tournament starts. The 26-year-old full-back departs Anfield after nine successful years, during which he made 352 appearances and contributed to eight domestic, European, and world trophies.
Jonathan Tah
Jonathan Tah announced in April that he would be leaving Bayer Leverkusen this summer, a move confirmed by the club in early May. Reports indicate that Bayern Munich has reached an agreement to sign the 29-year-old on a free transfer once his contract expires next month. However, no arrangement has been finalized that would allow him to join Bayern in time for the Club World Cup. With injuries sidelining three of Bayern’s centre-backs, the team is in need of defensive reinforcements. Tah made 402 appearances for Leverkusen over a decade, playing a key role in their unbeaten domestic campaign in 2023-24.
Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba completed an 18-month ban for an anti-doping rule violation in January, but he remains a free agent with no new club confirmed. The 32-year-old last played competitively in September 2023 for Juventus against Empoli. Once regarded as one of football’s most talented midfielders, Pogba’s consistency was often questioned. He made 423 appearances for Manchester United and Juventus, and his trophy collection includes a World Cup, four Serie A titles, and a Europa League. Players seldom lose the innate talent Pogba possesses, raising questions about his next move.
Jorginho
Jorginho is another impending free agent with a potential destination already in the works. Reports indicate that Brazilian club Flamengo, who will also compete in the Club World Cup, are in negotiations with Arsenal to allow him to leave before his contract expires on June 30.
As the Club World Cup approaches, the transfer landscape is heating up, with several high-profile players potentially on the move.
