Transfers Across the Globe : How the Club World Cup Contenders Are Shaping Up

No one's coming just for the photo ops. The heavyweights want to win it all, and they’re recruiting with purpose.

Real Madrid wasted no time. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s shock move from Liverpool gives them a world-class creator on the right. “I’m over the moon,” he said. “Signing for Real Madrid doesn’t happen every day. It’s a dream come true.” But the boldest move might be Dean Huijsen, snapped up from Bournemouth for £50 million. Madrid’s rebuild is still in full swing.

Manchester City are doing what they do best—quietly upgrading an already terrifying squad. Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Aït-Nouri, and Rayan Cherki add class and depth. Cherki was buzzing: “Joining City is something very, very special. I’ve worked for this all my life. I can’t wait to grow under Pep.”

Bayern Munich went with precision. Jonathan Tah adds bite to the back line, while 19-year-old Tom Bischof looks like a classic Bayern long-term play. No flash. Just focused. 

Chelsea splashed £30 million on Liam Delap from Ipswich—a big vote of confidence in the young striker. “I know the size of this club and where it’s heading,” Delap said. “I want to be part of something special.” Their failed bid for Milan’s Mike Maignan is a reminder: even the big boys don’t always get what they want.

Borussia Dortmund made Yan Couto’s move permanent, locking in a key piece at right-back. But the buzz is around Jobe Bellingham and Daniel Svensson. Jobe has already joined from Sunderland in a deal worth €33 million plus €5.7 million in add-ons, another bold youth investment by Dortmund. Before the transfer was sealed, head coach Noko Kovac even wrote to him: “ I have a good feeling we can reach the next level together. We want you here.” Dortmund knows how to bet on talent. They’re building to compete but also to grow. 

For Boca Juniors, the Club World Cup is about more than trophies—it’s about restoring South American pride. They’ve been busy. 

Marco Pellegrino (ex-AC Milan) adds top-level experience at just 22. If Malcom Braida arrives from San Lorenzo, that’s another injection of pace and drive. River Plate, meanwhile, have brought back Augusto Batalla, steadying the back line with a known face. 

But Botafogo made the biggest move: Arthur Cabral from Benfica for €15 million. It’s the kind of deal that used to head in the opposite direction. Add Joaquín Correa, and suddenly, they’ve got a front line with real firepower.

Al Ahly, Africa’s standard bearers, made headlines by signing Zizo from archrivals Zamalek. Additions like Ben Romdhane and Seha hint at a focus on strengthening the midfield with local talent and experience. 

Al Ain have gone all-in. Rui Patrício brings leadership in goal. Facundo Zabala and a trio of Moroccan recruits offer balance and bite. These are smart, efficient moves—designed for impact in a short tournament. 

Al Hilal have kept things quiet. Abdulkarim Dirisi and Ali Lajami add squad depth, but questions remain: is it enough to compete with Europe’s elite?

CF Monterrey are keeping things simple. Johan Rojas (on a short-term loan) and Santiago Mele offer depth. Pachuca have been more active, bringing in four loanees, including ex-Chelsea winger Kenedy. It’s a bit of a swing, but sometimes depth wins tournaments.

Auckland City, Fluminense, Salzburg, Juventus, and PSG have yet to confirm any major signings. For some, like Auckland, this may be a matter of budget. For others, it's strategy. But in a tournament as compressed and intense as this promises to be, silence can be risky.