This summer, the 32-team FIFA Club World Cup will take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, and it has already altered the landscape of the transfer window.
Typically, European leagues open their windows on July 1, but many have opted to begin the summer window earlier, from June 1-10, closing temporarily for six days before reopening on June 16.
Clubs can still sign free agents after the first deadline, and FIFA regulations permit teams to alter their squad lists by replacing players whose contracts expire between June 27 and July 3. This raises the question: will some players finish the season with one club and then participate in the Club World Cup with another? Or will they join a new team on a short-term contract just for this summer’s event?
Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City is one star likely to make a move, but he has expressed concerns about participating, fearing injury could jeopardize a permanent transfer away from City when his contract expires on June 30.
UEFA (Europe)
By Sam Tighe
Qualified teams: Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Inter Milan, FC Porto, Benfica, FC Salzburg
Real Madrid: Dean Huijsen has been signed for €59m and is expected to participate in the Club World Cup, with the club moving quickly to secure him amid stiff competition.
Atléti Madrid: The squad’s desire for a defensive player has led them to target Johnny Cardoso, although his €80m release clause makes negotiations complex. Meanwhile, they’re also eyeing Darwin Núñez as a potential striker to bolster their attack.
