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Amazing XI of Club World Cup signings making debuts from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s controversial move to Chelsea new boys

Published on June 11, 2025 at 01:28 PM

THE first of two summer transfer windows slammed shut on Tuesday evening.

Having been introduced to allow clubs to sign and register players in time for the new-look – which kicks off this weekend – the 10-day period saw a number of teams add new faces to their ranks.

FIFA Club World Cup trophy on display.
The Club World Cup kicks off this weekend

clubs and were both active in the market, with the likes of , and also completing deals.

Fans will now see those players in action for the first time this month.

From and to and , SunSport has looked at some of the biggest new signings ahead of the upcoming tournament.

WATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZN

Mike Penders – GK (Chelsea)

last summer but spent the 2024-25 campaign on loan at his former club in Belgium.

He made 35 appearances for Genk this season and kept nine clean sheets.

The goalkeeper could now jump straight into ‘s starting line-up at the Club World Cup this summer, with having underwhelmed fans this term.

Mike Penders, Chelsea F.C. signing, at the training ground.
Mike Penders joined Chelsea last summer but spent this season with Genk on loan

Trent Alexander-Arnold – RB (Real Madrid)

The transfer saga of the year so far came to a close last month when .

Having run down his contract, the full-back has joined Los Blancos in a free transfer.

The Reds did earn some cash from the deal, however.

In order to sign Alexander-Arnold before the start of the Club World Cup, have paid Liverpool a £10million fee.

The England international will now be ready to make his debut in the United States.

Trent Alexander-Arnold of England during a soccer match.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will join Real Madrid early to play at the Club World Cup

Dean Huijsen – CB (Real Madrid)

After receiving interest from the likes of Liverpool, and this season, last month.

The giants triggered the 20-year-old’s £50m release clause in order to complete a deal before this summer’s tournament.

made 36 appearances for this season and established himself as one of the best young players in the Premier League.

Dean Huijsen, new Real Madrid player, holding a soccer ball.
Dean Huijsen completed a £50m move to Real Madrid from Bournemouth

Jonathan Tah – CB (Bayern Munich)

Another free transfer, Tah joined from this month.

Like Real Madrid, Bayern were able to reach an agreement with Leverkusen to allow the defender to sign ahead of the Club World Cup.

The 29-year-old had spent the last 10 years with Bayer Leverkusen, making 402 appearances in total.

Jonathan Tah holding up his FC Bayern München jersey.
Jonathan Tah joined Bayern Munich in a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen

Lloyd Kelly – LB (Juventus)

Having fallen out of favour at , Kelly joined on loan in February.

He made 15 appearances for the Italian side before his £20m obligation to buy was triggered.

The defender had played just 14 games for Newcastle in his half-season spell for the club after joining on a last July.

Lloyd Kelly holding a Juventus jersey.
Lloyd Kelly made his loan move to Juventus permanent

Tijjani Reijnders – CM (Man City)

completed a £46.5m transfer to from AC Milan this week.

Upon his arrival, he said: “I am ecstatic to be signing for Manchester City.

“City are one of the biggest teams in the world, with the best coach, world-class players and outstanding facilities. Under Pep Guardiola, City have won so many titles, and I want to help keep that going with a lot more success in the coming years. 

“It is also a dream come true to play in the Premier League. This league has seen many of the best Dutch players perform through the years and it’s an inspiration to follow in their footsteps.  

“I am really looking forward to getting going, meeting the other players and showing the Manchester City fans what I can do.”;

The 26-year-old is expected to play a key role in City’s midfield going forward.

Tijjani Reijnders celebrating a goal.
Tijjani Reijnders has joined Man City from AC Milan in time for the Club World Cup

Jobe Bellingham – CM (Borussia Dortmund)

Bellingham followed in the footsteps of his brother, , this month by joining .

The 19-year-old ahead of the Club World Cup.

He will wear No77 for his new club, sporting his first name ‘Jobe’ on the back of his shirt to avoid the weight of his surname.

Bellingham’s decision to head to the US for the tournament means he withdraws from theU21 squad for this summer’s U21 European Championship.

Jobe Bellingham holding a Borussia Dortmund jersey.
Jobe Bellingham has followed in the footsteps of his brother by joining Borussia Dortmund

Dario Essugo – CM (Chelsea)

The midfielder earlier this month.

Essugo spent last season on loan in La Liga withLas Palmas, where he became a first team regular and scored once in 27 games.

He is expected to be on the plane to the US this week.

Dario Essugo, new Chelsea signing, sits on a training ground with a soccer ball.
Dario Essugo is set to make his Chelsea debut at the tournament

Rayan Cherki – CAM/RW/LW (Man City)

Cherki became another player to join Man City this month.

The 21-year-old just in time for and Co to make the journey to the United States.

He scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists in 44 games across all competitions for last season.

Rayan Cherki of Olympique Lyon during a soccer match.
Rayan Cherki joined Man City this week

Rayan Ait-Nouri – LB/LW (Man City)

The 24-year-old became from Wolves.

Upon his arrival, he said: “I am incredibly happy and honoured to have joined Manchester City.

“City are one of the biggest clubs in the world and the chance to play for the club is a dream come true.

“I am also excited about working with and learning from Pep and his coaching team and getting to train and play alongside such a world class group of players.”;

Primarily a left-back, he can also play further forward on the wing.

Rayan Ait-Nouri in Wolves uniform.
Rayan Ait-Nouri became Man City’s first signing of the window last week

Liam Delap – ST (Chelsea)

Delap from Ipswich Town last month.

The 22-year-old striker had received interest from several Premier League clubs – including the likes of and Newcastle – in the final few months of the season.

However, he ultimately chose Chelsea and is now set to make his debut at the Club World Cup.

Liam Delap signing a Chelsea F.C. jersey.
Liam Delap signed for Chelsea in a £30m move from Ipswich

Illustration of a Club World Cup starting XI lineup.

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