New Faces Set to Shine at 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup promises plenty of firsts as the revamped, expanded tournament takes centre stage in the United States. A number of new signings will make their debuts during the competition, which runs from 14 June to 13 July.
Because of the Club World Cup, the summer transfer window opened earlier than usual. A special 10-day period at the start of June allowed clubs to secure key signings ahead of the tournament. As a result, several fresh faces will get their first minutes for their new teams—and could even pick up their first piece of silverware.
Here’s a look at some of the debutants to watch:
Atlético Madrid
Atlético haven’t made any new signings for the tournament, but they have lost César Azpilicueta, Axel Witsel, and Reinildo on free transfers. Arthur Vermeeren has also joined RB Leipzig permanently after a loan spell.
Bayern Munich
Bayern have strengthened their squad with the arrival of Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen on a free transfer. They also signed Tom Bischof from Hoffenheim earlier this year, and managed to secure his early release so he could join them for the Club World Cup.
Borussia Dortmund
There are no brand-new signings, but former loanees Yan Couto and Daniel Svensson will feature for the first time since signing permanent deals.
Chelsea
Chelsea have several fresh additions. Dário Essugo has arrived from Sporting CP, while Liam Delap is set for his competitive debut after choosing club duty over representing England this summer. Goalkeepers Mike Penders and Gabriel Slonina, plus Andrey Santos—back from a loan at Strasbourg—could also see action.
Inter Milan
Inter will play their first major matches without Simone Inzaghi, who left for Al Hilal. But they’ll have new faces in Petar Sučić from Dinamo Zagreb and Luis Henrique from Marseille.
Juventus
Juve have made the loan deals for Pierre Kalulu, Lloyd Kelly, and Nicolas González permanent. Renato Veiga has left following the end of his loan from Chelsea.
Manchester City
City have brought in several new players, including Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Aït-Nouri, and Marcus Bettinelli. Kevin De Bruyne has departed for Napoli.
Paris Saint-Germain
PSG haven’t added any new signings but will still be one of the favourites after their Champions League success.
Real Madrid
Madrid have a new manager in Xabi Alonso, who will oversee his first games at the Club World Cup. On the pitch, Dean Huijsen joins from Bournemouth, while Trent Alexander-Arnold arrives from Liverpool, with Madrid paying up to £10 million to have him available for the tournament.
