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Why The Club World Cup Is Disrupting The Transfer Window
Blogs

Why The Club World Cup Is Disrupting The Transfer Window

Why The Club World Cup Is Disrupting The Transfer Window

The summer transfer window is now open. But it is not what you think as this year’s summer window is one like no other.

Top teams have been doing their business bright and early as they strengthen their squads. While the window is split into two parts - but why is that?

The FIFA Club World Cup. A tournament played every four years between some of the world’s best teams. However, this year it is a newly adapted format, featuring 32 teams, that are looking to win the biggest club prize in global football.

Involving Manchester City, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, the competition begins on June 14, but more significantly, sanctioned by FIFA, the transfer is now open – allowing teams in the competition to upgrade their rosters.

So, what exactly is the new ‘mini transfer window,’ and how is it affecting European football?

Why Is There An Extra Window?

The Club World Cup has massively changed the complexion of the transfer window this season – allowing teams to sign players to play in the tournament.

This year, teams can sign players from June 1 until June 10, before a five-day break before the window will then reopen in England on Monday 16 June before closing on Monday 1 September at 7pm, rather than the typical 11pm.

Following approval from FIFA, for teams participating in the Club World Cup, players that are signed within the initial window can be registered before the beginning tournament.

FIFA also agreed that there would be a second registration window in the competition as teams are able to register additional players for the knockout stages, from June 27 to July 3.

However, the new transfer window does not only benefit those in the tournament, as all across the Premier League and EFL are able to sign players within the period to prevent an unfair advantage.

Why Is There A Break In The Window?

Typically, one prolonged period, the summer transfer window is a pivotal time of the season for clubs as they prepare and strengthen for the next season.

But this season’s window changes that, being split - but how come?

The Premier League and FIFA only permit a transfer window to be open for 16 weeks in a calendar year, with four of those being taken in January. However, with the window beginning on June 1 – finishing on September 1, the English top flight would go over the allotted allowance for a transfer window in a singular nation.

This means, to avoid breach rules, this summer’s transfer window will take a five-day break before resuming from June 16 to September 1.

What New Additions Will Be Playing At The Club World Cup

Teams have been aggressive in the transfer window, signing big and early on – Europe’s top sides being the epitome of this.

However, who has already been snapped up - ready to play at the Club World Cup?

Manchester City

After a difficult season, City have not been afraid to splash the cash – spending big in the January window to add Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez to Pep Guardiola’s side.

Now, in the summer, the Citizens seem to be doing the same as they look to pick up their first piece of silverware of the season.

With no signing currently confirmed, Guardiola’s side are reported to be in the race to add three pieces to their talented squad before the Club World Cup.

AC Milan midfield maestro, Tijjani Reijnders is the first player linked with the Manchester club, City reportedly having a fee of €70m, including add-ons, agreed, per Fabrizio Romano.

Reijnders, was phenomenal in Milan last season, despite a difficult season for his club, scoring 10 goals and assisted four as the Dutchman could be a great start to replacing the creative genius that is Kevin de Bruyne.

Additionally in the midfield, City are also rumoured to have agreed terms with Rayan Cherki as they accelerate in a deal to sign the Frenchman.

City are reportedly set to offer a package worth €40m for the creator, following an excellent season from Cherki, registering 12 goals and 20 assists in all competitions.

Finally, Guardiola’s side are also linked with Wolves full-back Rayan Ait Nouri as they look to upgrade their defensive line.

The Manchester side are allegedly ready to contact Vitor Pereira’s side as personal terms are close to an agreement with the Algerian.

Chelsea

Another team in the Premier League that are not afraid to spend is Chelsea. Powered by the billions of Todd Boehly, the Blues have a squad like no other – filled with young talent.

But following a Champions League-placed finish, the Blues are not finished spending as they are set to add Liam Delap to their squad.

The 22-year-old had a brilliant season at Ipswich, scoring 12 goals in the Premier League for a team at the bottom of the table last season.

Joining for a reported £30m, Delap will join up with his former academy boss, Enzo Maresca, with the Blues asking for the striker to be involved in their Club World Cup campaign instead of representing England at youth level.

Alongside Delap, Chelsea are also linked with deals for Hugo Ekitike, Jamie Gittens, and Mike Maignan. However, as it stands any deals for the trio before the tournament, look unlikely.

Real Madrid

The final giant at the competition that have been active in the transfer market is Real Madrid.

In the end, a lacklustre season for the Madridsta’s, following the capture of Kylian Mbappe last summer, losing out on the La Liga title, and being knocked out of the Champions League.

However, Madrid have continued to shop in the free agent market this summer, adding Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool. An obscure full-back that can pick the lock of any defence, with a winger-like crossing and creativity.

Due to Madrid paying a fee of around €10m, Alexander-Arnold will be available to be registered for the Club World Cup and to make his debut in white.

The second signing of the summer for Madrid was Dean Huijsen, a superb talent who shone in his debut season in the Premier League.

20 years of age and the world at his feet in central defence – the defender, similar to Alexander-Arnold, plays uniquely compared to others in his position, almost operating as a quarterback.

Huijsen is tall, strong, and fast while also having the ability to drive forward himself and create chances for his team. The former Bournemouth man will be a fantastic fit for Xavi Alonso’s Real Madrid side.

Huijsen will also be available to make his debut for Los Blancos in the Club World Cup.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist
Josh Wyatt-Jones

Content Writer

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