The inaugural FIFA Club World Cup concluded on July 13th, with Chelsea surprisingly securing a dominant 3-0 victory over PSG, adding to their recent UEFA Conference League triumph. This innovative tournament format significantly influenced the summer transfer market, introducing two additional transfer windows in June: one preceding the competition and another just before the traditional June 30th contract expiry date. These new windows enabled participating clubs to register players for the latter stages of the Club World Cup. Furthermore, the standard summer transfer window officially commenced on July 1st, facilitating further player and club movements in anticipation of the 2025-26 preseason. Let`s delve into five transfers that took place during this dynamic period, which you might have overlooked:
Thiago Almada, Atlético de Madrid
The former Atlanta United attacking midfielder officially joined Diego Simeone`s Atlético de Madrid this summer. The Spanish giants were among the Club World Cup`s notable disappointments, as they were knocked out in the group stages of the tournament. Atlético acquired Almada from Botafogo, the team he had moved to in summer 2024, before making a loan move to Olympique Lyon in January. For the former MLS young star, this transfer likely represents his biggest opportunity to shine in Europe, with Simeone`s coaching style expected to significantly aid his development after Atlético de Madrid signed him for approximately $20 million.
Ange-Yoan Bonny, Inter Milan
Inter Milan is undergoing substantial changes this summer following the Club World Cup, notably appointing Cristian Chivu to succeed Simone Inzaghi as their new manager. The attacking roster is also set for significant renovation, as both Marko Arnautovic and Joaquin Correa have departed. Inter opted to retain young talent Francesco Pio Esposito, who had already scored a crucial goal in the Club World Cup against River Plate, and signed Ange-Yoan Bonny from Parma for around $25 million. The Italian club is also reportedly in discussions to bring Ademola Lookman from Atalanta in the coming weeks, ahead of the new season`s kick-off.
Jamie Gittens, Chelsea
Chelsea continues to be one of the most active clubs in this summer`s transfer window. The English side secured Borussia Dortmund forward Jamie Gittens in a deal valued at £51.5 million. The player signed a lengthy seven-year contract, committing him to the club until 2032, making him the seventh and most expensive signing for Chelsea so far this summer. The team that won the Club World Cup under manager Enzo Maresca also acquired Joao Pedro from Brighton, with the Brazilian striker having already starred in the final matches of the summer tournament, impressively scoring three goals in three games.
Álvaro Carreras, Real Madrid
Real Madrid is also implementing multiple changes this summer after replacing Carlo Ancelotti with Xabi Alonso, following Ancelotti`s appointment as the new head coach of the Brazilian national team. After securing Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, and Argentine talent Franco Mastantuono from River Plate, Los Blancos further strengthened their squad by signing Spanish left-back Álvaro Carreras from Benfica for approximately $50 million. This move marks a significant return for the full-back to the club where he grew up and played in the academies from 2017 to 2020.
Theo Hernández, Al-Hilal
Speaking of left-backs, AC Milan made the decision to sell their former Real Madrid defender, Theo Hernández, this summer. The French international, after some initial deliberation, opted to join Saudi club Al-Hilal, where he will be coached by former Inter manager Simone Inzaghi. While the Rossoneri embark on a new cycle under manager Massimiliano Allegri, Theo Hernández is set to play in the Saudi Pro League, following Al-Hilal`s reported payment of around $25 million for his transfer this summer.
