This summer, Premier League clubs will benefit from two separate transfer windows, specifically designed to accommodate teams participating in the upcoming Club World Cup. This initiative is aimed at allowing clubs to make last-minute signings as they prepare for the prestigious tournament.
The first transfer window will be active from June 1 to June 10, just days before FIFA’s new 32-team Club World Cup kicks off in the United States. Following this initial period, the transfer window will close briefly for just five days before reopening on June 16 and remaining open until September 1. Typically, the transfer window spans from mid-June to the end of August or early September.
Chelsea and Manchester City will represent the Premier League in the Club World Cup, providing them with an opportunity to utilize this early window for strategic signings. Both clubs stand to gain significantly, as FIFA has confirmed that the champions of the tournament will receive a substantial prize of £97 million if they emerge victorious at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 13.
In total, Europe will send 12 clubs to the tournament, the highest number from any confederation. Notable teams include Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain. The Premier League announced in a statement, "The window will open early, between Sunday, June 1, and Tuesday, June 10, due to an exceptional registration period relating to the FIFA Club World Cup. It will then reopen on Monday, June 16, and close on Monday, September 1."
The Club World Cup in the U.S. is scheduled to run from June 14 to July 13, with Chelsea and Manchester City participating. The tournament will feature a revamped format, commencing on June 15 and lasting for just over four weeks, culminating in the final on July 13.
In addition to Chelsea and Manchester City, other European teams competing include Real Madrid, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, Red Bull Salzburg, Inter Milan, and Porto. The winners of this prestigious tournament will have the opportunity to earn a lucrative £96.83 million, providing an additional incentive for Manchester City to aim for their second title in this competition.
As the tournament approaches, players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool are being eyed by major clubs, with Real Madrid reportedly interested in acquiring him for the Club World Cup. However, any potential transfer would require compliance with the deadlines for squad submissions by June 10.
Meanwhile, Newcastle, who recently won the Carabao Cup, are reportedly planning to make a £30 million bid for center-back Jarell Quansah, as they prepare for a return to European competition. The Magpies believe that their offer, which may include additional performance-related payments, will entice Liverpool to part with the player, especially given the prospect of more regular first-team football.
The overall prize pool for the tournament will total £406.58 million, with UEFA entrants receiving the highest shares based on their rankings and revenue. Manchester City and Chelsea, along with other top European clubs, are set to benefit significantly just for participating, with potential earnings ranging between £9.92 million and £29.58 million for each club.
City's journey in the tournament will begin in Philadelphia on June 18 against Moroccan champions Wydad AC, followed by matches against Al Ain FC in Atlanta on June 22 and Juventus on June 26. With the transfer window opening nine days prior to the start of the Club World Cup, teams can make necessary signings to ensure their players are eligible to compete.
Although Manchester United will not be affected by these transfer regulations, their manager, Ruben Amorim, is keen to finalize signings early to prepare his squad for the upcoming season. FIFA is eager for leagues and clubs to find solutions that facilitate high-profile transfers ahead of this lucrative tournament, and the Premier League's early window initiative is a step in that direction.
It is anticipated that La Liga may follow suit, particularly as Real Madrid expresses strong interest in securing Alexander-Arnold for the Club World Cup. However, any arrangements allowing him to leave Liverpool before the transfer window opens will require special permission from La Liga, as current regulations do not permit such early transfers.
Should La Liga devise a means to accommodate this transfer, Liverpool could at least regain a fraction of Alexander-Arnold's value, though the loss of such a key player would still be a significant setback. Nonetheless, if Arne Slot's team can maintain their Premier League title challenge, their decision to resist Real Madrid's advances in January may be seen as justified.
Zainab Y.
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