These are the players Club World Cup should pursue during its special transfer window

The FIFA Club World Cup gets underway in just a couple weeks as 32 teams will enter with the chance of winning the tournament for the first time in its revamped format. FIFA, knowing that they need to boost the profile of the tournament, has been upfront in its desire to have as many of the best players in the world in the tournament as possible.

However, there are so many world class players that will not step foot onto the field during this tournament, and after long seasons, many teams will be without several players on their own roster due to injuries or the completion of loans or contracts. This prompted FIFA to take a special step to get teams some relief for their rosters for the tournament while also giving them a chance to bring in some world class players to help the visibility of the Club World Cup.

That step taken by soccer’s world governing body is a special transfer window for all 32 Club World Cup teams (including either Club América or LAFC, who play in the Club World Cup playoff on May 31st) that will run from June 1st to June 10th. During that time, teams may sign players to short term deals so that clubs may be able to boost their rosters for the tournament. Teams who make it through the group stage of the tournament will alo have a transfer window from June 27th to July 3rd to reinforce their rosters for the rest of the tournament and to help navigate any contracts or loans that may expire during the tournament.

So, with teams able to sign anyone, which players out there could see themselves signed by a club so that they can feature at the 2025 Club World Cup? Here are some players who could make a move during this special window to feature in FIFA’s major club tournament.

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Cristiano Ronaldo

Current club: Al-Nassr
Possible clubs: Just about all of them

Cristiano Ronaldo has already made waves with his cryptic social media post from a few days ago that hinted at his exit from Saudi club Al-Nassr. Gianni Infantino would love to have one of the all-time greats in the Club World Cup. Al-Hilal, Monterrey, and Botafogo are among the many teams that have reportedly contacted Cristiano Ronaldo about potentially signing with them for the month to play in the tournament. One interesting team that has also reported to have made some contact is Inter Miami, where a CR7 signing would pair him with rival Lionel Messi for the first time. But really, every team, from LAFC or Club América to Wydad Casablanca, probably will give him a phone call just to see if he’s interested.

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Paul Pogba

Current club: N/A
Possible club: Inter Miami, LAFC, Juventus

Paul Pogba would be an interesting player to return to the world’s stage. After he was suspended for a doping ban while in his second stint at Juventus, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his suspension to 18 months. That means he’s once again eligible to play and he has been staying in shape in Miami while he waits for his next opportunity. That could come with Inter Miami, who has been oft-rumored to be signing with since his ban ended in January. LAFC would also be intriguing if they make the field of 32, as he could join his French national teammates Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud. A very remote possibility would be for him to return to Juventus, but it seems like both sides would rather go their separate ways.

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James Rodriguez

Current club: Club León
Possible clubs: Pachuca, Botafogo

James Rodriguez was already set to be in the Club World Cup with Club León. However, León’s expulsion from the tournament due to the club having the same ownership as Pachuca means that James would have to be be loaned out for the tournament. The easy option would be Pachuca, which have the same ownership and would allow for James to have a smooth transition. However, John Textor – the American owner of Botafogo – has been trying hard to acquire some world class star power ahead of the Club World Cup, so this could be a potential destination for the Colombian.

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Jobe Bellingham

Current club: Sunderland
Possible club: Borussia Dortmund

Like his brother Jude, Jobe could be on his way to Borussia Dortmund from an English club. He just helped Sunderland secure promotion to the Premier League via the playoff, but he could be on the move to a familiar club to his family. And, if Jobe made the move, we could have the Bellingham Bowl if Dortmund and Real Madrid advanced to the quarterfinals.

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Jonathan David

Current club: Lille
Possible clubs: Inter Milan, Juventus, Atlético Madrid

Jonathan David will have a ton of suitors this summer after his success at Lille, and three teams in this tournament could be among the favorites. Inter Milan, Juventus, and Atlético Madrid could try to bring him into their squads to provide an offensive boost. Would a deal get done in time for any of the teams should they enter a bidding war for the Canadian striker?

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Thiago Almada

Current club: Lyon (on loan from Botafogo)
Possible club: Botafogo

American John Textor is looking to boost the profile of Botafogo and is looking at the Club World Cup as the perfect opportunity for his Brazilian club to take over the stage. He wants to bring in some high profile players, and he may do so by first looking to one of his other clubs. Thiago Almada, the Argentine World Cup-winning midfielder, is on loan from Botafogo at Lyon, another of Textor’s clubs, until June 30th. Recalling that loan a month early to bring Almada back would be an easy way to help boost Botafogo’s offensive attack. But, with Textor also owning Crystal Palace and R.W.D. Molenbeek, you could see some other names from those clubs in the mix to move to Botafogo for the tournament if Textor wants to try and stack the deck.