This summer’s transfer season is set to be unprecedented, thanks to the FIFA Club World Cup.
To give clubs a chance to strengthen their squads ahead of the revamped tournament in the United States, an early ten-day transfer window was opened at the start of June.
Interestingly, it wasn’t just the clubs heading to the Club World Cup that could make moves; teams in the same league as these competitors were also allowed to enter the market.
This unique opportunity has sparked a spending spree among clubs worldwide, particularly in Europe’s top leagues.
Huge amounts have been invested in a short period, and even more activity is expected once the main transfer window officially opens on June 16.
Here’s a look at the most expensive deals made during the early transfer window.
Manchester United have gained a reputation for splurging on underwhelming players, and there are lingering concerns about Matheus Cunha.
While the Brazilian showcases plenty of potential, we’ve heard similar excitement surrounding past high-profile signings at Old Trafford.
The club invested £62.5 million ($84.1 million) to bring him in from Wolverhampton Wanderers after he enjoyed a standout few seasons with the Old Gold.
In the recent transfer mini-window, all ten of the priciest moves involved Premier League clubs, though only two saw English teams offloading talent to foreign outfits.
One such transfer was Dean Huijsen’s £50 million ($66.4 million) switch to Real Madrid, following an impressive debut season at Bournemouth.
Jobe Bellingham, another notable departure, is following in his brother Jude’s footsteps by joining Borussia Dortmund, with his transfer costing around half of Huijsen’s hefty fee.
BVB will be hoping to see a return on yet another English player at Signal Iduna Park.
Manchester City, competing at the Club World Cup, have been active in the transfer market, especially after a disappointing 2024–25 campaign.
They have signed Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Rayan Aït-Nouri for a combined total of £108.6 million ($146.7 million) as part of a much-needed summer overhaul, with all three set to make their debuts in the United States.
Chelsea have once again made headlines in the transfer scene, quickly securing Liam Delap from Ipswich Town as Enzo Maresca seeks to bolster the number nine position.
The Blues are also heading to the Club World Cup and have finally acquired Estêvão Willian, who signed last summer but stayed with Palmeiras for the year.
Liverpool are on the verge of breaking records with their potential signing of Florian Wirtz, but so far, only Jeremie Frimpong, the German’s former Bayer Leverkusen teammate, has been confirmed as a new addition for the Premier League champions.
Frimpong’s release clause of £29.6 million ($39.8 million) proved too good to pass up.One transfer that hasn’t attracted much attention is that of Jean-Clair Todibo.
After spending last season on loan at West Ham United from Nice, the French defender has now made his stay in London permanent for a noteworthy £32.8 million ($44.3 million), making him the fourth most expensive signing of this transfer window.