FIFA allowed clubs to reinforce their squads with an unusual 10-day transfer window before the tournament kicked off on June 14th, and many clubs took advantage of this special window to complete some deals, some last-minute, others earlier.
In this article, we take a look at the new stars that are already justifying the money their clubs spent on them in order to bring them to the new FIFA Club World Cup tournament.
🟡Jobe Bellingham: Dortmund’s Midfield Marvel
Pressed into action against Mamelodi Sundowns, Jobe Bellingham netted Borussia Dortmund’s third goal in a dramatic 4–3 win on June 21 with a composed finish—a true reflection of his fearlessness at just 19 years old.
Signed from Sunderland for around €33 million, the younger brother of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, earned his first official Man of the Match award for his efforts in what was only his second game for the Black and Yellows.
As if that alone were not enough of a statement, Jobe Bellingham also provided the assist for Dortmund’s only goal and winner in their crucial final group game, in which they needed the victory to progress.
💫Rayan Cherki: From Lyon to London – Instant Impact
Rayan Cherki, Manchester City’s €40 million midfield prodigy, is already turning heads. He debuted in a 2–0 Group G victory over Wydad, where Pep Guardiola credited him with controlling tempo alongside new midfield partner Tijjani Reijnders.
Cherki truly shone in City’s 6–0 dismantling of Al Ain, slotting in a beautiful low volley following Haaland’s assist in the 89th minute to crown their stellar 6-0 showing against the Arabians.
That goal wasn’t just a number—it signalled City’s evolved identity with depth, youth, and flair. While not officially Man of the Match, the media praised his lasting influence in stabilising the midfield and producing the final polish.
🧠Dean Huijsen: Madrid’s New Toni Kroos
Defender Dean Huijsen arrived from Bournemouth for a hefty €60 million – and played his part in Real Madrid’s group stage opener, a 1–1 draw with Al-Hilal.
Although overshadowed by more high-profile teammates, Huijsen quietly excelled; however, it wasn’t until his second game against Pachuca, where Real Madrid played 83 minutes and more with 10 men, that the world was wowed.
Huijsen has already won the hearts of Madrid fans worldwide, with neutrals even noticing his special ball playing and playmaking ability as a defender, as outstanding.
Again, no official award, but anyone who watched Real Madrid’s game against the Mexicans singled him out for every single aspect of his game that day.
🎯Trent Alexander‑Arnold: Seamless Transition to Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold, in Madrid colours for the first time, had a good game vs. Al‑Hilal—but it wasn’t till in his second game for the Spanish giants that Madrid fans got a taste of what he is all about.
TAA orchestrated key moments, his inverted full-back role sparked Real’s opener, while his excellent passes definitely brought about the second goal, which Arda Guler notched for the 10-men Los Blancos.
While not Man of the Match, England’s former standout showed his creative intelligence on a big stage, adjusting to Xabi Alonso’s tactics with assurance and vision, so far validating Madrid’s €10m fee to bring him in earlier than planned.
⚽Liam Delap: No Wonder Jackson is Already Worried
Assisted Enzo Fernández in a polished debut vs. LAFC, earning plaudits, but then scored a beautiful solo effort against Esperance in the Blues' final group game and already earned himself “world-class” acclaim from pundits.
🔝Others Making Waves
Beyond the headliners, several other recent signings are carving their spots:
Mohamed Rek (Wydad Casablanca): Fresh off a mid-season switch, Rek showed flashes of pace and direct threat, even in a losing cause against City.
Jonathan Tah & Tom Bischof (Bayern Munich): While late additions, they’ve featured in the team’s initial setup against Boca, offering calm leadership in defence.
🔥What Makes These Breakouts Special
They share unmistakable traits:
1. Immediate Impact – Each scored or assisted on debut or early appearance.
2. Boots-on-the-Ground Success – No smoothing-in required.
3. Strategic Fit – Cherki in midfield, Huijsen securing, Jobe balancing Dortmund.
4. Media Moment – Each performance hit headlines.
🔚Final Take:
What started as a tournament spotlighting club prestige has quickly become a showcase of transfer-fuelled brilliance. These players have answered hopes and so much more.
Jobe Bellingham’s first blistering strike, Cherki’s spark in Manchester, Huijsen’s calmness, Trent’s creative switch, and all tell the same story: big money doesn’t guarantee impact, but potential met with performance is the new currency.
As the knockout stage approaches, all eyes will be glued to them. In just a few games, these signings may have rewritten their careers and shifted how clubs scout the CWC—a new pathway where global exposure meets opportunity, and where a tournament performance can define a future.
🔗You can check out the FIFA CWC games here on MSport.
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