Wirtz, Carreras & Cherki: The blockbuster European transfers that could be completed before this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup

With England international Trent Alexander-Arnold already announcing that he will be completing a historic and controversial free transfer to Real Madrid when his current Liverpool deal expires next month, the summer transfer window is already well underway.

With many European giants heading over to the United States in a fortnight time for this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, it appears that all clubs are desperate to get their business done early.

Watching Los Blancos get a new era underway following Xabi Alonso’s return to the Spanish capital, many believe that we are set for a record-breaking summer behind the scenes.

With this summer’s new Club World Cup format officially getting underway on June 15th, we have taken a look at some of the heavyweight European transfers could be rushed through before things get underway in the USA.

Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool

While Liverpool might have breezed their way to a record-breaking 20th domestic crown this month, the Reds are already planning for their title defence next season and look set to get their summer transfer window off to a sensational start.

Along with agreeing a deal for Dutch defender Jeremy Frimpong, it appears that another Bayer Leverkusen poster boy will be heading to the red half of Merseyside.

Although it might have appeared over the past couple of months that Florian Wirtz was on course to complete a blockbuster move to domestic rivals Bayern Munich, it is Liverpool who are days away from snapping up one of Europe’s hottest young starlets.

Crowned ’s Player of the Season last year as Leverkusen secured a maiden Bundesliga title, Wirtz has been billed as a potential future Ballon d’Or winner and has been linked with a string of European giants.

In a deal that could be worth over £100million, the 22-year-old has already made it abundantly clear that he has his sights set on a move to Anfield and both parties are confident that a deal will be officially completed over the next week.

🚨 Liverpool submit offer to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen worth up to €130m in total. This is an improved second bid + figure a top-end amount – comprising fixed fee & potential add-ons. 22yo #Bayer04 playmaker keen to #LFC @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/d8THIIJcaC

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) May 30, 2025

Alvaro Carreras – Benfica to Real Madrid

Along with Alexander-Arnold’s imminent arrival at the Bernabeu, Real Madrid announced the £50million g of Bournemouth talisman Dean Huijsen last week in what was considered as a real marquee coup for the Spanish giants.

With Alonso now taking the reins in Madrid after being officially announced as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor, the former Bayer Leverkusen boss appears to be focused on completing a major defensive revamp ahead of this summer’s Club World Cup.

Now starting club-to-club conversations with Benfica over a move for Spanish U21 international Alvaro Carreras, it looks like a deal with be completed over the coming days and the ex-Manchester United youngster has made his intentions clear.

Enjoying what has been a breakout campaign with the Portuguese giants, Carreras is widely regarded as one of Europe’s hottest budding defensive stars and Madrid are confident they can agree a deal in the region of €50million.

With personal already agreed and the relationship between Los Blancos and Benfica being an excellent one, the 22-year-old is expected to be part of Alonso’s travelling squad.

🚨⚪️ EXCL: Real Madrid have now made official club to club with Benfica for Álvaro Carreras, deal could be done soon!

Talks are now underway. Agreement already done with the player on personal .

Excellent relationship between Benfica and Real. 🔜🏁 pic.twitter.com/lH3mtdUPhy

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 28, 2025

Rayan Cherki – Lyon to Manchester City

Watching Manchester City icon Kevin De Bruyne officially leave the Etihad this month, it is no secret that Pep Guardiola’s squad have a huge void that needs to be filled and a creative star is at the top of their summer wishlist.

Relinquishing their Premier League crown for the first time in four years, the former Barcelona boss will once again be heavily backed during the summer transfer window and it appears that City are sat in the driving seat to complete a bargain swoop.

While the Sky Blues might have been heavily linked with a potential move for Nottingham Forest skipper Morgan Gibbs-White, Guardiola’s camp have begun talks over a potential move for Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki.

With the French giants dealing with a string of public financial issues behind the scenes, it has already been confirmed that the 21-year-old will leave Ligue 1 this summer and is desperate to complete a move to Manchester.

Regarded as a real mercurial talent and spearheading Lyon’s charge to the Europa League semi-finals, it has been suggested that Cherki could be allowed to leave for a fee as little as €25million.

🚨🔵 Manchester City made to start initial talks for Rayan Cherki as target for #10 position.

He’s top of the list with Morgan Gibbs-White after Wirtz deal off, while Cherki’s also aware of Man City interest. pic.twitter.com/YvQPEXoumr

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 29, 2025