Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo Tied to Special Transfer Condition for World Cup Participation
New Transfer Window for Club World Cup
The Club World Cup has prompted the introduction of an additional transfer window by FIFA, facilitating clubs' preparations for the tournament. Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich are among the clubs making moves in this window, with Bayern engaging in negotiations to secure the services of Jonathan Tah.
Bayern Munich recently ended their pursuit of Tah, with the defender now set to join them subject to further discussions. Reports suggest that a million-euro sum could facilitate Tah's early debut for the record champions, enabling him to play in the group stage matches against Auckland, Boca Juniors, and Benfica.
Nevertheless, should negotiations fail, Tah could remain a Leverkusen player until the end of June, only joining Bayern for the Club World Cup in the quarter-finals or later.
FIFA's decision stems from the challenge posed by the Club World Cup, which extends beyond the traditionally accepted end date for professional contracts. By introducing a third transfer window spanning June 1 to 10, FIFA aims to provide the participating clubs with an opportunity to sign players or extend contracts for the tournament period.
In the case of Bayern, this means the extension of Thomas Müller's contract beyond its initial expiration date on June 30. Müller hopes to bring his Munich career to a triumphant conclusion in the Club World Cup final on July 13 at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey.
Moreover, FIFA stipulates that no player can represent two different clubs during the tournament.
Borussia Dortmund has been linked with a potential return for Mats Hummels, although sporting director Sebastian Kehl recently stated that any brief comeback by the 2014 World Cup winner, who is set to retire with AS Roma after the current season, is currently not in the plans. However, injury concerns regarding other defenders or an extended loan for Carney Chukwuemeka from FC Chelsea could alter the situation.
The International transfer scene is equally dynamic, with Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami and Cristiano Ronaldo poised for a potential quick entry. Reports suggest that a deal is close for Trent Alexander-Arnold to join Real Madrid, amid concerns by both clubs to release their key players in time for the event.
Regarding national teams, clubs are required to release their players for the usual international engagements, such as the Nations League final tournament. However, during the Club World Cup, there is no obligation to release players, potentially affecting tournaments like the U21 European Championship and the Gold Cup in June. The German junior teams will, therefore, be without Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig and new Munich player Tom Bischof, who are set to participate in the Club World Cup with their respective clubs.
[1] https://www.fifa.com/news/fifa-opens-market-for-club-world-cup-transfers[2] https://www.france24.com/en/sports/20221205-fifas-club-world-cup-opens-a-new-transfer-window-for-football-giants[3] https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/fifas-club-world-cup-transfer-window-to-start-on-june-1-2023/blt3af6f13c72c932a9[4] https://www.fifa.com/lists/clubs-qualified-for-2023-fifa-club-world-cup
[1] Bayern Munich have been active during the third transfer window opened by FIFA for the Club World Cup, negotiating the signing of Jonathan Tah.
[2] The Premier League club, Bayern Munich, will potentially have Thomas Müller available for the Club World Cup after the extension of his contract.
