City and Chelsea Reveal $580m Club World Cup Squads with Big-Name Absences
City and Chelsea reveal $580m Club World Cup squads as both Premier League giants head to the United States for the upcoming tournament, but notable names are missing, sparking speculation over their futures. Manchester City’s 27-man squad does not include Jack Grealish, whose omission comes after a difficult season. The midfielder, signed for £100 million from Aston Villa, has struggled to maintain a consistent role under Pep Guardiola. He started only seven Premier League games during the 2024–25 season and did not feature in key matches, including the FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace and the season-ending league match against Fulham. As City’s squad undergoes significant changes with four new arrivals this week, Grealish’s absence fuels ongoing rumors about a possible transfer, with interest reportedly coming from both English and European clubs.
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Chelsea’s Costly Quartet Left Behind
Chelsea has made headlines by leaving out Raheem Sterling, Joao Felix, Axel Disasi, and Ben Chilwell from their 28-man squad. These four, who cost the Blues a combined £179 million, were all loaned out by the end of last season and now appear unlikely to return to Stamford Bridge. This signals a new direction for the club under its current leadership, focusing on players they see as part of the future. Like Grealish, these exclusions highlight the shifting dynamics at top Premier League clubs where big-name transfers don’t guarantee long-term success.
De Bruyne Also Misses Out Ahead of Napoli Move
As expected, Kevin De Bruyne won’t be involved in City’s Club World Cup campaign. The veteran midfielder is set to depart the Etihad when his contract expires on June 30, and he’s widely tipped to join Serie A champions Napoli. Despite being eligible to play in the tournament, he was not included in the squad, marking the end of a successful chapter in Manchester.
New Faces and Group Stage Plans
New signings Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Tijani Reijnders, and Marcus Bettinelli are included in Guardiola’s roster, which has space for additional registrations should City advance to the knockout stages. City will kick off their tournament against Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia before facing Al Ain and Juventus. Notably, Mateo Kovacic is sidelined with an injury, and James McAtee is away with England’s U21 squad.
Full Squad Lists
Manchester City’s Club World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Ederson, Stefan Ortega, Marcus Bettinelli
Defenders: Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Vitor Reis, Josko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis
Midfielders: Tijjani Reijnders, Jeremy Doku, Nico Gonzalez, Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Savinho, Matheus Nunes, Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden, Nico O’Reilly
Forwards: Omar Marmoush, Erling Haaland, Claudio Echeverri, Oscar Bobb
Chelsea’s Club World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Mike Penders, Gaga Slonina
Defenders: Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Mamadou Sarr, Moises Caicedo, Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Aaron Anselmino, Josh Acheampong
Midfielders: Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Dario Essugo, Andrey Santos, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Romeo Lavia
Forwards: Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Tyrique George, Marc Guiu
