World Cup stars linked with summer moves

As the 2026 World Cup draws to a close, attention is shifting to the summer transfer window, with several players who impressed in North America now linked with moves to top clubs. Already, deals for Marc Cucurella, Elliot Anderson, and Youri Tielemans have been agreed, but many more high-profile switches are expected.

Key names in the spotlight

France attacker Bradley Barcola has been one of the tournament's standout performers, scoring twice in seven appearances — including goals against Senegal and Sweden. The 23-year-old PSG winger, a two-time Champions League winner, has attracted interest from Premier League sides Liverpool and Arsenal, as he is not always a starter in Paris behind Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Morocco's Ayyoub Bouaddi, aged 18, became the second-youngest player to feature in a World Cup quarter-final, dictating play from midfield. His performances against Brazil, where he outshone Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes, have drawn attention from Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain.

Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, 19, impressed in the group stage, winning player of the match in his team's opening victory over Ecuador. Despite the Elephants' early exit in the round of 32, his displays have put him on the radar of several European clubs.

Transfer window outlook

• Barcola scored twice in seven World Cup matches and is being tracked by Liverpool and Arsenal.
• Bouaddi shone for Morocco in midfield and is linked with Chelsea, Man City, and Real Madrid.
• Diomande impressed for Ivory Coast and is expected to attract suitors after his breakout tournament.
• Several other World Cup stars are also expected to move before the start of the 2026-27 club season.

With the transfer window open across Europe, these players could soon secure moves that were sparked or accelerated by their performances on the game's biggest stage. Their next clubs will be hoping to benefit from form built during the World Cup.