Nine World Cup stars who could move this summer

July 17, 2026 No Comments

Nine World Cup stars who could move this summerImage source, Getty Images/BBC SportImage caption, (Left to right) Bradley Barcola, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Yan Diomande and Djed SpenceByEmma SmithBBC Sport journalistPublished7 hours agoAs the World Cup approaches its end, attentions are turning towards the 2026-27 club season – and who could be on the move this summer.Several major names from the World Cup have already agreed deals – Marc Cucurella, Elliot Anderson and Youri Tielemans among them.

But there are plenty more transfers still to come, including some which could be inspired or enacted thanks to performances in North America.

Here are nine stars of the World Cup potentially in line for a move this summer – and which clubs could be in for them…

Follow all the recent deals on BBC Sport’s transfers page

Bradley Barcola

One of the members of the feared French frontline, Barcola has shone at the World Cup – bright enough to stand out even alongside the talents of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele.

Barcola has appeared in all seven of France’s matches, starting four and scoring twice – against Senegal in Les Bleus’ opener and versus Sweden in the round of 32.

The 23-year-old also enjoyed a successful club season, winning a second successive Champions League title with PSG while making 49 appearances in all competitions.

However, he is not a guaranteed starter in Paris, often serving as back-up to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for Luis Enrique’s side.

As a result, his name has been linked with top Premier League sides, with Liverpool and Arsenal both keen.

Arsenal consider Barcola as alternative to Rogers

Ayyoub Bouaddi

Eighteen-year-old Bouaddi caught the eye this summer as he pulled the midfield strings for a Morocco side who reached the quarter-finals.

Bouaddi controls matches in a manner which defies his tender age, impressing in Morocco’s opening draw with Brazil where he outshone Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes.

It is expected that his club, Lille, will be fending off plenty of offers this summer.

Chelsea, who have sold midfielder Andrey Santos to Manchester United, have been heavily linked with a move for the teenager – as have Manchester City, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris St-Germain.

Why Europe’s top clubs are eyeing Morocco’s teenage sensation Bouaddi

Yan Diomande

Aged just 19, winger Diomande shone brightly but briefly at the World Cup, as Ivory Coast went out at the last-32 stage following defeat by Norway.

Diomande was one of the outstanding performers in the group stage, helping the Ivorians progress to the World Cup knockouts for the first time.

He was named player of the match in Ivory Coast’s opening win over Ecuador, and further impressed against Germany despite their defeat.

Liverpool have been long-term admirers of the RB Leipzig player, who can play on both the left and right flanks and is adept with both feet.

However, after the Reds failed to meet Leipzig’s demands of about £100m, PSG and Manchester United are both mentioned to be interested, with Diomande thought to be keen on joining the French club.

Djed Spence

England full-back Spence had a mixed tournament, having carried a great deal of responsibility amid injury and suspension issues in the wide defensive positions.

Spence was criticised for his performance against DR Congo in the last 32, but Jarell Quansah’s suspension meant he returned to the team.

He shone against both Norway and Argentina, and his attacking endeavour, hard work and positive attitude have resulted in Spence being linked with a move away from Tottenham, who are undergoing a huge squad shake-up under new head coach Roberto de Zerbi.

Liverpool, Everton and Inter Milan are all reportedly interested in the former Middlesbrough player.

John Stones

Centre-back Stones made a little bit of history this summer as the first player without a club to represent England at a men’s World Cup.

His trophy-laden time at Manchester City has come to an end after his contract expired and he is looking for a new club.

Italian giants Juventus and Serie A champions Inter are interested in Stones – the latter also admire Spence – while Leeds United want to keep the Yorkshire-born defender in the Premier League.

Antonee Robinson

Fulham left-back Robinson was a key player as co-hosts United States captured home imaginations during their run to the last 16.

Robinson started four of USA’s five games – only rested for the group stage dead rubber against Turkey – and played 90 minutes in three of them.

It follows a couple of standout Premier League seasons at Craven Cottage for Robinson, 28, who is reportedly attracting interest from Manchester United.

Julian Alvarez

One of the attackers who helped Argentina overcome England in their semi-final, Alvarez has flourished at Atletico Madrid since his 2024 move from Manchester City.

Atletico do not want to sell the 26-year-old striker, who has scored 25 goals in 66 league games for the club, and have already rebuffed interest from Barcelona.

But that will not stop Europe’s top clubs from showing interest in an established talent, and Premier League champions Arsenal have been linked with a player who would greatly boost their attack.

Argentina’s Alvarez wants to leave Atletico Madrid

Mikel Oyarzabal

Regarded by some as a potential weak link in Spain’s frontline before the World Cup, the 29-year-old striker has proved himself anything but.

Oyarzabal has scored five goals so far and may have more still to come in the final against Argentina.

He reportedly has a release clause in his Real Sociedad contract of about £65m, and there have been suggestions Arsenal, Barcelona and Juventus are interested.

Whether the one-club man would want to leave remains to be seen.

Zion Suzuki

Japan were disappointed that their World Cup ended at the last-32 stage, having stood out as one of the most exciting teams early on.

Goalkeeper Suzuki particularly impressed. Despite his team losing to a stoppage-time winner against Brazil, the 23-year-old’s fingertip save from Vinicius Junior will go down as one of the best stops at the tournament.

Newcastle have monitored the Parma keeper – although England’s James Trafford is mentioned to be their top target – while Leeds have also been linked.