As the World Cup 2026 draws to a close, the football world's attention turns to the summer transfer window, where the performances of players on the pitch could shape the future of clubs. The tournament has already seen some big names secure new deals, but there are many more stars who could be on the move, with their performances in North America potentially influencing their next move. Here, we take a closer look at nine players who could be set for a big move this summer, and the clubs who might be interested in signing them.
Bradley Barcola: A Rising Star in Paris
One of the standout performers for France, Bradley Barcola has undoubtedly caught the eye of many top clubs. The 23-year-old forward has been a key part of the French frontline, scoring twice and starting four of their seven matches. His success at PSG, where he won a second successive Champions League title, has only added to his appeal. However, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia providing competition for a starting spot, Barcola's future in Paris is uncertain. This could see him linked with a move to the Premier League, with Liverpool and Arsenal both reportedly interested. Personally, I think Barcola's performances in the World Cup have made him a hot property, and his move to a top-tier club is a matter of when, not if. The question is, will he choose a move to England or stay in France?
Ayyoub Bouaddi: The Midfield Maestro
At just 18 years old, Ayyoub Bouaddi has already made a significant impact on the World Cup. His performances for Morocco, who reached the quarter-finals, have not gone unnoticed. Bouaddi's ability to control the midfield is remarkable for his age, and his performances against Brazil, where he outshone the likes of Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes, have only increased his value. With Lille likely to receive a flurry of offers, Bouaddi is a player who could be snapped up quickly. Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris St-Germain are all reportedly interested, which is a testament to his talent. In my opinion, Bouaddi is a player who could become a key part of any team, and his future is likely to be decided by a big-money move.
Yan Diomande: The Wing Wizard
Yan Diomande's performances for Ivory Coast at the World Cup have been nothing short of impressive. The 19-year-old winger was named player of the match in their opening win over Ecuador, and his performances against Germany, despite their defeat, were also standout. Diomande's ability to play on both flanks and his skill with both feet make him a versatile and exciting prospect. Liverpool have long been admirers of the RB Leipzig player, but their initial bid of around £100m was rejected. This has seen PSG and Manchester United step up their interest, with Diomande reportedly keen on a move to France. What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for Diomande to become a key part of a team's attack, and his future could be decided by a big-money move to a top-tier club.
Djed Spence: The England Full-Back
Djed Spence's performances for England have been a mixed bag, with his wide defensive positions carrying a great deal of responsibility. However, his attacking endeavour, hard work, and positive attitude have not gone unnoticed. Spence's performances against Norway and Argentina have seen him linked with a move away from Tottenham, who are undergoing a squad shake-up under new head coach Roberto de Zerbi. Liverpool, Everton, and Inter Milan are all reportedly interested in the former Middlesbrough player. From my perspective, Spence's future could be decided by a move to a club where he can become a key part of the team, and his performances in the World Cup have only increased his value.
John Stones: The Unclubbed Defender
John Stones' trophy-laden time at Manchester City has come to an end, with his contract expiring and him looking for a new club. The centre-back made history as the first player without a club to represent England at a men's World Cup. Italian giants Juventus and Serie A champions Inter are both interested in Stones, while Leeds United want to keep the Yorkshire-born defender in the Premier League. What this really suggests is the value of a player who has proven himself at the highest level, and his future could be decided by a move to a club where he can continue to develop and win trophies.
Antonee Robinson: The USA Left-Back
Antonee Robinson's performances for the USA during their run to the last 16 have been a key part of their success. The 28-year-old left-back started four of their five games and played 90 minutes in three of them. His standout Premier League seasons at Craven Cottage have not gone unnoticed, and he is reportedly attracting interest from Manchester United. Robinson's ability to provide both defence and attack makes him a valuable asset, and his future could be decided by a move to a club where he can become a key part of the team.
Julian Alvarez: The Atletico Madrid Striker
Julian Alvarez's performances for Argentina, where he helped them overcome England in the semi-final, have been a key part of their success. The 26-year-old striker has flourished at Atletico Madrid since his move from Manchester City, and his ability to score goals has not gone unnoticed. Atletico do not want to sell Alvarez, who has scored 25 goals in 66 league games for the club, and have already rebuffed interest from Barcelona. However, this will not stop Europe's top clubs from showing interest, and Arsenal have been linked with a move for the established talent. What this raises a deeper question is whether Alvarez's performances in the World Cup will see him become a key part of a top-tier club's attack.
Mikel Oyarzabal: The Real Sociedad Striker
Mikel Oyarzabal's performances for Spain, where he has scored five goals so far, have been a key part of their success. The 29-year-old striker has proved himself anything but a potential weak link in Spain's frontline, and his release clause in his Real Sociedad contract of around £65m has seen Arsenal, Barcelona, and Juventus all linked with a move. Whether Oyarzabal, a one-club man, would want to leave remains to be seen. However, his performances in the World Cup have undoubtedly increased his value, and his future could be decided by a big-money move to a top-tier club.
Zion Suzuki: The Japan Goalkeeper
Zion Suzuki's performances for Japan, despite their disappointment at the last-32 stage, have been a standout. The 23-year-old goalkeeper's fingertip save from Vinicius Junior will go down as one of the best stops at the tournament. Suzuki's performances have not gone unnoticed, and Newcastle have monitored the Parma keeper, although England's James Trafford is said to be their top target. Leeds have also been linked with a move for the goalkeeper. What makes this especially interesting is the potential for Suzuki to become a key part of a team's defence, and his future could be decided by a move to a club where he can continue to develop and win trophies.
As the World Cup 2026 comes to an end, the summer transfer window is set to be a busy one, with many players' performances influencing their future. The nine players mentioned above are just a few of the stars who could be on the move, and their future could be decided by a move to a club where they can become a key part of the team. From my perspective, the World Cup has been a showcase for some of the best talent in the game, and the summer transfer window is set to be an exciting one, with many clubs looking to strengthen their squads.
