Nine World Cup stars who could move this summer

As the World Cup approaches its end, attention is turning towards the 2026-27 club season and which players could be on the move this summer. Several major names from the tournament have already agreed deals—Marc Cucurella, Elliot Anderson, and Youri Tielemans among them—but plenty more transfers are still to come, some 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.

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 talents such as Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembele. The 23-year-old 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. He also enjoyed a successful club season, winning a second successive Champions League title with Paris St-Germain 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 an alternative to Rogers.

Ayyoub Bouaddi

Eighteen-year-old Bouaddi caught the eye this summer as he pulled the midfield strings for a Morocco side that reached the quarter-finals. He controls matches in a manner that 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.

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. He was one of the outstanding performers in the group stage, helping the Ivorians progress to the World Cup knockouts for the first time. Diomande 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 £100 million, PSG and Manchester United are both said 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. He was criticised for his performance against DR Congo in the last 32, but Jarell Quansah's suspension meant he returned to the team. Spence shone against both Norway and Argentina, and his attacking endeavour, hard work, and positive attitude have resulted in him 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.