10 World Cup Stars Poised for Big Transfers After Shining in North America
The World Cup often changes careers overnight. Few events offer such a global stage, and players who excel there attract attention that can lead to major moves. The 2026 tournament, the largest ever, has produced a fresh crop of stars drawing eyes from scouts and clubs worldwide.
Newcastle recently agreed on a £51.5 million ($69m) deal for Johan Manzambi from Freiburg, a young attacker who was key to Switzerland’s quarterfinal run. But beyond him, several others have made strong cases for summer transfers after their World Cup showings.
Elijah Just (New Zealand)
Motherwell might not rush to sell Elijah Just, given they signed him only last summer, but his value has undoubtedly risen. Scoring three goals at the World Cup boosted his worth, with Celtic and Toulouse reportedly interested. After netting seven times in his first season at Fir Park, he could command around £4 million, four times what Motherwell paid a year ago.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi (South Africa)
Agent Basia Michaels revealed top clubs have shown interest in Mbokazi, a 20-year-old Chicago Fire defender who played every minute of South Africa's historic knockout run. Napoli and Nottingham Forest are among the contenders. Michaels emphasized her aim for Mbokazi to land in a top-five league, believing he deserves Champions League football.
Tarik Muharemovic (Bosnia & Herzegovina)
Serie A giants Inter and Juventus were eyeing Muharemovic before the World Cup, but missed the chance to sign him cheaply from Sassuolo last year. Now Sassuolo has raised their asking price following his strong performances, attracting Premier League interest from clubs like Sunderland. Despite a preference for a Milan move, financial factors might push the 23-year-old defender elsewhere, likely to the Premier League.
Julian Quinones (Mexico)
Quinones secured the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot last season with 33 goals in 31 games. His World Cup form, scoring in four of five matches, could open doors to England. Though he signed a new deal with Al-Qadsiah in May, the club can demand a high fee. The 29-year-old reportedly would welcome a Premier League challenge.
Gilberto Mora (Mexico)
Liverpool is reportedly keen on 17-year-old Mora, who caught attention after impressing off the bench in Mexico's last group match and then starting subsequent games. Though still raw, his potential is clear. Manchester City, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Real Madrid may also compete for him, with a valuation near €40 million.
Antonio Nusa (Norway)
While Erling Haaland dazzled in the US, Nusa showed why he's tipped for the Premier League. Tottenham, having passed on him in January, now plans a formal offer to RB Leipzig for the 21-year-old winger. Arsenal is rumored to consider disrupting this transfer, following last summer’s successful move for Eberechi Eze from Spurs.
Crysencio Summerville (Netherlands)
West Ham’s squad shakeup will likely see Summerville depart after Matheus Fernandes’ £85m move to Tottenham. Summerville’s World Cup displays improved his value; despite limited starts, he contributed to four goals. Linked with a £50m transfer, Liverpool and Fulham have both shown interest.
Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco)
Bouaddi stunned many with his calm performance against Brazil in Morocco’s opener. At just 18, the Lille midfielder is regarded as a future star. English clubs Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United all watch closely. Bouaddi started four of Morocco's five matches and is expected to join a European elite club soon for a significant fee.
Bruno Guimaraes (Brazil)
Though Brazil’s campaign ended early and Guimaraes missed a penalty, his contribution was vital. He provided four assists, showing why Newcastle’s captain remains highly valued. Arsenal wants to sign him as he looks to leave Newcastle’s unsettled project. The price is expected to be at least £80 million.
Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)
Diomande dispelled doubts about his ability at the top level during Ivory Coast’s World Cup run. While he didn’t score, his pace and skill stood out. Liverpool led the chase before the tournament, but now it seems Paris Saint-Germain is his preferred destination. Leipzig wants to keep him another season but expects to sell for a nine-figure sum.
