World Cup Stars Linked With Big Summer Moves 2026

The 2026 World Cup is winding down and the transfer market is already moving fast. Several big names have agreed deals — Marc Cucurella, Elliot Anderson and Youri Tielemans among them — but a second wave of moves is building, shaped directly by performances in North America. Here are nine players who could be switching clubs before the 2026-27 season kicks off.

Bradley Barcola is the most high-profile name in circulation. The 23-year-old featured in all seven of France's World Cup matches, scoring against Senegal and Sweden, and backed that up with 49 appearances and a second successive Champions League title at PSG during the club season. The problem is that he is not a guaranteed starter in Paris, often playing second fiddle to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Liverpool and Arsenal are both keen, with Arsenal viewing him as an alternative option in their attacking recruitment.

Ayyoub Bouaddi is the name every club in Europe wants. The 18-year-old pulled the midfield strings for Morocco as they reached the quarter-finals, outshining Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes in their opening draw with Brazil. Lille will be fielding serious offers. Chelsea — who have sold Andrey Santos to Manchester United — are heavily linked, along with Manchester City, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona and PSG.

Yan Diomande caught the eye despite Ivory Coast's last-32 exit. The 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger was named player of the match in their opening win over Ecuador. Liverpool were long-term admirers but failed to meet Leipzig's asking price of around £100m. PSG and Manchester United have since entered the picture, with Diomande reportedly favouring a move to France.

Djed Spence played much of the tournament with a chin brace after a broken jaw and had a mixed campaign for England, but performances against Norway and Argentina earned him admirers. Tottenham are undergoing a major squad overhaul under new head coach Roberto de Zerbi, and Liverpool, Everton and Inter Milan are all said to be interested in the former Middlesbrough man.

John Stones made history as the first player without a club to represent England at a men's World Cup after his Manchester City contract expired. Juventus, Inter Milan and Leeds United are all monitoring his situation. Inter are also credited with interest in Spence.

Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson, 28, started four of USA's five games as the co-hosts reached the last 16. His consistent Premier League form at Craven Cottage has attracted reported interest from Manchester United.

Julian Alvarez is the name clubs want but cannot have. Atletico Madrid have already rebuffed advances for the 26-year-old, who has scored 25 goals in 66 league games since joining from Manchester City in 2024, and the Spanish club have no intention of selling. For football fans tracking the market, the next fortnight should produce movement on most of these names before pre-season windows close.

First reported by BBC Sport Football.