World Cup Stars Likely to Switch Clubs This Summer

World Cup Stars Poised for Summer Transfers

As the 2026 World Cup nears its conclusion, attention shifts to the upcoming 2026-27 club season and the players who might change teams this summer. Some key figures have already secured new deals, including Marc Cucurella, Elliot Anderson, and Youri Tielemans. But many more transfers are expected, spurred by performances in North America.

Here’s a look at nine standout World Cup players who could be on the move, and the clubs potentially interested in them.

Bradley Barcola

One of France’s potent attackers, Barcola has impressed throughout the tournament, holding his own alongside stars like Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembele. He played in all seven matches for Les Bleus, starting four, and netted two goals—against Senegal and Sweden.

At club level, Barcola enjoyed success with PSG, winning his second straight Champions League and making 49 appearances. Yet, he’s not always first choice, often backing up Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. This has sparked interest from Premier League giants Liverpool and Arsenal, with Arsenal reportedly considering him as an alternative to Rogers.

Ayyoub Bouaddi

At just 18 years old, Bouaddi stood out as Morocco’s midfield maestro, guiding the team to the quarter-finals. His control and composure belie his age, especially notable in Morocco’s opening draw against Brazil, where he outshone veterans Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes.

Lille will likely fend off numerous offers for Bouaddi this summer. Chelsea, having sold Andrey Santos, are keen, alongside Manchester City, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain.

Yan Diomande

The 19-year-old winger from Ivory Coast dazzled during the group stage despite his side's early exit in the round of 32. Diomande earned player of the match honors against Ecuador and impressed again versus Germany.

Liverpool has long admired the RB Leipzig player, who can operate on both wings and uses both feet well. After Liverpool failed to meet Leipzig’s approximate £100 million asking price, interest has emerged from PSG and Manchester United. Diomande is said to favor a move to Paris.

Djed Spence

England’s full-back Spence faced challenges but showed resilience, playing with a chin brace after a broken jaw last season. Despite mixed reviews, he shone in matches against Norway and Argentina. Tottenham’s squad overhaul under Roberto de Zerbi has made Spence a transfer target, attracting interest from Liverpool, Everton, and Inter Milan.

John Stones

Stones became the first England player without a club at a men’s World Cup after his contract with Manchester City ended. Now seeking a new team, he’s caught the eye of Italian clubs Juventus and Inter Milan, the latter also linked with Spence. Leeds United hopes to keep Stones in the Premier League.

Antonee Robinson

Born in Milton Keynes and raised in Liverpool, Robinson has spent his entire club career in England. The Fulham left-back was crucial for co-hosts United States, starting four of five matches in their run to the last 16. Following strong Premier League seasons, Manchester United is reportedly interested in the 28-year-old defender.

Julian Alvarez

Alvarez helped Argentina reach the semi-finals with decisive goals, including a winner against Switzerland. Since moving to Atletico Madrid from Manchester City in 2024, he has scored 25 league goals in 66 appearances. Atletico want to keep the 26-year-old striker and have rejected Barcelona’s bids, but top European clubs continue to monitor him. Arsenal has been linked with a potential signing to bolster their attack.

Mikel Oyarzabal

Initially seen as a weak link, Oyarzabal proved critics wrong by scoring five goals for Spain so far, including a penalty against France. At 29, he has a release clause near £65 million in his Real Sociedad contract. Rumors suggest interest from Arsenal, Barcelona, and Juventus, though it remains unclear if Oyarzabal wants to leave his only club.

Zion Suzuki

Japan’s goalkeeper, Suzuki, impressed despite their exit in the last 32, notably with a fingertip save against Brazil’s Vinicius Junior. Newcastle have monitored the Parma keeper, though they favor England’s James Trafford. Leeds United is also among the clubs linked to Suzuki.