THE World Cup might be over but for many the drama has not even begun.
Plenty of the biggest stars have put international duty behind them and will be looking ahead to next season.
Some of the biggest names in football are yet to complete moves this summer Credit: Getty
Enzo Fernandez could still move away from Chelsea despite Xabi Alonso’s wishes Credit: PA
Clubs across Europe can turn their full attention back to the transfer market as negotiations that have been put on hold spring back into life.
Many will use their breakout performances in North America as a springboard to find clarity amid a summer of speculation.
From Chelsea talisman Enzo Fernandez to Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford, these are the 15 World Cup stars who could still be on the move before the transfer window slams shut.
15. James Trafford (Man City)
James Trafford’s stock continues to rise after his inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
Jordan Pickford continued to take the starting spot but he’s been tipped as ‘s first choice for World Cup 2030.
Having already lifted the Prem title, as well as the FA Cup and two League Cups, the 23-year-old secured a return from to Man City in 2025.
Newcastle and Leeds are just two of the English clubs to have thrown their hats in the ring for the shotstopper.
14. Djed Spence (Tottenham)
is reportedly ready to leave Tottenham this summer, with emerging as the frontrunners to land the England full-back after his impressive World Cup.
The Serie A giants are on the hunt for a replacement for following his move to and believe Spence fits the bill perfectly.
Spurs are understood to value the 25-year-old at around £40million, although Inter are hoping they can strike a deal before the transfer window closes.
13. Joao Cancelo (Al-Hilal)
Joao Cancelo’s hopes of sealing a permanent return to have reportedly hit a major stumbling block.
Al-Hilal are reportedly refusing to let the Portuguese full-back leave on the cheap despite his strained relationship with boss Simone Inzaghi.
The Saudi giants are said to want around £13m and have no interest in another loan deal.
Cancelo is understood to favour staying at the Nou Camp after impressing during his loan spell, but the 32-year-old could find himself heading back to Saudi Arabia despite his uncertain relationship with Simone Inzaghi.
12. John Stones (Man City)
are weighing up a shock move for former defender after William Saliba’s World Cup injury left Mikel Arteta short at the back.
The England defender is available on a free transfer after leaving City this summer.
John Stones has some thinking to do as a free agent Credit: AP
Cristian Romero is reportedly set to depart from Spurs Credit: Getty
Arteta also already knows him better than most from their time working together at the Etihad.
Stones has interest from across Europe, but the Gunners could offer him an immediate route back into the Premier League and a chance to play Champions League football again.
11. Cristian Romero (Tottenham)
Cristian Romero’s exit from Tottenham is reportedly viewed as “almost certain” now the World Cup is over.
But are still pushing hard to bring the Argentina defender to Spain.
Spurs now face the prospect of losing two of their standout defenders in the same window as Roberto De Zerbi continues to reshape his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
10. Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille)
Ayyoub Bouaddi announced himself on the biggest stage this summer.
The 18-year-old Lille midfielder played a key role in Morocco’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals.
His performances have sparked a transfer scramble, with Manchester United long-term admirers while Liverpool and Manchester City have also joined the race.
Ayyoub Bouaddi impressed on the world stage for Morocco Credit: Getty
Folarin Balogun is one of the most in-demand players this summer Credit: Getty
Lille are determined not to lose their teenage star on the cheap, with reports suggesting the French club value Bouaddi at around £100m after his stunning World Cup breakthrough.
9. Folarin Balogun (Monaco)
has emerged as one of the most wanted strikers of the summer after scoring 19 goals for Monaco last season.
He added three more in four appearances for the USA at the World Cup.
Sunderland have already held talks with his camp, but they face a huge fight with Newcastle, , , Leeds and all keeping a close eye on the £40m-rated forward.
And the competition does not stop there, with Borussia Dortmund making enquiries while and Atletico Madrid are also admirers of the former Arsenal academy star.
8. Bradley Barcola (PSG)
Liverpool have reportedly stolen a march in the race for after submitting an opening bid for the winger.
Arsenal remain keen on the France international, but face a significant hurdle with PSG determined to keep hold of one of their brightest stars.
Barcola’s stock has only continued to rise after his impressive World Cup, meaning Liverpool face a fierce battle to get a deal over the line.
Bradley Barcola has been tipped for a move to Liverpool Credit: EPA
Ferran Torres is on a high after scoring the winner for Spain in the World Cup final Credit: Getty
7. Ferran Torres (Barcelona)
Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign after the Spain hero’s match-winning goal in the World Cup final sent interest in the Barcelona forward soaring.
The Reds are hoping to hijack PSG’s proposed move, although Luis Enrique’s side are already pushing to strike a deal for the 26-year-old.
Barcelona are yet to make a final decision on his future, but with just one year left on his contract, they could be tempted to cash in.
6. Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)
has been linked with a move away from Juventus for well over a year.
His future appears to be moving away from Barcelona despite his impressive World Cup campaign for Serbia.
The striker has reportedly reopened talks with Besiktas while also discussing a new deal in Turin.
If Barca complete the signing of Julian Alvarez, Vlahovic is expected to pursue one of his other options.
5. Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP)
still want Goncalo Inacio despite agreeing personal terms with Lazio defender Mario Gila, with Sporting demanding around £35million for the Portugal star.
Goncalo Inacio impressed for Serbia this summer Credit: Getty
Rodri continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid Credit: Getty
Inacio featured during Portugal’s run to the World Cup last 16, where they were beaten 1-0 by eventual champions Spain.
4. Rodri (Man City)
Real Madrid’s admiration for refuses to disappear.
The Spaniard continues to be a major Bernabeu target after captaining La Roja to World Cup glory and winning the tournament’s Golden Ball.
City remain determined to keep the 30-year-old and tie him down to a new contract, with his current deal expiring in 2027.
3. Marcus Rashford (Man United)
Marcus Rashford’s future remains one of the biggest stories of the summer.
The 28-year-old returned to Man United after helping England reach the World Cup semi-finals, although uncertainty over his Old Trafford future remains.
2. Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle)
The Sun with Newcastle over a £60million move for Bruno Guimaraes after missing out on .
The Brazil midfielder featured at the World Cup before his country were knocked out by Norway in the last 16.
Arsenal and Newcastle are in talks over Bruno Guimaraes Credit: Reuters
Enzo Fernandez’s World Cup final ended in disaster following his sending-off Credit: Getty
He has since told Newcastle he is keen to join the Premier League champions.
1. Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)
sits right at the top of the list.
The Argentina midfielder impressed once again at the World Cup and Real Madrid’s long-standing interest refuses to go away.
Chelsea are determined to keep hold of one of their biggest stars, but his future is likely to dominate the remainder of the transfer window.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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