Online Reporter
THE World Cup is over – now it is time for stars to make their next move.
Plenty will be looking ahead to next season and some will hope to take advantage of good performances in North America.
Clubs will have noted those displays and can turn their full attention back to the transfer market as negotiations that have been put on hold spring back into life.
For many players, the tournament could lead to a transfer window of opportunity.
From Chelsea talisman Enzo Fernandez to Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford, these are the FIFTEEN World Cup stars who could son the move before the transfer window slams shut.
15. James Trafford (Man City)
Trafford’s stock continues to rise after his inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
Jordan Pickford was No1 this time but the Manchester City keeper has been tipped as England‘s first choice for World Cup 2030.
14. Djed Spence (Tottenham)
Spence is reportedly ready to leave Tottenham this summer, with Inter Milan 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 Denzel Dumfries following his move to Real Madrid and believe Spence fits the bill.
13. Joao Cancelo (Al-Hilal)
Cancelo’s hopes of sealing a permanent move to Barcelona have reportedly hit a major stumbling block.
Al-Hilal are reportedly refusing to let the Portugal full-back leave on the cheap despite his strained relationship with boss Simone Inzaghi.
12. John Stones (Man City)
Arsenal are weighing up a shock move for former Man City defender Stones after William Saliba’s World Cup injury left Mikel Arteta short at the back.
The England centre-back, 32, is available on a free transfer after leaving City this summer.
Arteta also already knows him better than most from their time working together at the Etihad.
11. Cristian Romero (Tottenham)
Romero’s exit from Tottenham is reportedly viewed as “almost certain” now the World Cup is over.
Atletico Madrid are pushing hard to bring the Argentina defender, 28, to Spain.
10. Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille)
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.
9. Folarin Balogun (Monaco)
Balogun 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 the 25-year-old’s camp, but they face a huge fight with Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Everton, Leeds and Fulham all keeping a close eye on the £40m-rated forward.
8. Bradley Barcola (PSG)
Liverpool have reportedly stolen a march in the race for Barcola after submitting an opening bid for the Paris Saint-Germain forward.
Arsenal remain keen on the France international, 23, but face a significant hurdle with PSG determined to keep hold of one of their brightest stars.
7. Ferran Torres (Barcelona)
Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool have also reportedly joined the race to sign Torres after the Spain hero’s match-winning goal in the World Cup final sent interest 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.
6. Yan Diomande
Yan Diomande’s stock soared after an impressive World Cup with Ivory Coast.
The teenage winger emerged as one of the tournament’s breakout stars and helped the Elephants reach the last 16.
Liverpool made a late attempt to hijack his move.
5. Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP)
AC Milan still want Inacio despite agreeing personal terms with Lazio defender Mario Gila, with Sporting demanding around £35million for the Portugal star, 24.
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 Rodri has been well documented.
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 exclusively revealed Arsenal have opened direct talks with Newcastle over a £60million move for Bruno Guimaraes after missing out on Morgan Rogers.
The Brazil midfielder featured at the World Cup before his country were knocked out by Norway in the last 16.
1. Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)
Enzo Fernandez 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 the 25-year-old, but his future is likely to dominate the remainder of the transfer window – Sun.
