Which World Cup stars could make big transfer moves this summer?

Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco) 

Getty Images

The midfielder was one of the best young players at the tournament, having only made his international debut just weeks before the World Cup. 

At 18, he became the first African teenager to play in five games at the finals, as he put in some impressively assured displays in the middle of the park. 

In the opener against Brazil, he was so good that the vastly experienced Casemiro was sacrificed at half-time due to Bouaddi's performance in midfield, and he maintained that level until Morocco were eliminated in the quarter-finals.

Currently at Lille, he has already been linked with a huge move this summer, with a fee of around £100m reportedly being discussed. 

Manu Kone (France)

Getty

Injuries in France's engine room gave Kone the chance to push for a starting berth in Didier Deschamps' first team, and the midfielder more than took his opportunity. 

Alongside Adrien Rabiot, the Roma man was the controlling force for the French, allowing their dynamic front four to flourish and do the damage that took them all the way to the semi-finals. 

His displays have caught the attention of several clubs, including Manchester United, who continue to reshape their midfield, with Kone valued at around £45m should they make their interest concrete. 

Bradley Barcola (France)

Getty

One of France's frightening front four, Barcola enjoyed a fruitful summer in the North American sun as he scored three times and provided one assist in his country's fourth-place finish. 

A pacey and direct winger who plays off the left-hand flank, Barcola has been a huge part of the PSG side that won back-to-back Champions League gongs, but there are rumblings of a possible move for the 23-year-old. 

There's no doubt he'd be one of the biggest deals of the window, with Liverpool and Arsenal credited with taking an interest in bringing the forward to the Premier League. 

Djed Spence (England) 

Dazn Media

Most of the spotlight from England's run fell on Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, but Djed Spence also had a breakout tournament for the Three Lions. 

Having gone to the finals as a squad player, injuries forced Thomas Tuchel's hand, leading to Spence operating on both the right and left flanks during the competition. 

The defender grew through the World Cup, and his saving tackle against Argentina was one of the moments of England's third-place finish. 

With Spurs stocked with first-choice full-backs, there could be opportunities elsewhere for the 25-year-old, with Serie A champions Inter apparently keen. 

Julian Quinones

(C)Getty Images

A classic 'out of nowhere' name from a World Cup, Mexico forward Quinones certainly made the most of his moment on the global stage. 

The 29-year-old scored four times during the tournament, showing some impressive finishing and could have opened the door to a move to Europe ahead of the new campaign. 

Currently plying his trade for Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League, Quinones has never played for a European team, but having shown what he can do with the national team, he may get an opportunity to do so this summer. 

 

Watch the world's best football on DAZN

Now the World Cup is over, there is so much great football still to watch on DAZN.

Premier League: All English top flight matches live and in full in Canada

Serie A: Watch all 380 matches of the Italian league live in the UK and Canada. Also in the US in Spanish language

Champions League: Watch every match of the 2026/27 campaign in Canada. Three matches per round exclusively in the US, in Spanish language

National League: DAZN is the home of the National League, with every game available either live or on-demand, plus selected North and South matches

FIFA+ on DAZN: Watch over 7,000 live matches a year, plus World Cup archive, iconic documentaries, films, and player profiles for FREE

More details and to subscribe to a DAZN football package, click here