​As the World Cup draws to a close, attention is turning toward the 2026-27 club season and the potential summer moves ahead. Several high-profile World Cup stars have already sealed deals, including Marc Cucurella, Elliot Anderson, and Youri Tielemans. Yet plenty more transfers remain on the horizon, with some likely to be influenced by performances in North America.
Here are nine World Cup stars who could be on the move this summer, along with clubs that might come in for them. For the latest deals, stay tuned to BBC Sport’s transfers page.
Bradley Barcola has put in performances for France that could see him involved against England in the 2026 World Cup third-place match. Part of the feared French frontline, Barcola shone at the tournament and stood out even among the company of Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembele. He featured in all seven France games, starting four and scoring twice—against Senegal in the group stage and Sweden in the round of 32. The 23-year-old also enjoyed a successful season at club level, lifting a second consecutive Champions League title with PSG and contributing 49 appearances across all competitions. However, he isn’t guaranteed a starting spot in Paris, often acting as a deputy to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for Luis Enrique’s system. As a result, Barcola’s name has been linked with top Premier League clubs, with Liverpool and Arsenal among those reported to be eyeing him. Arsenal are even rumored to be considering Barcola as an alternative to Rogers.
Ayyoub Bouaddi, aged 18 years and 280 days, became the second-youngest player ever to appear in a World Cup quarter-final, a milestone only surpassed by Pele. Bouaddi captured attention this summer as he pulled the strings in midfield for a Morocco side that reached the quarter-finals. His performances in a youthful midfield were remarkable, especially in Morocco’s opening group-stage draw with Brazil, where he outshone established stars such as Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães. It’s anticipated that Lille, his club, will face a wave of interest this summer. Chelsea, who recently sold midfielder Andrey Santos to Manchester United, have been strongly linked with Bouaddi, with Manchester City, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain all reported to be considering him as well. The question remains whether Bouaddi will stay in Lille or move on to a club capable of offering him more prominent competition and development opportunities.
Yan Diomande shone for Ivory Coast during the World Cup, playing in all four of their matches. The 19-year-old winger impressed despite Ivory Coast’s early exit in the Round of 32, delivering standout performances in the group stage and earning Man of the Match honors in the opener against Ecuador. He also drew praise for his display against Germany. As a teenager delivering such performances on the global stage, Diomande’s potential is attracting attention, and a number of top clubs could be weighing up a bid to secure his services. With Ivory Coast hoping to retain their rising star, the summer could prove pivotal for his development.
These nine players represent a blend of prodigious talent and proven World Cup experience, and their destinations could shape the complexion of next season’s top leagues. In the coming weeks, further transfers are expected to unfold as clubs assess how performances in North America may translate into European signings, and as teams weigh feature players who could lift squads to new heights. Keep an eye on the transfer window and BBC Sport’s comprehensive coverage for all the up-to-the-minute developments.