10 World Cup Stars Likely to Move After Impressing in North America

The World Cup often changes the trajectory of football careers. With the biggest stage comes the brightest spotlight, and players who shine attract attention from clubs worldwide. The 2026 World Cup, the largest yet, has created a bigger pool of talent catching eyes across the globe.

Newcastle recently agreed on a £51.5 million deal for Johan Manzambi, the 20-year-old attacker who was key in Switzerland's journey to the quarter-finals. But he's far from the only player set for a summer move.

Elijah Just (New Zealand)

Motherwell recently signed Elijah Just from Horsens, and after his three goals at the World Cup, his value has soared. Chris Sutton highlighted how Just’s market price has multiplied. Celtic and Toulouse are reportedly interested, with Just possibly commanding around £4 million after scoring seven times last season.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi (South Africa)

Agent Basia Michaels revealed interest from top clubs for Mbokazi, the 20-year-old Chicago Fire defender who played every minute of South Africa’s historic knockout run. Napoli and Nottingham Forest are among the contenders. Michaels believes Mbokazi deserves Champions League football and hopes he lands in a top-five European league.

Tarik Muharemovic (Bosnia & Herzegovina)

Inter and Juventus showed early interest in center-back Tarik Muharemovic before the World Cup. Juventus sold him to Sassuolo last year but kept a 50% sell-on clause. Now, Sassuolo has raised his asking price due to his strong World Cup form. Premier League clubs like Sunderland are watching, though Muharemovic favors a move to San Siro. Money may ultimately decide his next destination.

Julian Quinones (Mexico)

Quinones topped the Saudi Pro League scoring charts last season, besting players like Ivan Toney and Cristiano Ronaldo. He impressed further by scoring in four of Mexico’s five World Cup matches. Despite signing a new contract with Al-Qadsiah recently, he’s open to a Premier League move, which could come with a substantial transfer fee.

Gilberto Mora (Mexico)

Liverpool is keen on 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, who emerged as one of the tournament’s most promising midfielders. Starting on the bench, he earned his spot through performances against Czechia, Ecuador, and England. Though still raw, his potential has drawn interest from Manchester City, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Real Madrid, with a rumored valuation near €40 million.

Antonio Nusa (Norway)

Erling Haaland grabbed headlines, but Antonio Nusa also impressed on Norway’s left side. Tottenham passed on him in January but now plans to bid for the 21-year-old RB Leipzig winger. Arsenal might try to intervene, continuing their trend of poaching Spurs’ targets after securing Eberechi Eze last summer.

Crysencio Summerville (Netherlands)

West Ham’s recent sales started with Matheus Fernandes to Tottenham for £85 million, and Crysencio Summerville may follow. His performances at the World Cup boosted his value, directly contributing to four goals in just two starts. Liverpool and Fulham have been linked with a £50 million move for the dynamic winger.

Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco)

The composed Lille midfielder stunned many by controlling Morocco’s opener against Brazil. At just 18, Bouaddi has long been seen as a future star. Premier League giants Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United are all said to be chasing the former France U21 international, who started four of Morocco’s five games.

Bruno Guimaraes (Brazil)

Despite Brazil’s early exit, Bruno Guimaraes stood out with four assists. Newcastle’s captain missed a penalty in the last-16 loss to Norway, but his reputation remains strong. Arsenal wants to sign him, hoping to secure the midfielder for around £80 million as he looks to leave Newcastle’s struggling project.

Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)

Yan Diomande didn’t score at the World Cup but impressed with his pace and skill. Liverpool had led the race for the 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger before the tournament, but he now seems set on Paris Saint-Germain. Leipzig aims to keep him for another season, but a nine-figure deal to PSG is expected this summer.