10 World Cup Stars Poised for Summer Transfers After Shining in North America

The World Cup often reshapes football careers, offering a stage where talent suddenly becomes impossible to ignore. This summer, as the 2026 tournament breaks records with more matches and teams, scouts and clubs are zeroing in on standout players from North America.

Newcastle's recent £51.5 million deal for Johan Manzambi, a versatile Swiss attacker pivotal in his team's last-eight run, shows how much clubs value these performances.

Players Likely Heading for New Clubs

• Elijah Just (New Zealand): Motherwell may not rush to sell Just, signed only last summer from Horsens, but the winger has boosted his market value after scoring three World Cup goals. Both Celtic and Toulouse are considering offers, with his price possibly rising to around £4 million after netting seven times in his first season.
• Mbekezeli Mbokazi (South Africa): The Chicago Fire defender played every minute of South Africa’s historic knockout run. His agent says big clubs like Napoli and Nottingham Forest have shown interest. They want him in a top league; Champions League appearances seem well within reach.
• Tarik Muharemovic (Bosnia & Herzegovina): Inter and Juventus once eyed the defender before he moved permanently to Sassuolo. Now, his price has climbed due to World Cup displays attracting Premier League sides such as Sunderland. Though Muharemovic prefers a move to Milan, the financial pull of richer leagues might change that.
• Julian Quinones (Mexico): After winning the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot with 33 goals, Quinones scored in four of Mexico’s five World Cup matches. Al-Qadsiah recently renewed his contract but could face pressure to sell. The striker is keen on a Premier League challenge despite being 29.
• Gilberto Mora (Mexico): Liverpool reportedly lead the chase for the 17-year-old midfielder who impressed late in Mexico's group stage. Though raw, his talent is evident, and heavyweights like Manchester City, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Real Madrid may compete for him, with an estimated €40 million tag.
• Antonio Nusa (Norway): Spurs passed on Nusa in January, but now might bid for the winger following his exciting World Cup showings. Arsenal could try to intervene, making this one transfer saga to watch.
• Crysencio Summerville (Netherlands): West Ham is offloading players, and Summerville might follow after strong World Cup contributions—scoring twice and assisting twice. Linked to a £50 million move, Liverpool and Fulham have expressed interest.
• Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco): The Lille midfielder stunned many with his calm dominance against Brazil. Only 18, Bouaddi has been on top clubs’ radar for a while. Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United are all reportedly keen, eyeing a major transfer soon.
• Bruno Guimaraes (Brazil): Newcastle's captain endured heartbreak missing a penalty in Brazil’s last-16 defeat, yet his four assists highlighted his value. Despite the shock exit, interest remains high, particularly from Arsenal, who hope to secure him for around £80 million as he looks to leave Newcastle.
• Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast): Although he didn’t score at the World Cup, Diomande’s pace and skill caught attention. Liverpool led the race beforehand, but now he seems set on Paris Saint-Germain. Leipzig want to keep him another season, but a nine-figure move to Parc des Princes looks likely.