Five Players Who Could Earn Big Moves
James Rodriguez secured his dream move to Real Madrid after starring in Brazil in 2014, while Enzo Fernandez’s performances in Qatar helped convince Chelsea to spend more than £100 million just weeks later. This summer’s tournament has once again elevated several players into the spotlight. Some were already established stars, while others enhanced their reputations on the biggest stage of all. Here are five players whose value may never be higher.
Michael Olise (France)
France fell short of another final, but Michael Olise emerged as one of the tournament’s standout creators.
The Bayern Munich winger consistently produced moments of quality throughout the knockout stages, combining technical brilliance with outstanding vision in the final third. His performances inevitably reignited speculation linking him with Europe’s biggest clubs, although Bayern remain determined to keep hold of one of their most valuable assets.
Even if no move materialises this summer, Olise has firmly established himself among the world’s elite attacking players.
Julian Alvarez (Argentina)
Lionel Messi remained Argentina’s inspiration, but Julian Alvarez once again demonstrated why he is one of the most complete forwards in world football.
His relentless pressing, intelligent movement and goals helped Argentina reach another tournament final, reinforcing the belief that he can lead the line for almost any club on the planet.
Atlético Madrid have repeatedly insisted Alvarez is not for sale, yet exceptional performances rarely reduce transfer speculation.
Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco)
Still only 18, Ayyoub Bouaddi enhanced his growing reputation with another composed series of displays on football’s biggest stage.
Already regarded as one of Europe’s brightest midfield prospects, the Lille youngster showed maturity well beyond his years, combining excellent positioning with calm distribution under pressure.
Interest from several elite clubs is expected to intensify as the transfer window progresses.
Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)
Ivory Coast did not enjoy a lengthy tournament, but Yan Diomande still demonstrated why so many clubs have been monitoring his development.
The powerful winger possesses the pace, physicality and composure modern managers demand, and another impressive international tournament has only strengthened his market value.
With several top European sides reportedly tracking him, a major move appears increasingly likely, with reports saying he is more or less ready for Real Madrid.
Pedro Porro (Spain)
Spain’s triumph further enhanced Pedro Porro’s reputation as one of the world’s premier attacking full-backs.
Excellent defensively throughout the tournament and influential going forward, Porro even scored in the semi-final against France before helping Spain concede just one goal on their way to lifting the trophy.
Barcelona have been linked with the Spaniard, although Tottenham would be reluctant sellers after watching his stock soar even further in North America.
The Transfer Window Is Only Just Beginning
Every tournament creates new stars and dramatically reshapes the transfer market.
Whether these five players actually move this summer remains to be seen, but their performances in North America have undoubtedly increased both their reputations and their market value.
If recent history is any guide, at least one of them is likely to headline one of the biggest transfers of the year.
Please note that the odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
Last updated: 27.07.26
