The World Cup is the biggest shop window on the planet. And all Premier League clubs are gazing straight through it right now, with hard cash burning a hole in their pockets.
With the odd exception – Elliot Anderson, Nico Paz, Marc Cucurella – the transfer market has ground to a halt. While all those who will go on to define it later this summer, showcase their skills in North America. It will be an open goal for some, while others will blow their big chance to secure a big move on even dreamier wages.
But World Cups have a reliable habit of presenting the game with a new superstar. Think James Rodriguez in Brazil, Kylian Mbappe in Russia and Enzo Fernandez in Qatar. This latest edition of the greatest show on turf will be no different.
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Someone who could be about to hit the footballing jackpot is Yan Diomande.
The Ivory Coast winger only joined RB Leipzig 12 months ago for £17.3m, but is expected to be on the move again this summer, for more than five times this amount. Liverpool have shown interest in someone who managed 23 goal contributions in 36 appearances for the Bundesliga side last season.
Diomande, 19, has still to open his account at the World Cup, but has tormented defenders with his blistering pace and sublime dribbling skills. Something not to have gone unnoticed. His versatility is also appealing, meaning Liverpool will have some competition if they decide to sign him.
Leipzig, meanwhile, have wasted no time in exploiting Diomande’s success, slapping a price tag of £100m on the teenage sensation.
Another star to have made his mark is Brighton’s Yasin Ayari. The attacking midfielder took time to settle on the south coast, following his move from AIK Athens.
But three goals and three assists in 29 appearances last season, offered a glimpse of his talents. And thanks to two impressive goals form outside the penalty area, to help Sweden thrash Tunisia, Ayari has emerged has one of the unheralded stars of the tournament to date.
He’s made his mark. But it remains to be seen if this helps secure him a new deal at the Amex Stadium. Ayari, 22, will become a free agent next summer, and with Brighton having a knack of developing young talent to sell on at huge profit, the Seagulls could now be tempted to cash in.
Newcastle and Aston Villa are keeping close tabs on someone who will not be short of offers when he returns to his domestic duties.
Another breakout star has been Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi. The 18-year-old could have pledged his international allegiance to France, but chose Morocco instead. And the African nation, which reached the semi finals last time out, should be delighted Bouaddi did.
The teenager impressed on his World Cup debut, against Brazil no less, helping his side earn a creditable 1-1 draw. He has since earned rich praise for showing maturity and composure beyond his years in the engine room of midfield.
Chelsea, who are resigned to losing Enzo Fernandez to Real Madrid, have earmarked him as a possible replacement for the Argentine World Cup winner. While Arsenal and Manchester City are also monitoring his development.
And let’s not forget Norway’s Antonio Nusa.
Erling Haaland might well be dominating the headlines on the behalf of the Norwegians. But Nusa is not far behind him, having continued his rapid rise with some energetic performances and fearless assaults on full backs.
Nusa looks capable of creating danger whenever he gets the ball, suggesting he will be a pivotal part of his international side for years to come.
He also looks capable of leaving Leipzig behind in search of a much bigger stage – and several English clubs could well be prepared to give it to him.
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England’s 2026 World Cup kits
England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code DEAL.
