World Cup Stars Who Could Move This Summer: Barcola, Bouaddi, Diomande and Spence in Demand

Paris Saint Germain

As the 2026 World Cup draws to a close, several standout performers are attracting transfer interest. Bradley Barcola's limited PSG role has alerted L...

90min.footballAI-assisted reporting

17 July 2026, 07:01 UTC2 min read

In short

As the 2026 World Cup draws to a close, several standout performers are attracting transfer interest. Bradley Barcola's limited PSG role has alerted Liverpool and Arsenal, while teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi's commanding displays for Morocco have put Europe's elite on notice. Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande's breakthrough has drawn admirers despite a high asking price, and England full-back Djed Spence's mixed tournament may still lead to a move. These World Cup performances could catalyse major deals in the coming weeks.

As the 2026 World Cup nears its conclusion, the focus shifts to the summer transfer window and the players whose performances in North America have put them in the shop window. Several major names have already secured moves, but plenty of deals are still to be struck. Here are four World Cup stars who could be on the move this summer.

Bradley Barcola

One of the standout members of the feared French frontline, Bradley Barcola impressed alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele. The 23-year-old featured in all seven of France's matches, starting four and scoring twice – against Senegal and Sweden. Despite winning a second successive Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain, he is not a guaranteed starter under Luis Enrique, often playing backup to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. This has alerted top Premier League clubs, with Liverpool and Arsenal both keen. Arsenal reportedly view Barcola as an alternative to Morgan Rogers.

Ayyoub Bouaddi

At just 18, Ayyoub Bouaddi controlled midfield for a Morocco side that reached the quarter-finals. He became the second-youngest player ever to appear in a World Cup quarter-final, outshining Brazil’s Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes in the group stage. Lille are expected to face a major battle to keep their teenage sensation, with Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain all linked.

Yan Diomande

Ivory Coast teenager Yan Diomande shone on his World Cup debut, helping his country reach the knockout stage for the first time. The 19-year-old winger was player of the match in the win over Ecuador and impressed against Germany. Liverpool have long admired the RB Leipzig star, but after failing to meet Leipzig’s £100m valuation, PSG and Manchester United are now circling, with Diomande reportedly keen on the French club.

Djed Spence

Djed Spence had a mixed tournament for England, shouldering defensive responsibility amid injuries and suspensions. He was criticised after the last-16 game against DR Congo but recovered to perform well against Norway and Argentina. His club future remains uncertain, and a strong World Cup showing could pave the way for a summer switch.

Follow all the latest deals on BBC Sport's transfers page.